Christmas Song Countdown #1: O Come All Ye Faithful

This had to be my final song in the countdown.  On so many levels its my favorite Christmas Carol.  I remember growing up it was my grandfather's favorite English Christmas Carol.  His baritone voice was perfect for this song.  I also have fond memories of singing this song in latin in church and with family "Adeste Fideles".  The chorus of the song, "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord", is what today and tomorrow is all about.  I love the third verse, "...Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing" (From John 1:14).

While this carol is familiar to most, I suspect you may not be familiar with this version.  I did not choose a typical choir version or tenor soloist like Josh Groban or Andrea Bocelli.  While those versions are absolutely beautiful - actually any version of this song is beautiful - Chris Tomlin's ability to lead a group of people into worship is amazing.  He turns a traditional carol that we've song thousands of times and by the end of this song, I'm in a sense of worship of my Lord and Savior.  "We'll praise Your name forever, We'll praise Your name forever..."  I love how he finishes with that.  It reminds me that those of us in Christ will one day praise His name forever - like my grandfather.  I also love how you can hear the other voices singing in the background, thus adding to the corporate worship feel to this song.

I hope you've enjoyed this countdown.  If you've missed any other songs in the countdown, you can see the entire list here.

Merry Christmas!  May it be your most blessed one yet!

O Come All Ye Faithful
by Chris Tomlin

Christmas Song Countdown #2: O Holy Night

So I'm a bit late posting this today.  This is the favorite carol of many people I know.   Josh Groban's version is one of the best, up there with Michael Crawford, Celine Dion, David Phelps and others.  I love the second verse...

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Most versions have "Noel! Noel! O Night, O Night Divine!" at the end of the second verse, but versions like Chris Tomlin's actually sing "His power and Glory ever more proclaim."  I didn't use Tomlin's version since he'll be featured in tomorrow's final carol.  The second verse really captures what Christmas is about - the birth of our savior - and what that means for us today.  

Merry Christmas!

O Holy Night

by Josh Groban

Here's a link to Chris Tomlin's version:  http://youtu.be/t8DbYEakAh8

Christmas Song Countdown: #3 Boh Predvichnyi

Most of you reading this have absolutely no clue what this song is.  This is a traditional Ukranian Christmas Carol. "Boh Predvichnyi" or "Bog Predvichny" literally means "God eternal" or "God everlasting". My mother's side of the family is 100% Ukranian in heritage.  Every Christmas Eve, we celebrate our LORD's birth with the traditional Holy Supper "Svyata Vecherya” (Свята Вечеря).  Once supper is over, we sing, and Boh Predvichnyi is always the first song sung as we move into Christmas Carol time.  When my grandfather was alive (he went to be with His Lord and Savior on February 6th this year), he would lead us and he also would also sing this as he entered anyone's home on Christmas Day.  It is in honor of him that I make this our Carol of the day in the countdown.  It really is a beautiful song even if you can't understand the Ukranian.

Grandpa, we will miss you this year when it comes time to sing.  Thank you for starting this tradition, and we'll do our best to keep it alive.    I hope someone will replace your beautiful baritone voice, for my voice isn't that deep. :0)

Merry Christmas!
KhrystOs narodYvsya! 

Boh Predvichnyi
A Traditional Ukranian Carol

There are two versions attached, the first from a Catholic church in Connecticut.  The second is from a Ukranian church in New Jersey. To my family: The second song is better audio quality but doesn't get going until about 1:10 into the video.





More Ukranian traditions: http://www.infoukes.com/culture/traditions/christmas/

Christmas Song Countdown #4: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Growing up this was one of my favorite Christmas Carols.  I think it is partly because of A Charlie Brown Christmas, partly because of the tune and words being easy to remember, and partly becuase of the lyrics "God and sinners reconciled".  This song captures exactly what God intended  when He sent His one and only Son to earth to live an exemplary life for us, then to die and pay the penalty for our sins, and finally to conquer the grave and death so we who believe can see God in Heaven.

Attached today are two videos.  The first is the Charlie Brown Christmas final 5 minutes that includes Linus telling the Christmas Story and the gang singing a few stanzas of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing at the end.  The second video is the entire song with the first verse being hummed in the traditional "peanuts way" and the second verse is them singing.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
by The Peanuts Gang in A Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas Song Countdown: #5 O Come Emmanuel

" Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel."
-Isaiah 7:14

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this."
-Isaiah 9:5-7

"Bethlehem Ephrathah,
you are small among the clans of Judah;
One will come from you
to be ruler over Israel for Me.
His origin is from antiquity,
from eternity.
³ Therefore, He will abandon them until the time
when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of His brothers will return
to the people of Israel.
⁴ He will stand and shepherd them
in the strength of Yahweh,
in the majestic name of Yahweh His God.
They will live securely,
for then His greatness will extend
to the ends of the earth"
-Micah 5:2-4
All of these prophecies were written hundreds of years before Christ was born and when He came into this world, he fulfilled these and many others.  This song captures that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah.  The version I've chosen has no words, but I've pasted the words below.  This particular arrangement is by the PianoGuys who are great cello and piano players.  I hope you find it as beautiful as I do.

O Come Emmanuel
by ThePianoGuys




Lyrics:

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight

.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain

Christmas Song Countdown #6 - Silent Night

So you may laugh or giggle at my choice for Silent Night, but since I couldn't capture my family singing it every Christmas eve, this version will have to do.  There are much more beautiful versions out there like Josh Groban and other artists, but this version captures my heart.  I love how they open up in German (the original language for this song).  I love John Denver's brief narrative of how Silent Night became a Christmas Carol.  And finally I love the verse they sing in English and how they close.  It still gets me a little choked up at the end when I hear them all wish each other a "Merry Christmas" while the music is still playing.  It captures what Christmas spirit looks like.  Because God loved us so much, He sent His son to live here so that one day we can know Him and live in peace with Him forever.  And because of that, we should wish everyone a Merry Christmas and do it with sincerity.  It gets me teary-eyed just thinking about it writing this post.

As the great philosopher Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that."

Merry Christmas!

Silent Night
by John Denver & the Muppets

Christmas Song Countdown: #7 Hallelujah Chorus

Here we are one week from Christmas.  One of my very favorite musical pieces associated with this time of year is Handel's Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus.  The way the song is written is completely genius and beuatiful all at once.  I love how the different vocal parts echo each other and compliment each other throughout the song.  The orchestra then does the same thing.  Being a trumpet player when I was younger, I listen for the brass and I love the trumpet solo when the Sopranos are singing "King of Kings...".  But my favorite part is probably when the men and women go back and forth singing "For the Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth".  The Tenors and Altos, Baritones and Sopranos balance each other perfectly. This particular version is even more beautiful due to the way the camera work and lighting is done.  Just a true worship song as we celebrate this very special day.  The day that God sent His son down to save us. I leave you with one final line from the song....

"...And He shall reign forever and ever."

Amen.

Hallelujah Chorus
By Georg Friedrich Händel
(performed by Mormon Tabernacle Choir)

Christmas Song Countdown: #8 Away in a Manger

One of the very first Christmas Songs I remember learning as a child was "Away in a Manger".  Casting Crowns' version takes me back to those days. Their style is very simple, yet powerful.  The song addresses our Lord's humble beginnings on earth. It also captures the beauty of God's love as He came down to earth to live as a Man so that one day we may live with Him.  I love the end of the verse, "...and fit us for heaven to live with thee there."   That's my prayer today - that we would all be fit for Heaven to live with Him there.  How do you become fit for heaven?  By placing your trust in this same baby this song addresses.  Jesus Christ, born to a virgin, was completely man and completely God at the same time.  He faced all the temptations we do as men and women, yet He lived a perfect life without sin.  But God had to have someone pay for all the sin, past, present and future.  Your sin, my sin and everyone's sin had to be paid for, for the Bible says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).   Jesus died on the cross and at that moment, God poured His wrath on sin out and sin was defeated.  Sin of the past, present and future was all paid in full by Jesus' death.  Then to prove He had power over death, Jesus rose from the grave on the third day and now is seated with our Heavenly Father at His right hand.

To be fit for Heaven, you simply need to believe that you are a sinner, that you've fallen short of God's perfect standard (we all have - All have sinned and fall short of God's glory - Romans 3:23).  You also need to believe that Jesus paid the price for your sin and place your faith, your hope in Him.  You can simply pray to God, ask Him to forgive you and tell Him you believe the Jesus is His son, that you believe He died on the cross for you and that God rose Him from the dead on the third day.  Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior and thank Him for saving you.

I've done that and it changed my life over 5 years ago.  It can change your life forever, too.  What a better time to do it than now?

Merry Christmas!

Away in a Manger
by Casting Crowns


 

Christmas Song Countdown: #9 Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells is one of the first Christmas Songs I remember learning as a small child.  My first Christmas song I learned was probably Jingle Bells, Silent Night or Away in a Manger.  It is also one of the first songs I can remember learning how to play on the trumpet.  About six years ago, I turned on the radio and this version of Jingle Bells came on.  Now, I'm not a dancer, but this version had me tapping my toes, bouncing my legs in the car ready to get up and dance.  As we enter the last nine songs in my countdown, you will notice the songs become more and more about the birth of our Savior.  However, today's song is a break from that and it is a very fun song.  Christmastime can also be very fun and Denver & The Mile High Orchestra's version of this song is just that - fun.

Oh, and if you love this video, Denver & The Mile High Orchestra is coming to our church (Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula, GA) TONIGHT - December 16th at 6:30pm.

Jingle all the way! :0)

Jingle Bells
by Denver & the Mile High Orchestra

Christmas Song Countdown: #10 What Child is This?

"This This is Christ the King...." is how the famous chorus of this great song starts out.  Its about all we need to know when it comes to Christmas.  This child, whose birth we are celebrating, is indeed Christ the King, our Lord and Savior.  My bride has informed me in the past that this is one of her very favorite Christmas Songs.  My eldest son also played this for his Christmas piano recital last year, and it was a beautiful rendition.  This is the second Martina McBride song on my list, and her "White Christmas" album is amazing. I hope you enjoy hearing this great song to Martina's amazing voice.

Merry Christmas!

What Child is This?
by Martina McBride

Christmas Song Countdown - #11 Carol of the Bells

One of the most recognizable songs at Christmastime is 'Carol of the Bells".  There are versions that are bells ringing, versions played by piano or pianos, bands and orchestras.  I've heard some beautiful vocal arrangements, and after hearing the local high schools perform at our church a couple of weeks back, I was going to post a vocal version of this beautiful song.  However, in searching for a good version on YouTube, I came across this handbell version.  It is quite impressive.  Despite its homemade video quality, the audio comes across nicely.

"Carol of the Bells" is one of those songs that reminds me of the beauty of Christmas.  Whether its the decorations, areas that get snow this time of year, or the beauty in that God loved us so much that He became Man for us so that we can one day have a relationship and peace with Him.  When you think about what God did for us that first Christmas night, it is a beautiful thought.

I hope you are enjoying this Christmastime and that you are drawing closer to God during this time.

Carol of the Bells
by Handbell Choir at First Baptist Eastman, GA

Christmas Song Countdown: #12 O Tannenbaum

My final Vince Guaraldi Trio song in my countdown is "O Tannenbaum".  I love the trio's rendition of this classic song.  What I love most about this song, though, is the memories and thoughts it spurs in me when I hear it played.  During "A Charlie Brown Christmas", this song is played right when Linus and Charlie Brown are sent out to get a tree for the school play.  It then is played as a reprise later after Charlie Brown has his meltdown and Linus shares the story of Christ's birth from Luke 2.  We hear the trio's bass, drums and piano playing while Charlie is walking with his pitiful little tree back home.  Hearing this song reminds me it is Christmastime.

I pray that this will be your best Christmas yet and that you will draw closer to God than ever before this year.

O Tannenbaum
by Vince Guaraldi Trio

Christmas Song Countdown: #13 White Christmas

In 2010, we had a White Christmas in the Atlanta area for the first time in my lifetime, and I believe it was the first White Christmas in our area since the 1930s.  My point is that we don't get a White Christmas here very often.  It was quite amazing and definitely was almost "magical".   Today's Christmas song turns back to the secular nature in Bing Crosby's classic "White Christmas".  I do love it cold for about 6 weeks out of the year.  The time from Thanksgiving to new Year's, then I'm ready for warm weather.  I've been part of snowy Christmas days before when I visited my Grandparents in Pennsylvania.  In 2010, I finally experienced that here at home and it felt different when it happens at your own house.  I see why so many songs are about sleigh rides, snowy days and winter wonderlands.  It is almost magical when it all comes together.

On a side note, isn't it ironic that Bing sings about a "White Christmas" and a Hawaiian Christmas on the same album? I hope you enjoy this song today.

Merry Christmas!

White Christmas
by Bing Crosby

Chrismas Song Countdown: #14 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

"I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day" is a traditional Christmas Carol.  Its one of those I never really took a notice or liking to until Casting Crowns released their cover of it a few years back.  It is now one of my very favorites Christmas Songs and the past couple of Christmas Seasons, I've used it to kick off my Christmas music listening -it being the first song I've listened to the last 2 years.  I love the children's choir accompaniment   I love the cellos becoming prominent in melancholy tone of verse 2 "...for hate is strong and mocks the song..."   I love the captivating broken chord piano intro of the song.  Altogether, it is a very powerful song and it resonates with people everywhere.  The overarching theme in the chorus of "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to men" is straight from the story of Christ's birth in Luke's Gospel (read below).  That qualifies this song as a traditional carol and one that talks about the true meaning of Christmas.  I pray this song moves in your heart as it does in mine each and every time.

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.  So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

  Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  -Luke 2:1-14 (NKJV)

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
by Casting Crowns

Christmas Song Countdown: #15 Christmas Eve Sarajevo

So a Christmas Song countdown isn't complete without a Manheim Steamroller or Trans-Siberian Orchestra song.  This is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's most popular song "Christmas Eve Sarajevo".  My kids like this song and it is quite a lot of fun.  David Crowder also does a very interesting cover of this song.  I like the slow building up with "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" then the crescendo into Carol of the Bells.

I hope this song puts a hop in your step on a wonderful Monday!

Be blessed!

Christmas Eve Sarajevo
by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Christmas Song Countdown: #16 Angels We Have Heard on High

One of my favorite traditional carols is "Angels We Have Heard On High".  The song clearly tells the story of Christmas.  Its power lies in the ever familiar chorus "Gloria in excelsis deo".  When I was younger, this was always one of my favorite to sing in church because I knew the chorus and always loved trying to sing "Gloria" in one breath.  Today, the song means much more to me than that.  "Gloria in excelsis deo" is latin for "Glory to God on the Highest".  This version captures that perfectly.  Bocelli's beautiful tenor voice and the accompanying choir definitely give God great glory with this great carol.

Enjoy!  Merry Christmas

Angels We Have Heard on High
by Andrea Bocelli

Christmas Song Countdown: #17 Joy Joy

Song #17 is one of the most powerful Christmas Songs on this list. I first heard this song at Church in 2008 for our Christmas service.  Our soloist was phenomenal and did just as good of a job as David Phelps does.  This song tells the Christmas Story clearly and couple that with David Phelps powerful voice, and you have an amazing Christmas Song.  This song is one of my favorites and as a friend from work would say, if this song doesn't move your spirit  you may need to check yourself for a pulse.  I say "Amen" to that.

May this song bless you as much as it blesses me.

Joy Joy
by David Phelps

Christmas Song Countdown: #18 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I've always enjoyed this song.  Whether it is this version from the Muppets' Christmas Special with John Denver or its Denver & The Mile High Orchestra's upbeat swing-style, its a great song.  While it doesn't communicate the Gospel, it does communicate a by-product of celebrating Christmas.  When we gather to celebrate our Savior's birth we create special times and memories for years to come.  Things don't have to be complicated, just get together with family, friends and loved ones and keep it simple.  The rendition of this song is very simple, too.  Rowlf the Dog playing his piano accompanying John Denver's soft tenor voice and that's it.  Simple, yet beautiful.  It always stirs up emotion in me.  I know my sister loves this version too, so this song always makes me thing of her.

Be blessed today!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

by John Denver & The Muppets

Christmas Song Countdown: #19 A Baby Changes Everything

Today's song takes us back to the true meaning of Christmas and tells part of the Christmas story.  I first heard this song a couple of years ago at our church's Christmas Service.  The one who sang it did such a beautiful job, and I remember being moved by the song and also noticing my wife in tears.  I love how this song captures what might have been going through Mary's mind as she took on this God-sized task.  This song also captures, in my opinion, how God came down and became man for us.  Jesus came into this world as a baby and did something amazing for us sinners - "A Baby changes everything".  This song also has a powerful conclusion.  The last verse is now the singer telling us how her life was changed by Jesus.  I pray this song stirs in your heart as it has mine.  I also pray that as you listen, that you realize all God did for you and me while we were still sinners, and how He loves you so much.  A Baby changed my life and I know He still is in the business of changing lives.

Merry Christmas!

A Baby Changes Everything

by Faith Hill

Christmas Song Countdown: #20 Winter Wonderland

Today's song is a classic version of Winter Wonderland.  Mitch Miller & The Gang's barber shop quartet style is a throwback to the 1940's and 1950's.  This was one of those songs that takes me back to childhood.  It was on my parents' Christmas vinyl albums and it always seemed to get played when I visited my grandparents in Pennsylvania.  The style of song has extra meaning to me since my grandfather was in a barber shop quartet/quintent/chorus for most of his life singing baritone.  I don't have the wonderful deep baritone voice my grandfather had, so don't tell anyone, but I try to sing that tenor harmony when i'm by myself in the car. :)

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Winter Wonderland
by Mitch Miller & The Gang

Christmas Song Countdown: #21 The Christmas Song

This is one of the most beloved Christmas Songs of all time.  I truly believe just like you cannot have a Christmas song list without Bing, you can't have one without Nat King Cole.  This song hasn't always been one of my favorites, but it has grown on me over the years.  My favorite part of the song is the end, "Although its been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you."

I couldn't agree more.  We can get burned out and scrooged out with too many ways to wish "Merry Christmas", be it "Happy Holidays", "Merry Merry" or whatever it may be.  If I receive a "Happy Holidays" or something other than a "Merry Christmas" from someone, I'm grateful.  It gives me an opportunity to turn and wish them a "Merry Christmas".  So as we continue this countdown, even though you may be tired of it already, or you may think its too early, I'm wishing you a "Merry Christmas to you".

The Christmas Song
by Nat King Cole

Christmas Song Countdown: #22 Twelve Days of Christmas

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is one of those songs that I've usually skipped through when it comes on a playlist, radio or whatever.  The one exception is the version from the John Denver & Muppets Christmas Special from decades ago.  My family thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas album when I was growing up.  So this song is first and foremost fun for me, but second it brings me back to childhood.

I hope you enjoy this song and listen to the entirety of it. If you know the Muppets, you'll appreciate all the nuances of each of the characters as they sing their "day" of Christmas.  Plus, how can you not like the "Ba dum dum dum!"?

Twelve Days of Christmas
by John Denver & The Muppets

Christmas Song Countdown: #23 Little Drummer Boy

Growing up "Little Drummer Boy" was always popular among my peer as I believe it usually is among kids.  However, I never really loved this song growing up.  I was always more fond of carols like "O Come all Ye Faithful" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing".  I knew I needed to include this song in my list due to its powerful message.  A friend from work recommended a great version of this song several years back by Bob Seger, and that version opened my eyes and ears to the power of this song.  You may notice that my first repeat artist in this list is Josh Groban - and he may have one more song before its said and done.

When I heard Josh Groban's version of "Little Drummer Boy", it finally helped me to realize the true meaning of this song.  Its powerful crescendos emphasize what this song is about, and it tells us that no matter what gifts God has given us, we need to bring them to our King.  We need to give our best to Jesus.  Did the babe in the manger really need to hear the boy playing his drum?  Maybe, maybe not.  But the boy was obedient by going to his Lord and Savior and worshiping him by doing his very best - playing his drum with all his ability and might.  Its a simple and powerful message that we can apply today.  So this Christmas, are you bringing your best gifts to our King?

May this song speak to your heart today.

Little Drummer Boy
by Josh Groban.

Christmas Song Countdown: #24 Sleigh Ride

I think everyone who ever played in a middle school or high school band played this song at some point in their lifetime.  I was a trumpet player and fondly remember playing this song for our Christmas concert back then.  I've always loved the orchestral version of this song.  Granted, I've nver lived anywhere where you can actually take a sleigh ride at Christmastime, but I have seen a few white Christmases in my life (once in GA in 2010 and a few in Pennsylvania visiting my grandparents).  Despite that, the actual lyrics to this song really don't do much for me other than being familiar and fun to sing when the versions with vocals come on the radio.  I love the tune, rhythm and instrumentation of this song.  The bells playing throughout the background are a constant reminder of Christmastime, the rhythm of the song - made well by great percussion - does make it feel you are riding on something driven by a horse, and the upbeat brass and strings just make for a lively song.  I hope you enjoy this version as much as I have through the years.

Sleigh Ride
by Boston Pops

Christmas Song Countdown: #25 Mele Kalikimaka

There has to be some Bing Crosby in any Christmas Song countdown.  Today's song is the very fun "Mele Kalikimaka".  Of course this song was made more popular in the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation movie, however, I like it for more than that.  As you can see in my list there are songs in my list that point you directly to the Christmas Story and the Gospel, there are songs that bring back Christmas memories, even if they are secular in nature (e.g. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year") and then there are those that are just plain fun.  This is one of those.  I've never been to Hawaii and certainly not been there at Christmastime. But if anyone can pull off a song about Christmas in Hawaii, its Bing Crosby.

Enjoy Mele Kalikimaka
by Bing Crosby

Christmas Song Countdown: #26 March from The Nutcracker

One of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's finest works was composing the music for the ballet "The Nutcracker".  The Russian composer wrote music we are all familiar with like The 1812 Overture and Swan Lake.  His most popular and quite possibly best work is The Nutcracker.  This ballet and its music are synonymous with Christmastime.  This is one of those songs that doesn't remind me why we have Christmas, but it reminds me that it is Christmas.  Much like some of the previous songs I've posted, this one takes me back to childhood. My mother is a huge fan of Tchaikovsky and plays his music all the time.  I hope you enjoy this music this morning and that it puts you in the Christmas Spirit as it does me.

March from The Nutcracker
by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Christmas Song Countdown: #27 Santa Claus is Comin to Town

There can't be a Christmas Song list without at least one tune from the sultry sounds of Burl Ives.  This song takes me back to my childhood.  I remember my parents breaking out the vinyl albums with this song on it.  My sister, brother and I would dance around to this song while we decorated the tree and house.  This song may be more nostalgia than it captures what the true meaning of Christmas is (Our Savior coming into this world), but that's part of this list, too.

Enjoy!

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
by Burl Ives

Christmas Song Countdown: #28 Ave Maria by Josh Groban

Is Ave Maria (Latin for "Hail Mary") a true Christmas Song?  I always associate it with this time of year.  Perhaps it is because the first time I heard Celine Dion sing it on her Christmas Album in 1998 while driving to our honeymoon.  I almost used the Celine version for this, but I like the Josh Groban version a bit better.  I love hearing the verse with the boys choir in the background.  Many Christmas songs are very beautiful - I think partially to depict how beautiful that night Jesus was born - and this is one of them.  Think about it:  God loves US so much that HE sent His one and only Son to become flesh, dwell among us, live a perfect life, teach us, then pay the ulimate penalty for sin (death).  He knew no sin, but became sin for us so we can become the righteousness of God. (from John 3:16 and II Corinthians 5:21)

I hope you enjoy this as much as I have since I purchased Groban's Christmas album.

Ave Maria
sung by Josh Groban

Christmas Song Countdown: #29 - It's the Most Wonderful Time

This song takes me back to my childhood playing my parents' old vinyl Christmas records.  Andy Williams' voice is so synonymous with the season.  This upbeat tune will always remind me of  Christmas, especially CHristmas with my family.  Andy Williams' voice was also a staple in my grandparents' house in Pennsylvania.  I hope you enjoy this old-fashioned Holiday tune.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
by Andy Williams

Christmas Song Countdown: #30 Do You Hear What I Hear?

I can't have a Christmas Song Countdown without Martina McBride. This is the opening song on her "White Christmas" album. I am including if in my list because it is because of her powerful voice that I began to really enjoy and appreciate this carol. This song captures the awe shown by the people when our Lord was born and the power displayed by God that day. It also shows what our response is to be: to worship Him and to tell others.

Enjoy Martina's rendition:

Do You Hear What I Hear?
By Martina McBride

Christmas Song Countdown #31: Christmastime is Here

It's not Christmas to me until I hear some Vince Guaraldi Trio.  Watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" has been a tradition in my family as long as I can remember.  There are many reasons I love that special so much, from the dry humor of Charlie Brown and Lucy, to Snoopy's antics, to Linus reading the birth of our Savior from Luke's Gospel (Chapter 2).  But the music of Vince Guaraldi is a big part of that, too.  Whenever I hear this music, I know it's Christmastime.  Enjoy #31:

Christmastime is Here
by Vince Guaraldi Trio

Christmas Song Countdown: #32 - Joseph's Lullaby

So I'm starting two days early. For the remaining days until we celebrate our Savior's birth, I will post a link to one of my favorite 32 Christmas Songs. Some of you may not be that fond of Christmas Songs. Some of you may be like me and absolutely love them, and could listen to them all year. I suspect most of you are in between. I find the sounds of this time of year are a big factor in getting me into the spirit.

Some of these songs are silly and funny, others have no words, but the majority of them capture what Christmas is really about. These songs are not "ranked". The numbers are just a countdown to Christmas. So here goes...

Joseph's Lullaby
By Mercy Me
http://youtu.be/9ehZ5s_icFE

This is a newer song in the realm of Christmas songs, but I believe the beautiful way it is sung combined with its powerful words, give us a small glimpse of what John writes in his Gospel "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" -John 1:14a. Joseph's Lullaby captures the emotions every dad can relate to when trying to calm a restless child. Rarely do I get throught this song without tearing up. Christmas is about celebrating the time when Jesus came from heaven down to earth and took on the form of man. He was completely human and completely God all at once.

If you've never heard this song, you may have to watch it twice to really absorb it all.

Be blessed!

God runs to us

If you have studied the Bible for any length of time, you've likely read the Parable of the Prodigal Son, or the Parable of the Lost Son.  Even if you didn't grow up in church or if you are not a follower of Christ, there's a good chance you've heard of this story.  My reading plan had me in Luke 15 this morning.  There was a particular passage that really stood out to me today during the famous Prodigal Son parable.  Here's the passage directly from Luke's Gospel as a refresher for you:

¹¹ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
²⁵ “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.²⁷ ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’²⁸ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”-Luke 15:11-32 (NIV)

What stood out to me today was verse 20.  I've studied this passage many times before, but for some reason I was deeply moved by the image in that verse. In just about every parable Jesus tells, one character is God, and one or more characters represent us.  In this story, the father represents God (our Heavenly Father).  The prodigal represents one who turns from God, lives a sinful life of debauchery and subsequently repents and turns toward God later in life.  The older son represents one who has been committed to God almost their entire lives.  Right before Jesus tells this story, He is accused by the pharisees of "eating with sinners and tax collectors" in verses 1 and 2.  Jesus then tells the parable of the lost coin to show those who were listening that God seeks earnestly for those who are lost (just as you would search for a lost day's wages - which is what one silver coin was equivalent to).  

Verse 11 starts the story of the prodigal and we immediately see some troubling things about this younger son.  The first is he wishes for his inheritance (in Jewish customs, the first born gets a double inheritance, so this younger son at best gets 1/3 of his father's wealth) which basically he's telling his father "I wish you were dead."  So his father, who loves him deeply, and likely knows whats going to happen next, does what he has to (liquidating family assets by selling property, cattle, etc. - remember they didn't have eTrade back then) in order to meet his son's request.  Then the younger son runs off to a faraway land - you can read throughout the old testament of God's warning to His people about mingling with foreigners and how it leads to idolatry and worship of foreign gods.  Then he squanders his money.  Then he does the unthinkable and sells himself into slavery to work with pigs (Pigs were deemed unclean in Jewish custom).  When he finally realized what he's done with his life and that his best thinking has gotten him nowhere, he has a repentant heart.  Look at verses 18-19 where he says that he will go back to his Father and confess his sin and tell him he is not worthy to be called his son anymore.  How many of us have done this with our Heavenly Father? How many of us hit that bottom, felt like the prodigal, and returned to our Father? I know I have.  You can read my story later.  At this point, the prodigal is willing to do ANYTHING to get it right with his father.

That leads me to where God got a hold of me this morning.  In verse 20, it says, "So he got up..." - many times we are on the ground, beat-up, torn down when we finally turn to God - "...and went to his father..." - we repent - turning from our old ways and toward God's ways.  The next part is amazing.  "...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him..."  This tells me that his father was looking for him. I imagine that most people in this father's life probably wrote the prodigal son of as dead or never to return.  But the father never gave up on his son.  God does the same for us.  No matter how far off we've wandered, He's looking to have a right relationship with us.  He never gives up on us.  He's ready for us to return to Him.  Let's keep going on verse 20.

The verse concludes "....[the father] was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."  Wow.  Let's break this down.  First it says he "was filled with compassion for him".  No matter what you've done, God is always filled with compassion for you.  If you have children, you can relate to this feeling a little.  Think about when your child was young and did something wrong or was wronged by someone.  Remember how bad you felt for your child?  Remember the compassion you had for them? You probably consoled them and gave them a hug.  Here in this story Jesus tells us that our Heavenly Father has compassion for us.  More than we can comprehend.  Secondly, the father ran to his son.  Back in the first century, Jewish men didn't run.  There was no Phiddipides store to get your perfect fit running shoes, there were no athletic shorts and no dry-fit shirts.  Men didn't run.  period.  When Jesus said this, I imagine that the pharisees gasped and were shocked.  This was a wealthy  distinguished Jewish man and he was running to his son who rebelled, who blew it all, who was living with pigs, who was unclean, who would have been rejected EVERYWHERE else, and he's running to his son???!!  Outrageous! I imagine the pharisees thinking.  But that is EXACTLY what our Heavenly Father does for us.  The moment we repent and turn in His direction, even when we feel a "long way off", God doesn't walk, doesn't meet, but runs toward us.  And then what does He do?  He greets us with compassion - see the hug and kiss in verse 20 (By the way, this would have made the father ceremonially unclean in Jewish tradition, to hug someone who was unclean) - He throws a huge party to end all parties (verses 22-24).  He rejoices in our return to Him.

I don't know where you are in your relationship with Him right now.  But I do know one thing, no matter what you've done, or how you feel, God loves you.  God loves you more than you or I will ever completely comprehend.  God loves us so much that sent His only Son to die as payment for yours and my sins.  If you feel far from God, He knows it, but He still loves you.  If you feel like you've done too much wrong, He knows and He wants you to repent and turn to Him.  If you do, He will come running to you, and you will begin to know a love that you've never experienced before.  You will begin to know true forgiveness.  You may not feel worthy, but frankly, when you understand what He did for you on the cross, you won't feel worthy.  Just like the prodigal, I don't feel worthy of His love, but that's what makes it so special.

May God bless you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Be looking for a series from me on my favorite Christmas songs.  I'm going to do my top 30 Christmas Songs counting down the days to Christmas starting Sunday, November 25th.