O Holy Night

Great Christmas Songs I Hope You've Heard

"O Holy Night" (1847), the most emotionally favorite on my list.  Again, this one is what I'd characterize as a very deliberate call to worship.  Take a look sometime at the literal English translation of the French poem, "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau.  A bit more direct than our contemporary version, "... Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer...."

Virtually every musical style has adapted this one, pop, country.... even the cast of Glee took it on this year.  But in it's purity, in my mind, it needs the gift of a powerful soprano to truly bring it to life.  This year I was stunned, and brought to tears by the flawless performance by Jackie Evancho.  If you don't know Jackie already... you're in for a treat.

See Jackie on The Tonight Show

Little Drummer Boy

Great Christmas Songs I Hope You've Heard

"Little Drummer Boy" (1941), probably my all time favorite Christmas song, partially because it's sentimental from when I was really young, but now because I see it as the solid worship song it is.

Many great arrangements and covers out there, but listen to Josh Groban's version, 2007.  Josh nails this one in his vocal mastery, but wow... when the orchestration really kicks in half-way through and the bagpipes blend seamlessly with Josh's high baritone... if you don't get goosebumps, you don't have it loud enough.  Try headphones if you have to.  Brazillian fingerstyle guitarist Andy McKee adds the kick.

Here's a clip from Oprah.com

I also love this Jars of Clay version.

Note: If you want to hear a drummer take this on, check out John Mehler's version from 1982

More, Not Less

A close, dear friend of our family out in the Phoenix area happens to be a Police Chaplain.  She maintains her own blog and also sends out emails on occasion, all of which are always encouraging, challenging or downright convicting.   This email from last night is all of those.  I am focused today on ways in which to be MORE Christ centered and to "stand up for Him as He stood (stands) up for me."

"My dear prayer warriors...I pray that this note is in order...I do not think you NEED the challenge, but I feel I must encourage you in these difficult times.  My challenge...I was asked to pray at a funeral on Friday but I was asked to be very ecumenical...I replied, "Sir I always pray in the name of Jesus."  There was dead silence and I said, "I will never change that.  We are commanded in the Bible to pray in Jesus' name.  If that is not acceptable, please find another Chaplain to pray at your service."  The Ranger was very quiet and said, I will speak with the authorities, and the family."  I said I would write the prayer and forward them to him so they could be looked over.  I received such a wonderful note of "The family and all in authority felt your prayers were "beautiful and appropriate."  We so look forward to your being at this service.""  I felt so good and I felt there was a bit of a victory over maybe satan who wanted to silence Jesus' name in public.  God showed me that we never ask a muslin to be less muslin...or a Jew to be less Jewish...I ask that you NEvER allow you to be less Christ centered...Let's really stand up for that name Jesus as HE stood up for us 2000 years ago....  ok now for my requests...I have the funeral to pray at on Friday ...for travelling mercies and that I shine for Jesus.  It may be hot and I am in full dress uniform...with vest.  Oh my ....thank you so very much for always being there and I love you dearly and may Jesus be glorified in every area of our lives.  Under HIS care."

Memorial Weekend

Thought that I'd share this as we all set out this weekend to enjoy our friends & family .... remember why we have this long weekend.... take in one version here of the words to "Taps"

Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.