The Surprising History Behind "Go Tell It on the Mountain"

Do what you will, but we will still love you.

December 23, 2025 • John Ortberg • Isaiah 52:7, Luke 4:18–19, Matthew 5:10–12

This Christmas song isn’t just festive — it’s revolutionary. In today’s episode, John unpacks Go Tell It on the Mountain, tracing its roots through Scripture, the African American spiritual tradition, and the long struggle for freedom and dignity. From Isaiah’s prophecy to Watch Night services to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final Christmas sermon, this episode reminds us that good news is meant to be shared — and lived. Especially by those who think good news isn’t for them.


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Music Credits:

We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Chad Lawson - MB01M3YAWW2VF7W

Go Tell it on the Mountain by Tim Williams