Day 15: Go Tell it on the Mountain

Day 15 of Advent

Go Tell it on the Mountain

We loved to listen to this fun Christmas tune growing up, and perhaps it helped inspire one of our newer family traditions. On Christmas eve, some of us climb atop a nearby mountain to “usher in Santa” as we indulge in hot chocolate (and tea!). Afterwards we usually top off the very early Christmas morning joy with a Waffle House run.

-Connor

Listen to the Harry Simeone Chorale's Classic Version

Include us in your day! Tag @piperandleaf and #piperandleafadvent

Scripture Reading for the Day

Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” 35 The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

Activity for Today

A Christmas Walk

Today go for a Christmas walk. It could be in the woods, in a neighborhood, or downtown and alone or with friends. As you walk, look for the signs and sights of of the season! Whether you are in the woods or downtown everything is different around Christmas.

One of our favorite traditions that Huntsville city always does around the holidays is that they place snowflakes on each light pole, each alternating sides, all the way down the main road in the city that runs from one side to the other! So as far as you can see, there is a flurry of glowing snowflakes lining the roads of Huntsville!

While this is an obvious difference, there are subtle changes all around! So take a walk, hike, whatever you may please, and enjoy the beauty that Christmas brings!

Smoky cedar and juniper, crowned on snow-capped peaks, whisper of a merry journey in every sip.

Let's spill the tea about Trailblazer Blend...

A bag of Trailblazer Blend spilling out over a map of the moon

Eloquent Description

The sky is ablaze with one final party of color. The fresh, clean scents of the forest dance with pillowy smoke, luring you into a trance as you sit fireside. A sudden pop of the fire reminds you to sip your warming elixir; be present in this moment. Tomorrow will bring new experiences, but this moment is for leaning back against your pine tree, examining the embers, and sharing embellished stories of the day’s adventures.

Ingredients

Black Tea Blend
Cinnamon
Persimmon
Red Cedar
Juniper
Ginger
Pumpkin
Coriander
Black Pepper
Oak Bark
Balsam Fir
Spearmint

Steeping Suggestions

For hot tea, steep one tea bag in 8 to 10oz of 208 water for 3.5 minutes. For iced, use half the water(same temp), steep for the same time, and add ice after you pull the tea bag out.

Someone Else's Thoughts

Help us blaze trails! A portion of the profits from this delightfully earthy tea blend go to supporting our local land trusts.

All about Go Tell it on the Mountain

Fun Fact!
Usually, all the uncles in the family are the ones to take all the rambunctious teens on our traditional Christmas Eve midnight adventure while the parent's sleep in and get some shut-eye! During our Christmas Eve excursion, this song is one of our favorites to sing!

Also—if you’re thinking of going on your own midnight escapade, make sure to check your local laws on midnight outings! Our family has been getting permission from the Land Trust for years so our crew doesn’t end up spending Christmas morning behind bars!

Last but not least, our youngest baby Lorna Louisa turns 1 today 🥳😭 how does time move so fast? Ok, we promise we're done with kid's birthdays for the month now!
Listen to the Harry Simeone Chorale's Classic Version
Go Tell it on the Mountain
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 flocks 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 brought us all salvation
That blessed Christmas morn

Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
That Jesus Christ is born
About the Author
Go Tell It on the Mountain is a cherished African-American spiritual and Christmas carol, first published by musicologist John Wesley Work Jr., though its roots likely come from oral tradition.
Born in Nashville in 1871, Work was a pioneering collector of African-American spirituals and served as a teacher, choral director, and songwriter. A Fisk University graduate, he published New Jubilee Songs in 1901 and 1907, bringing songs like Go Tell It on the Mountain to wider audiences. He also directed the Fisk Jubilee Singers, taking them on tour before serving as president of Roger Williams University until his passing in 1925.