Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Oh, night divine!


I was just thinking about Christmas music and how much I love it--the way it makes me feel, the memories it stirs up, the warmth and comfort it brings. I'm always surprised when people say they don't like Christmas music. How is that possible?! I love nearly all of it.

Here are some of the specific lyrics I love the most, out of my favorite Christmas songs.


O, Holy Night

"...A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! "


Such hope, such promise.



Mary, Did You Know?
"...Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you."


Oh, and this line, too (actually the entire song brings tears to my eyes):


"...And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God."


Wow.



Silent Night

"...Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord at Thy birth..."


There's nothing better than singing that, in candlelight, at Christmas Eve service.



Winter Wonderland

"...Later on, we'll conspire,

As we dream by the fire

To face unafraid,

The plans that we've made,

Walking in a winter wonderland."


Okay, so this one isn't religious, but I love it. When I was little, I would think about the lyrics and envision a Christmas far different from the one I knew in Orange County, CA. Sitting by the fire with snow outside my window -- ahhh. I could dream of nothing better. It still stirs up that memory for me whenever I hear it today.



Away in a Manger

"...Be near me, Lord Jesus,

I ask Thee to stay,

Close by me forever,

and love me, I pray!"


Comfort. Undying love.



O Little Town of Bethlehem

"...How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heaven."

Yes, God is good.



Joy to the World

"...He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love..."


I just love belting that one out in church!



Of course, I also love the old standards: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Let it Snow!, The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...") -- but there's just something so comforting singing about God's love & Jesus' birth. Especially this time of year.


What is your favorite Christmas song and why?


3 comments:

Busy Bee Suz said...

Oh, I love all your choices too, especially Mary, Did you know!
I also don't understand why people DON'T love Christmas music...I certainly do!!
Another of my faves? Baby, it's cold outside...growing up in Florida, I was always hoping for that.
and you can't forget the best..."grandma got run over by a reindeer". Just classic.
take care,
suz

Unknown said...

My favorite?
Well, I really like Oh Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night too. I can't wait for the Christmas Eve service at church. We have never gone to the midnight one at church before but we are thinking about it this year. Do you go to that service?

Anonymous said...

"O, Holy Night" Hands down my favorite. It gives me chills whenever I hear someone sing it.

Ironically enough, my hubby and daughter are at choir practice right now practicing for the program this Sunday:) I love anything that they sing....