“Go, Tell It on the Mountain” was first sung by slaves on American plantations during the 19th century. The slaves could identify with a Messiah that was born in a lowly manger and lived a humble life. They embraced the Savior’s promise of a better life for all who would follow him. And so the slaves eagerly sang the Good News for all to hear.
Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flock by night,
Behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.
Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
The shepherds feared and trembled when, lo above the earth-
Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.
Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
Down in a lowly manger our humble Christ was born,
And God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.
The song tells the story of shepherds watching their sheep on the night Jesus was born. A bright light startled the shepherds and an angel told the frightened shepherds the news of Jesus’ birth. As soon as the angels left, the shepherds excitedly decided to go find Jesus. “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told” (Luke 2:16-18, 20).
The shepherds were excited to see Jesus and they were eager to tell everyone they met about all they had heard and seen! They were thrilled that the promised Messiah had finally come and they couldn’t contain their enthusiasm. They were motivated and anxious to spread the Good News! Consequently, others in turn learned of the Savior’s birth.
The angel’s announcement to the shepherds was not just good news for the shepherds, but “great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Are you doing your part to spread the good news to all people? You must go and tell the gospel on your mountain, in your neighborhood, at your school, where you work and everywhere you go.
-Jill McClain
SeekGrowLove.com 