Music to illuminate God's Son

Father Raymond McDaniel plays the organ at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Flower Mound in this NTC file photo from 2023. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)

This reflection is one of eight written by musicians from across our diocese as part of Songs of the Seasons, a series celebrating the beauty and meaning of Christmas music. Follow along the series [here]!

Third Day in the Christmas Octave: A perspective on Christmas music from Father Raymond McDaniel, pastor, St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Flower Mound

I earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music and worked 10 years in sacred music in the Episcopal church before converting to Catholicism.

From time to time I sneak in and play our wonderful pipe organ for my own enjoyment, and occasionally accompany the hymns for Stations of the Cross and benediction.

Musical message

For me, the texts and tunes of Christmas music combine in a powerful way to illuminate the real meaning of this important feast, the coming of God’s Son as a man like us in all things but sin. Christmas hymns remind that the child in the manger is God Himself, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

Hidden gem

My favorite Christmas hymn is “Once in Royal David’s City,” an English favorite, but sadly not that well known in this country. Its poetry tells the Christmas story in a beautiful way, and the tune supports that in a touching way.

A lyric to remember

The final verse of “Once in Royal David’s City” contrasts the humble birth of Jesus with His glorious Ascension and the promise of eternal life. 

“Not in that poor lowly stable / with the oxen standing by, / we shall see Him, but in heaven, / set at God’s right hand on high.”

Editor's Note: This excerpt has been edited for brevity and clarity by the editor.

By Father Raymond McDaniel, pastor, St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Flower Mound