Still, Still, Still

The tender carol “Still, Still, Still” originated from the Salzburg region of Austria, an area known for beautiful mountains and music. Passed down by oral tradition, this song was first published in 1865 in Salzburgische Volks-Lieder (Salzburg Folk Songs), a volume of 1,000 folk songs selected by Maria Vinzenz Süss, founder of the Salzburg Museum. In his preface, Süss wrote that “Salzburgers, both mountain dwellers and lowlanders, gifted by their Creator with sound knowledge, cheerful humor, and a pure voice, are unrivaled by any other people in singing.”

“Still, Still, Still” pairs a gentle folk melody with words describing the birth of the Christ child. Originally written in German by an anonymous author, the text depicts Mary softly enfolding her newborn, the angelic choirs singing jubilant praises, and the boundless love of God the Father in sending His Son to earth: “Love, love, love—oh, how great the Father’s love!”

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Scriptures

Principles

Mary was chosen by Heavenly Father to be the mortal mother of Jesus Christ.
Angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ was born so that He could fulfill His role in Heavenly Father’s plan for our salvation and exaltation.

Questions to Ponder

What does the birth of Jesus Christ teach you about His willingness to fulfill His divine mission?
Why is it essential to remember the importance of Easter when celebrating Christmas?
What does it mean to you that Heavenly Father was willing to send His Only Begotten Son to this world?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Sing before sleeping. At bedtime, sing “Still, Still, Still” together and discuss what it might have been like for Mary to hold the baby Jesus and hear heavenly choirs joyfully singing praise to God. Talk about how Heavenly Father showed His love by sending His Son.
Look for peaceful words. As a family, find peaceful words in “Still, Still, Still” like “still,” “sleep,” “gently,” “softly,” “love,” “meek,” and “holy.” Invite each family member to choose one word, write it on a large piece of paper, and decorate it creatively. Display the pages around your home as a reminder of peace throughout the week.