We Three Kings of Orient Are* would have been a great carol to sing in my ESL class this month, for it carries great teaching about this part of the Christmas story. My ladies, all from another religious background, wanted to understand why these wise men would bring such gifts to the newborn king. I … More Why such gifts?
There are some carols you identify with because of special memories or people. I identify with He is Born,* because I can sing it in French (Il est né) and used to play the oboe in high school band. He is born, the holy Child; play the oboe and bagpipes merrily! He is born, the holy Child; … More Oboe and French
In order to reflect on today’s carol, Love Came Down at Christmas,* I listened to it on the Youtube link below, and I was blown away … in worship. I love the words of this song, which is from the poem by Christina G. Rossetti. Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine; Love … More When love came down
Christmas should be a joyful season of the year, right? Homes are decorated, families gather, lots of good food is prepared — all reasons for a cheerful disposition. Why is it, then that so many face the holidays with dread and depression? Maybe they’re looking for joy in all the wrong places. I don’t say … More How great’s your joy?
No Christmas would be complete without hearing children sing Away in a Manger.* Their sweet voices tell the story of the baby Jesus in a stable bed, not making a sound, with the softly lowing animals by his side. It’s a perfect picture…until it’s not. A child stands still, without singing, furious that his parents make … More Bless the children
Growing up in an area that is both the South and heart of the Bible Belt, many of our expressions have biblical foundations. Some of my favorites are “Bless your heart”, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise” (which I taught my ESL class) and “Glory be!” The meaning of these can vary depending on … More Glory!
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day* is perhaps one of my favorite carols, as it is a true expression of the hurts and hope of a man who suffered, not only the loss of his dear wife, but then the tragedy of a severely wounded son in the American Civil War. Though this song comes … More When the song is mocked
In a time when good Christian men are hard to find, I found today’s carol very refreshing. Though I know it applies not only to men, I choose to be very literal today with its message. After all, it was written in the 14th century, so it would not be surprising if the author meant … More Christian men — Rejoice!
As a child, I loved the song Go, Tell It on the Mountain*, maybe because it seemed more modern than some of the other carols and had a great, spirited chorus. It made you want to get up and go tell the story of Christ’s birth. Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev’ry-where; … More Go and tell it
Tonight I listened to an 89-year-old Iraqi woman sing a Christmas hymn in Arabic, as her son played the guitar. He’s one of the many students my husband taught and mentored over the years, and I am grateful when I catch such beautiful glimpses of their lives via Facebook. It made me realize that before … More Hush and Rest!