The Eternal Joy of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio - BWV 248
Why This Baroque Masterpiece Continues to Inspire and Delight
Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio is not just any piece of music. It is an exploration of the sacred, a tribute to existence, belief, and melodies that echo through time. Especially today. This masterpiece, created in the mid-18th century, exemplifies Bach's brilliance. It intertwines six cantatas that tell the nativity tale with a depth and joy that continues to enchant modern listeners like myself.
Not so long Ago I discovered the joy of classical music for myself. I mean it is kind of logical, becaus I’m a Lutheran, and our hymnals are full of Bachs music or other classical composers. Especially in Gemany, the land of the Reformation. We are deeply influenced by lutheran theologians, musicians and artists. Nonetheless, I just wasnt very much hooked by it. Always listened to modern music/worship. Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoy it but music from the past, especially classical music is on a different level. Everyhing is so thought through and complex. I love it.
The Christmas Oratorio
Bach knew from the start that the Christmas Oratorio would be performed over six days, with each cantata emphasizing a different aspect of the Nativity story. The oratorio opens with the joyful "Jauchzet, frohlocket," and it is impossible not to be infected by its beauty. The Oratorio's enduring charm lies in its brilliant combination of sacred lyrics and secular tunes. Bach masterfully intertwines chorales, arias, and choruses, transforming profound theology into musical bliss. The piece features instances of tranquil contemplation, such as the gentle "Schlafe, mein Liebster," where the lullaby-esque tune encourages us to meditate on the sanctity of the moment, contrasting with the magnificence of the choruses that resonate with the angels' declaration of peace on earth.
God became Man
One of the central theological theme of Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio is the Incarnation. God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. We are at the heart of the Christian faith. Bach masterfully captures this concept both lyrically and musically, inviting us to contemplate the meaning of this divine act. Through Jesus, the infinite God takes on finite human form, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. Literally. This is poignantly expressed in the chorale "How Shall I Receive You," The gentle, contemplative melody reflects the tender humility of God's approach to his people and inspires wonder at his willingness to dwell among us.
If you would like, I can write more articles only on the theological themes of the Christmas Oratorio: Christs Humility, The Proper Response to Salvation, Old Testament Prophecy, Christ as the Victor Over Sin, The Role of Believers, The Church’s Role in Proclaiming Christ, or The Sovereignty of God. Let me know in the comments!
Musically, Bach conveys the dual aspects of the Incarnation: majesty and humility. The majesty of God's coming is marked by jubilant choruses such as "Jauchzet, frohlocket," filled with triumphant trumpets and kettledrums signaling the arrival of the King of Kings. Yet this majesty is coupled with the humble reality of Christ's birth in a lowly stable, underscored by pastoral themes and serene instrumental passages. It really captures the paradox of the Incarnation: God's infinite power revealed in the fragile form of a newborn child. That also reminds me that God exacly knew what he was doing. I often receive skepticism or just questions why God would even become man. He did it for us in the most fragile way. Thats the beauty and love of God. He reveals his deep love and commitment to us, his creation, in the incarnation. It even affirms that salvation is a divine initiantive and not a human achievement.
The Joy of the Oratorio
The oratorio's appeal is universal. The music transcends linguistic and cultural barriers and speaks directly to the soul. The Christmas Oratorio offers enjoyment to all, whether you're a Christian or simply an admirer of art. Its melodies are unforgettable, its harmonies intricate yet reassuring, and its orchestration, particularly in modern performances, vividly captures the vibrancy Bach envisioned. If you never listened to it before, do it! Its soo great! And, it’s important. Why? We are overshadowed by commercial noise, modern christmas songs with no deep meaning and a world that gets faster and faster. On the other hand, classical music provides a stark contrast of genuine joy.
Bach's Christmas Oratorio does much more than simply narrating the Christmas Story. Bach invites us to really experience it, to feel the joy of the shepherds, the wonder of the wise men, Christ becoming Human to save us etc. Bach's enduring influence is evident in the lasting allure of his music. It resonates with the essence of humanity, honoring life, love, and the eternal in ways that inspire and simply brings joy for the christmas season.
"Always listened to modern music/worship. Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoy it but music from the past, especially classical music is on a different level. Everyhing is so thought through and complex. I love it."
I quoted that from this article and I really resonate with it. I listen to a lot of contemporary Christian music, but mostly for recreational purposes. A lot of times, those songs really lack substance to them, and Lutheran hymns are always so rich in theology and teaching. It's why we normally sit down when singing hymns in church because for Lutherans, hymns are the way we teach each other (versus standing up and praising God). Around this time of year, I especially enjoy Luther's Christmas hymn, "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come." Bach, as a Lutheran was also a large contributor to the melodies of the many rich and wonderful hymns that we use. I loved reading this article and am definitely going to give it a listen.
I also enjoy classical music very much; I’ve only formally studied it one high school class.
I did, however, take four years of Deutsch in high school and can still pronounce nearly any German I read, which impresses folks until they ask me the meaning.
Unfortunately I’ve forgotten 99% of my German studies as that was nearly 30 years ago.)
I absolutely LOVE choral music, specifically sacred pieces!
If it exists, is there an English translation so I can study the meanings of these beautiful pieces whilst listening?
I’m a new subscriber so I know it’s asking a lot…but just wondering.
-heather-