Drum Roll.....diggity, diggity, diggity, diggity, diggity, diggity, diggity crash! My number one FAVORITE Christmas song is not other than O Holy Night. Once again, if I have to choose an artist, I would go with Nat King Cole, just because he seems to do the song right.
The song started out as a poem by Pacide Cappeau de Roqueamure. He was asked by the local parish priest to write a poem to be shared on Christmas Eve mass. He did so, using the Gospel of Luke as his guide and, though not being a musician, he knew his poem was more than just that. So he enlisted a friend. A Jewish friend at that, Adolphe Adams. While being a challenge to set to music as he neither celebrated Christmas nor believed in Jesus' divine nature, he wrote a beautiful score to go with Pacide's poem. In all, three weeks after the request from the church, the song was complete.
The song was a success...until Placide Cappeau joined the Socialist movement and the church leaders found out the music was done by a Jewish man. Though it was one of the most popular Christmas songs in France, it was denounced by the church. The church tried to bury the song, but the French people kept it alive.
A decade later John Dwight, an American, thought he must include the song in his publications. Part of the lyrics to this song even supported Dwight's abolitionist beliefs.
Truly he taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Fast forward a bit to Christmas Eve in 1906. Reginald Fessenden, a professor and chief chemist for Thomas Edison, using a type of generator, spoke into a microphone and for the first time in history, broadcasted a man's voice over the airwaves. He read from the Gospel of Luke. After finishing his recitation of Luke, he picked up his violin and played "O Holy Night" the first song ever broadcasted via radio waves.
I can't for say what it is about this song that I love, but it definitely transports my imagination to the very night of the very first Christmas. It wasn't much of a joint celebration. In fact it was anything but a celebration here on earth, but the significance of that night was huge.
I also enjoy the song from a pure music standpoint. It's a challenge to sing or play due to it's range. The haunting of a cold, clear winter's night, knowing that nothing will be the same again moves me.
Pick a version, any version of this song, listen to it and think back to what Joseph and Mary must have been thinking. And think of the significance of such a majestic event.
I hope you have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!!!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmas Countdown #2
My number 2 song is O Come All Ye Faithful, particularly the Nat King Cole version. I absolutely love this song. What a call to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas! It's a call to worship. Anyone who listens to Christmas music and isn't worshiping God at the same time is missing the point, that Jesus came to earth incarnate and took on the flesh of a child.
Nat King Cole's version gives me goose bumps. His tone is so pure, clean and rich. He's a pretty straight shooter when it comes to his Christmas recordings. i don't know about his theological stance, but he hit the nail on the head when he recorded this song. He sings this song with the utmost respect and with such reverence that only a King deserves. Beautiful song, and yet...only #2 on my list!
Nat King Cole's version gives me goose bumps. His tone is so pure, clean and rich. He's a pretty straight shooter when it comes to his Christmas recordings. i don't know about his theological stance, but he hit the nail on the head when he recorded this song. He sings this song with the utmost respect and with such reverence that only a King deserves. Beautiful song, and yet...only #2 on my list!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Christmas Song Post: #3
My number three Christmas song, in similar fashion as my number 4 is Christmas Time is Here by Vince Guaraldi. What's there to say about this song? Everything I said about my #4 holds true for #3. I prefer the pure instrumental version of course, without the singing.
Kick back, poor some egg nog, light a fire in the fireplace and turn this song on. It'll make you sigh a big "ah". THAT'S why this is my #3. Easily the most relaxing song on my list. Easily one of the most relaxing songs that I can think of. I'll never get tired of this one. Enjoy!
Kick back, poor some egg nog, light a fire in the fireplace and turn this song on. It'll make you sigh a big "ah". THAT'S why this is my #3. Easily the most relaxing song on my list. Easily one of the most relaxing songs that I can think of. I'll never get tired of this one. Enjoy!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Christmas Countdown: #4
It's time to start the power list. It's the final 4. I get pretty traditional when it comes to the top 4, but you'll see where my alliances are at by following them.
#4 on my list is O Tannenbaum by Vince Guaraldi. Yes, I love Vince Guaraldi. I was a fan of his before he became trendy again. His trio plays cute the first time through the song, then it's on! Once the bass and brushes come in, who can think of anything but the Peanuts Christmas special on t.v.?
I would venture to call this a piano jazz masterpiece. Some may not agree with me and I admit I'm biased to west coast jazz. I just love that "cool" laid back feel.
While being a stand-in, for their normal bassist, Puzzy Firth helps make this song what it is. There's something about a piano/bass/drum trio that just puts me in my happy place. It's cool. It was very cool back in the day, and I suspicion that this genre will always be cool. Maybe not, but they always will be in my book.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Christmas Countdown: #5
My #5 Christmas song is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The artist? Ugh! After much debating and self-deliberating, I have to go with the original, Miss Judy Garland herself. I was close to picking the Diana Kroll version, which I love, but when one reflects on the history of this song, you have to go with Dorothy, er... Judy's version.
The song was written for 19944's "Meet Me in St.Louis" Right in the middle of WWII, the song was supposed to be sad they said. Said, yet Judy was supposed to sing it and somehow smile through her tears. Judy, being Judy refused to sing it. The authors of the lyrics, knew they had a great melody and didn't want to re-write the lyrics, so there was a stand off. Thankfully Judy and company won.
Original lyrics:
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
It may be your last
Next year we may all be living in the past
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Pop that champagne cork
Next year we may all be living in New York
No good times like the olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us no more
But at least we all will be together
If the Lord allows
From now on, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now
I could see these lyrics being sung by the senior class where I teach, but for Judy to sing them, during Christmas time, during a time of war when the world needs some home, what was the writer thinking. While a possibly realtity, maybe those lyrics were a bit too cynical for its time. Who knows what would have become of this song, or Judy for that matter, had the lyrics not been changed to something a bit more hopeful.
Recorded lyrics by Judy Garland:
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
Next year all our troubles will be miles away.....
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us once more....
Yeah...a BIG improvement. Thanks Judy. Whenever I hear this song, I think of the movie. Hard to do if you've never seen it though. Be sure to over this Christmas break :)
The song was written for 19944's "Meet Me in St.Louis" Right in the middle of WWII, the song was supposed to be sad they said. Said, yet Judy was supposed to sing it and somehow smile through her tears. Judy, being Judy refused to sing it. The authors of the lyrics, knew they had a great melody and didn't want to re-write the lyrics, so there was a stand off. Thankfully Judy and company won.
Original lyrics:
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
It may be your last
Next year we may all be living in the past
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Pop that champagne cork
Next year we may all be living in New York
No good times like the olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us no more
But at least we all will be together
If the Lord allows
From now on, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now
I could see these lyrics being sung by the senior class where I teach, but for Judy to sing them, during Christmas time, during a time of war when the world needs some home, what was the writer thinking. While a possibly realtity, maybe those lyrics were a bit too cynical for its time. Who knows what would have become of this song, or Judy for that matter, had the lyrics not been changed to something a bit more hopeful.
Recorded lyrics by Judy Garland:
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
Next year all our troubles will be miles away.....
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us once more....
Yeah...a BIG improvement. Thanks Judy. Whenever I hear this song, I think of the movie. Hard to do if you've never seen it though. Be sure to over this Christmas break :)
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas Countdown: #6
Christmas Countdown #6: O Come, O Come Emmanuel by The Blair Band. Yep, that's right, the Blair Band strikes again!
Originally an extremely old Christmas carol. Possibly the oldest that is t still sung today. It was written all the way back in the 9th century, the dark ages. While the melody is basic, almost monotone, the lyrics paint a beautiful picture of the many O.T. prophesies fulfilled. This version in particular, reflects the darkness and seriousness of the need of a Savior even better than other versions thanks to the deep drone of the bagpipes. In order to "get" the power of this song's lyrics, you have to have a bit of an Old Testament background. Only then can you feel the desperation that is intertwined into the lyrics and grab the references.
Though desperate, the Savior has come and for this, we REJOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE! (listen to the Blair Band's version an you'll get this reference :)
I haven't met a version of this song that I don't like however. So at the very least, find a version and try to dig into the passionate plea and worship that follows from the lyrics.
Originally an extremely old Christmas carol. Possibly the oldest that is t still sung today. It was written all the way back in the 9th century, the dark ages. While the melody is basic, almost monotone, the lyrics paint a beautiful picture of the many O.T. prophesies fulfilled. This version in particular, reflects the darkness and seriousness of the need of a Savior even better than other versions thanks to the deep drone of the bagpipes. In order to "get" the power of this song's lyrics, you have to have a bit of an Old Testament background. Only then can you feel the desperation that is intertwined into the lyrics and grab the references.
Though desperate, the Savior has come and for this, we REJOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE! (listen to the Blair Band's version an you'll get this reference :)
I haven't met a version of this song that I don't like however. So at the very least, find a version and try to dig into the passionate plea and worship that follows from the lyrics.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Christmas Countdown: #7
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman by The Blair Band
First off, what a fun song, even before The Blair Band got a hold of it.
The song written in the 15th century, was written as a song by the peasants outside the walls of the cathedral. At the time, songs by organized religion were very dark and somber and usually in Latin. With this song, and several others, the commoners led a quit rebellion against the tone of religious music of their day. The song was finally published in the nineteenth century. The lyrics clearly show that the author had a Biblical understanding of the meaning and weight of the Jesus' birth.
It's an often misunderstood song though.
Today we use the term "merry" as the equivalent to being happy. The original meaning to the word however was mighty or strong. Have you ever wondered why Robin Hood's "merry" men were so happy? That's because they were might men, not happy men.
The word rest also had a different meaning back then. It didn't mean to sleep. It meant to keep or even to make. Toss in a comma and instead of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" we have "God make you mighty, gentleman."
The challenge to readers, with the new, er...old meaning in your mind, go back and look at the lyrics. The song takes on new meaning with the original intent in mind.
My favorite version of this song is by The Blair Band. It's actually an instrumental version. For those who can't find this version, imagine bagpipes, a deep bass drum and lots of dancing. That would describe this version. But don't give up. Try to find a You Tube version of this or on iTunes or something. You'll want to hear their recorded version.
Have a mighty Christmas this season!
(historical info researched and published by Ace Collins)
First off, what a fun song, even before The Blair Band got a hold of it.
The song written in the 15th century, was written as a song by the peasants outside the walls of the cathedral. At the time, songs by organized religion were very dark and somber and usually in Latin. With this song, and several others, the commoners led a quit rebellion against the tone of religious music of their day. The song was finally published in the nineteenth century. The lyrics clearly show that the author had a Biblical understanding of the meaning and weight of the Jesus' birth.
It's an often misunderstood song though.
Today we use the term "merry" as the equivalent to being happy. The original meaning to the word however was mighty or strong. Have you ever wondered why Robin Hood's "merry" men were so happy? That's because they were might men, not happy men.
The word rest also had a different meaning back then. It didn't mean to sleep. It meant to keep or even to make. Toss in a comma and instead of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" we have "God make you mighty, gentleman."
The challenge to readers, with the new, er...old meaning in your mind, go back and look at the lyrics. The song takes on new meaning with the original intent in mind.
My favorite version of this song is by The Blair Band. It's actually an instrumental version. For those who can't find this version, imagine bagpipes, a deep bass drum and lots of dancing. That would describe this version. But don't give up. Try to find a You Tube version of this or on iTunes or something. You'll want to hear their recorded version.
Have a mighty Christmas this season!
(historical info researched and published by Ace Collins)
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Christmas Countdown: #9
#9 on my countdown list is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns. It's nothing like the original. This version is beautiful. It's haunting and describes reality. It describes a reality that we all live in, where God is mocked and often we are left asking "Where are you?" as we yearn for something more than what we see when we turn on the t.v.
The original version was written in the 1800's as a poem during the civil war. It talks about hope for peace between all men. The Casting Crowns version has similar lyrics, but the actual score is different than the first time it was set to music.
The 2nd and 3rd versus weigh heavy on my heart in light of the 2, yes, 2 tragedies that happened in schools this week. The first was in China, where 22 school children were attacked with a knife. The second is the attack in Connecticut which killed 20 kindergarten students.
This song by Casting Crowns sings about peace on earth, which is what so many religious Christmas songs sing about. But, where is this peace?
2nd verse:
And in despair I bow my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men
But there is hope. Hope that we can all be saved from this crazy nonsense. Hope via Jesus Christ. A hope that someday all things will be restored to what they ought to be. Without this hope, I can't imagine being stuck in verse 2. What a low and depressing state to stumble through life in. I know that place all to well. But luckily verse 3 comes, and God reminds us that this is not forever as we are in the already but not quite there yet stage in the history of redemption. Jesus has won the war, but the battle continues on.
Just as in WWII. It's like the difference between D-day and VE day. Between those two dates, battles continues on. Lives were won and lost. The casualties continued, though the outcome was already known. THIS is where we live now. But, again, there is hope.
3rd verse:
Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men
I'm guessing many haven't heard this version. With lyrics in hand (or on screen) give it a listen. Powerful lyrics indeed to help make sense of a messed up world. Here's to hope.
The original version was written in the 1800's as a poem during the civil war. It talks about hope for peace between all men. The Casting Crowns version has similar lyrics, but the actual score is different than the first time it was set to music.
The 2nd and 3rd versus weigh heavy on my heart in light of the 2, yes, 2 tragedies that happened in schools this week. The first was in China, where 22 school children were attacked with a knife. The second is the attack in Connecticut which killed 20 kindergarten students.
This song by Casting Crowns sings about peace on earth, which is what so many religious Christmas songs sing about. But, where is this peace?
2nd verse:
And in despair I bow my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men
But there is hope. Hope that we can all be saved from this crazy nonsense. Hope via Jesus Christ. A hope that someday all things will be restored to what they ought to be. Without this hope, I can't imagine being stuck in verse 2. What a low and depressing state to stumble through life in. I know that place all to well. But luckily verse 3 comes, and God reminds us that this is not forever as we are in the already but not quite there yet stage in the history of redemption. Jesus has won the war, but the battle continues on.
Just as in WWII. It's like the difference between D-day and VE day. Between those two dates, battles continues on. Lives were won and lost. The casualties continued, though the outcome was already known. THIS is where we live now. But, again, there is hope.
3rd verse:
Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men
I'm guessing many haven't heard this version. With lyrics in hand (or on screen) give it a listen. Powerful lyrics indeed to help make sense of a messed up world. Here's to hope.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Christmas Countdown: #10
#10 on my top 12 Christmas songs list is Sleigh Ride. Ugh! The problem with this song is that there are so many fun versions of it. To me, that must mean that it's a good one right? I go back and forth on version. If I HAVE to choose I guess today I would vote for the Ella Fitzgerald version. Tomorrow it might be the Johnny Mathis version. The following day it might be an instrumental version.
My inability to decide which version is my favorite should not define this song though. This song is full of adventure, fun and Christmas traditions! What's your favorite version?
My inability to decide which version is my favorite should not define this song though. This song is full of adventure, fun and Christmas traditions! What's your favorite version?
Friday, December 14, 2012
Christmas Countdown #11
Merry Christmas Baby by Christina Aguilera and Dr.John
While this could be used as a term of endearment, it's actually the title of my11th favorite Christmas Song. For those who know me well you're thinking what the heck? For those who know me REALLY well, this song will be of no surprise. This is indeed my guilty pleasure song of the list.
First off, while not always a fan of the songs that are written and performed by Christina, and I'm not always a fan of her wardrobe either, I've always been a HUGE fan of her voice. She has a deep soulfulness to it. This song is slow and bluesy, allowing plenty of time for Christina to get in a good "growly" voice at times (I love growly by the way) as well as time to embellish the sustained moments. The girl has pipes!
Dr. John is also in this song. If you don't know who Dr. John is, then you don't know the blues. He's one of my favorite artists and celeb personalities of all time. His piano skills have always amazed me. Just think, the only reason he became a pianist is b/c his hand was shot and he could no longer play the guitar well! I've also seen him in concert before which makes this song even cooler!
There is simply SO much talent wrapped up in this song and this is one of my criteria when it comes to my music listening: Talent, Passion and Good Song Writing. These days it's hard to find all three at once! This song has at least the first 2. Good song writing, I don't know about. I've heard other versions of this song and haven't been impressed. Unless you're a fan of either of these two artists, my guess is that you haven't heard their version. You might not even know the song. Be sure to check it out and add it to you're Christmas playlist.
While this could be used as a term of endearment, it's actually the title of my11th favorite Christmas Song. For those who know me well you're thinking what the heck? For those who know me REALLY well, this song will be of no surprise. This is indeed my guilty pleasure song of the list.
First off, while not always a fan of the songs that are written and performed by Christina, and I'm not always a fan of her wardrobe either, I've always been a HUGE fan of her voice. She has a deep soulfulness to it. This song is slow and bluesy, allowing plenty of time for Christina to get in a good "growly" voice at times (I love growly by the way) as well as time to embellish the sustained moments. The girl has pipes!
Dr. John is also in this song. If you don't know who Dr. John is, then you don't know the blues. He's one of my favorite artists and celeb personalities of all time. His piano skills have always amazed me. Just think, the only reason he became a pianist is b/c his hand was shot and he could no longer play the guitar well! I've also seen him in concert before which makes this song even cooler!
There is simply SO much talent wrapped up in this song and this is one of my criteria when it comes to my music listening: Talent, Passion and Good Song Writing. These days it's hard to find all three at once! This song has at least the first 2. Good song writing, I don't know about. I've heard other versions of this song and haven't been impressed. Unless you're a fan of either of these two artists, my guess is that you haven't heard their version. You might not even know the song. Be sure to check it out and add it to you're Christmas playlist.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Christmas Countdown #12
Winter Wonderland by Dave Brubeck
I only feels right to have Dave Brubeck in my list. I love jazz that's led by the piano and Brubeck is one of the best! So he must make the list. It only feels right, especially with the timing of his recent passing away. His entire Christmas album is great. This song in particular though swings and transitions b/w three phases: traditional, smooth as it sounds like he just scratches the keys back and forth and awesomeness comes out, and of course, bouncy. It's the bouncy sections that pick your mood up and it's the smooth sections that will wow you if you have a critical ear.
If you had any sort of background music for a Christmas office party or something, I think you'd want this song playing as well as a few others from this same album. The countdown is on!
I only feels right to have Dave Brubeck in my list. I love jazz that's led by the piano and Brubeck is one of the best! So he must make the list. It only feels right, especially with the timing of his recent passing away. His entire Christmas album is great. This song in particular though swings and transitions b/w three phases: traditional, smooth as it sounds like he just scratches the keys back and forth and awesomeness comes out, and of course, bouncy. It's the bouncy sections that pick your mood up and it's the smooth sections that will wow you if you have a critical ear.
If you had any sort of background music for a Christmas office party or something, I think you'd want this song playing as well as a few others from this same album. The countdown is on!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Honorable Mentions
The 12 days of Christmas are starting a bit earlier than planned. Hey, this narrowing down bit is tough!
Without further ado, my honorable mentions are:
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Auld Lang Syne by James Taylor
The Christmas Song
What Christmas song list could go without Nat King Cole's Classic? It's hard to believe that this song is almost 70 years old...and was written during the summer of 1944. The lyrics came about from the author while in southern California as a means of cooling off using word association. Fill in the blanks, jot the music, run it by your best friend Nat King Cole and whoalla! You now have probably the most easily identifiable Christmas song written in the 20th century. Anyone worth a lick at "Name That Tune" should be able to name that tune in 4 notes or less :)
Auld Lang Syne
No doubt an older song. If it sounds like a song that should be sung as the bar closes up for the night that is because it was. An old Irish tune in fact. Singing about relationships come and gone, friendships, etc. I LOVE this song as it slows me down and makes me reflect on days gone by and helps me think about how I will view today 30 years from now. I ask many questions of myself, but the two most commonly thought of 1) Did I make God smile today and 2) Did what I do today matter in the long-term or did I squander this day.
This time of year I tend to become a recluse and go into reflection mode. Thanksgiving, birthday, Christmas and New Year's all take place in about 40 days within each other. Auld Lang Syne helps me take time to start this process.
As I go through these songs, most people who read this will have no doubt head most if not all of the songs I mention. I challenge you though to listen to the specific versions that I list though. Some of these upcoming songs are going to be a lot fresher sounding that what you've heard before, while some of them are the traditional versions because they old way is still the best one recorded (in my opinion of course!)
Feedback is always welcome!
Without further ado, my honorable mentions are:
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Auld Lang Syne by James Taylor
The Christmas Song
What Christmas song list could go without Nat King Cole's Classic? It's hard to believe that this song is almost 70 years old...and was written during the summer of 1944. The lyrics came about from the author while in southern California as a means of cooling off using word association. Fill in the blanks, jot the music, run it by your best friend Nat King Cole and whoalla! You now have probably the most easily identifiable Christmas song written in the 20th century. Anyone worth a lick at "Name That Tune" should be able to name that tune in 4 notes or less :)
Auld Lang Syne
No doubt an older song. If it sounds like a song that should be sung as the bar closes up for the night that is because it was. An old Irish tune in fact. Singing about relationships come and gone, friendships, etc. I LOVE this song as it slows me down and makes me reflect on days gone by and helps me think about how I will view today 30 years from now. I ask many questions of myself, but the two most commonly thought of 1) Did I make God smile today and 2) Did what I do today matter in the long-term or did I squander this day.
This time of year I tend to become a recluse and go into reflection mode. Thanksgiving, birthday, Christmas and New Year's all take place in about 40 days within each other. Auld Lang Syne helps me take time to start this process.
As I go through these songs, most people who read this will have no doubt head most if not all of the songs I mention. I challenge you though to listen to the specific versions that I list though. Some of these upcoming songs are going to be a lot fresher sounding that what you've heard before, while some of them are the traditional versions because they old way is still the best one recorded (in my opinion of course!)
Feedback is always welcome!
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Christmas Songs!
It's that time of year again. Time for the cheesy Christmas songs on the radio. I used to get super excited for them. Anxiously awaiting the days b/w Halloween and Thanksgiving to see when they would start and what station was going to play them. This year, I find my tastes have switched quite a bit. Rarely does the radio play Christmas music to my tastes. But alas, I'm still a sucker for many of the standards. I like versions without words though. Particularly Jazz renditions. I also enjoy songs done by Christian artists. They know the real "reason for the season" so to speak.
So.....just for fun, I'm going to be ranking my top 12 Christmas songs along with the version. I will start on December 12th and release one a day, ending on Christmas Eve. Feel free to play along if you'd like! I will be going in reverse order so I'll start with #12. We'll call it the 12 songs of Christmas. If you do play along, feel free to post your song choices here or on FB. I will be posting in both, but might possible offer up a more in-depth explanation here. This is possibly the jump start back into blogging that I've threatened to do for sometime now.
What could be interesting is if you know me, try to make your own list for Jason and compare to see if at least you might be able to guess some of my favorites.
Alright, I've got work to do. I have to go start listening in earnest with an objective ear now :)
So.....just for fun, I'm going to be ranking my top 12 Christmas songs along with the version. I will start on December 12th and release one a day, ending on Christmas Eve. Feel free to play along if you'd like! I will be going in reverse order so I'll start with #12. We'll call it the 12 songs of Christmas. If you do play along, feel free to post your song choices here or on FB. I will be posting in both, but might possible offer up a more in-depth explanation here. This is possibly the jump start back into blogging that I've threatened to do for sometime now.
What could be interesting is if you know me, try to make your own list for Jason and compare to see if at least you might be able to guess some of my favorites.
Alright, I've got work to do. I have to go start listening in earnest with an objective ear now :)
What's Your Favorite Part?
....of the church service of course. Do you thrive off of seeing friendly faces? Warm handshakes and hugs? Being in a group of like-minded people? The teaching? What about worship?
For me, its the latter of that list. While I get excited and long each day for those other pieces, I truly long for corporate worship each and every Sunday.
Psalm 122 is a great example of what corporate worship is like. The first verse describes my reaction to a "t." When they say "Let's go to the house of God," my heart lept for joy. Worshipping together with a group, not only helps turn my focus to where it should always be, on God the Father and Creator, it also helps give me a small taste of what eternity will look like for me when the multitudes are before Him worshipping.
So what about now? My pet peeve in church is during the worship set to look around and to see people talking and chatting away, catching up on what their week was like. Corporate worship is something that we reserve for only special gatherings. Often only once or twice a week. There's notreason that we hold ourselves to gathering only these few times except it's a burden that we've placed on ourselves. So for me, to come to church and expect to "get something out of it" yet to talk away like you're in a coffee shop is a sad tragedy to me. Corporate worship is special and it's a special privilege for us to be able to take part.
Eugen Peterson explains it this way: "There is simply no place where these can be done as well as in worship. If we stay at home by ourselves and read the Bible, we are going to miss a lot, for our reading will be unconsciously conditioned by our culture.
For me, its the latter of that list. While I get excited and long each day for those other pieces, I truly long for corporate worship each and every Sunday.
Psalm 122 is a great example of what corporate worship is like. The first verse describes my reaction to a "t." When they say "Let's go to the house of God," my heart lept for joy. Worshipping together with a group, not only helps turn my focus to where it should always be, on God the Father and Creator, it also helps give me a small taste of what eternity will look like for me when the multitudes are before Him worshipping.
So what about now? My pet peeve in church is during the worship set to look around and to see people talking and chatting away, catching up on what their week was like. Corporate worship is something that we reserve for only special gatherings. Often only once or twice a week. There's notreason that we hold ourselves to gathering only these few times except it's a burden that we've placed on ourselves. So for me, to come to church and expect to "get something out of it" yet to talk away like you're in a coffee shop is a sad tragedy to me. Corporate worship is special and it's a special privilege for us to be able to take part.
Eugen Peterson explains it this way: "There is simply no place where these can be done as well as in worship. If we stay at home by ourselves and read the Bible, we are going to miss a lot, for our reading will be unconsciously conditioned by our culture.
Saturday, August 04, 2012
No running = no bueno
I hate that I haven't been running much this summer. My foot (plantar fasciitis issues) has been frustrating me to no end. It gets better, I go for a run, and than it's pain for the next week. Blah! This October will be the first time since 2005 that I have not ran the fall marathon in Detroit/Windsor.
Now that the Olympics are on I REALLY want to run. I've always thought of them as quite motivational myself.
The struggle of my injury this summer has made me take a step back though and think through why I enjoy running so much!
First off, being in shape makes me physically feel better. I get the "blah's" out so any motivational funk that I enter is short lived. It's also a great stress reliever. Any time that I feel the weight of life bearing down I go for a run. It freshens my mind and helps me see things in a clearer perspective.
Lastly, it's great quiet time. Getting ready to become a first time daddy, I wouldn't know yet about "just needing to get out of the house" yet, but I think I'll learn about that pretty soon! Nope, I mean that it's a great quiet time to converse with God. He's the reason that I have the ability to run in the first place. He's helped me overcome some pretty crazy circumstances in the past when it comes to running (a pretty messed up ankle resulting in several permanent screws for instance). I think it's because He knew that He could use running as a tool for me to help connect to Him. The distractions are few when I'm running and the scenery is always nice. From wooded, rustic trails, to smoggy Asian cities, He helps me see the beauty around me and that's because His hand is in it all.
So...here's to the new XC season getting ready to start. I'm hopeful that soon I will be able to run consistently again soon, if not I'll survive, but I will have to be looking for new outlets for stress relief and new conduits for quiet times with the Heavenly Father.
Now that the Olympics are on I REALLY want to run. I've always thought of them as quite motivational myself.
The struggle of my injury this summer has made me take a step back though and think through why I enjoy running so much!
First off, being in shape makes me physically feel better. I get the "blah's" out so any motivational funk that I enter is short lived. It's also a great stress reliever. Any time that I feel the weight of life bearing down I go for a run. It freshens my mind and helps me see things in a clearer perspective.
Lastly, it's great quiet time. Getting ready to become a first time daddy, I wouldn't know yet about "just needing to get out of the house" yet, but I think I'll learn about that pretty soon! Nope, I mean that it's a great quiet time to converse with God. He's the reason that I have the ability to run in the first place. He's helped me overcome some pretty crazy circumstances in the past when it comes to running (a pretty messed up ankle resulting in several permanent screws for instance). I think it's because He knew that He could use running as a tool for me to help connect to Him. The distractions are few when I'm running and the scenery is always nice. From wooded, rustic trails, to smoggy Asian cities, He helps me see the beauty around me and that's because His hand is in it all.
So...here's to the new XC season getting ready to start. I'm hopeful that soon I will be able to run consistently again soon, if not I'll survive, but I will have to be looking for new outlets for stress relief and new conduits for quiet times with the Heavenly Father.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Culture Wars
The article is not an exhaustive look at what has been going on the past few weeks, but the author does a nice job of explaining the heart of the issue so be sure to read the article to get a "taste" of what is going on.
It's All About Tolerance
With that said, I have heard and read a lot of people who's motivation to support yesterday's movement unfortunately crossed over into denying execution of all three forms of tolerance that the author mentioned. That's not what the Bible teaches or is about, yet many use the name of religion to do so :(
Jesus models #2 time and time again and like the author says, the Bible doesn't oppose #1. #3 is where the line is drawn. For some reason the different forms of tolerance have been muddied, especially over the past 20-30 years. While people can put on their happy faces and pretend #3 exists, it really doesn't when push comes to shove. That's because it doesn't make any logical sense. But we live in a ever-growing pluralistic society. A society where the 2nd law of thermodynamics seems to not only be in play, but seems to be an exponential driving force. Chaos just keeps on increasing.
Will Metzger describes it well when he writes "...the definition of tolerance has changed, even though the dictionaries don't yet record it. Webster's dictionary defines tolerance as 'a fair and objective attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality,etc., differ from one's own'... The new meaning of tolerance has expanded to include the necessity to approve all beliefs, opinions, values, lifestyles."
Christianity, cannot exist with this kind of tolerance, but embraces tolerance in the traditional sense. The word tolerance does not mean that everyone agrees and embraces each others' thoughts and beliefs. If fact the word tolerance implies that there is a disagreement or a need to be tolerant. Tolerance also recognizes that the convictions that people have are important topics to discuss and yes, sometimes even argue over, with humility and grace.
Intolerant Christianity cannot exist in it's true meaning. Jesus told us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, and to turn the other cheek when struck. If that's how we are to respond to those who offer up violence, how then should we respond to those who own different philosophy of life?
What makes true Christianity different than other beliefs and thoughts?
Dr. Phillip Ryken puts it this way. "True Christianity thus preserves a powerful combination that is found nowhere else: tolerance and truth. Some religions and most political philosophies claim to have the truth but are ruthlessly intolerant of those who disagree." (Think #1 and #2 from the article) "They offer truth without tolerance. Philosophical pluralism, on the other hand, is indifferent to the truth. It provides a pound of tolerance without an ounce of truth...Philosophical pluralism idolizes tolerance while it eliminates the truth, although curiously it also tends to be intolerant of people-for example, Christians-who have strong religious convictions."
And this friends, it the culture war. It's been growing for days, months, years, centuries and will continue to grow. It's not going anywhere. Sure it ebbs and tides and it has seasons. Ultimately it's just going to keep getting bigger though.
I 100% support Cathy's words that somehow started the latest chapter of this war. But notice nothing that he said opposed the first two kinds of tolerance and actually I think his words did a wonderful job of stopping short of #3 in a pretty gentle way. What happened after that is a break down of society to acknowledge social tolerance. While this cannot be said of all who spoke out or made their presence known yesterday at Chick-fil-A, I have spent the past week+ as many others have, observing social media sites as people weigh in. Jesus drew the line at #3. Cathy drew the line at #3.
Christians: Many of us have drawn the line waaaaay before that and somehow think of ourselves as more righteous because of it. Let us be reminded of our Godly role model and follow His example of how to be tolerant in truth! Also, remember Ephesians 6:12 and reflect on it often when the culture war flares up.
Non-Christians: I struggle with what to say to you in response. But you too should look to Jesus' example of what tolerance should look like. Also I would ask that you would extend a certain amount of grace to us Christians as we slowly realize our mistake of not being socially tolerant. Being a Christian does not mean that we are perfect. It means that we are forgiven by God. It also means that we have a wonderful model to look at if we would just take the time to do so. Often times we don't practice what we preach. We have a lot of change that needs to happen in our lives as we try to look more and more like Christ each day. This is not a fast process. So because of the dissonance between what we practice and what we preach, yes we look like hypocrites many times. That's because we are many times. But we are trying.
It's All About Tolerance
With that said, I have heard and read a lot of people who's motivation to support yesterday's movement unfortunately crossed over into denying execution of all three forms of tolerance that the author mentioned. That's not what the Bible teaches or is about, yet many use the name of religion to do so :(
Jesus models #2 time and time again and like the author says, the Bible doesn't oppose #1. #3 is where the line is drawn. For some reason the different forms of tolerance have been muddied, especially over the past 20-30 years. While people can put on their happy faces and pretend #3 exists, it really doesn't when push comes to shove. That's because it doesn't make any logical sense. But we live in a ever-growing pluralistic society. A society where the 2nd law of thermodynamics seems to not only be in play, but seems to be an exponential driving force. Chaos just keeps on increasing.
Will Metzger describes it well when he writes "...the definition of tolerance has changed, even though the dictionaries don't yet record it. Webster's dictionary defines tolerance as 'a fair and objective attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality,etc., differ from one's own'... The new meaning of tolerance has expanded to include the necessity to approve all beliefs, opinions, values, lifestyles."
Christianity, cannot exist with this kind of tolerance, but embraces tolerance in the traditional sense. The word tolerance does not mean that everyone agrees and embraces each others' thoughts and beliefs. If fact the word tolerance implies that there is a disagreement or a need to be tolerant. Tolerance also recognizes that the convictions that people have are important topics to discuss and yes, sometimes even argue over, with humility and grace.
Intolerant Christianity cannot exist in it's true meaning. Jesus told us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, and to turn the other cheek when struck. If that's how we are to respond to those who offer up violence, how then should we respond to those who own different philosophy of life?
What makes true Christianity different than other beliefs and thoughts?
Dr. Phillip Ryken puts it this way. "True Christianity thus preserves a powerful combination that is found nowhere else: tolerance and truth. Some religions and most political philosophies claim to have the truth but are ruthlessly intolerant of those who disagree." (Think #1 and #2 from the article) "They offer truth without tolerance. Philosophical pluralism, on the other hand, is indifferent to the truth. It provides a pound of tolerance without an ounce of truth...Philosophical pluralism idolizes tolerance while it eliminates the truth, although curiously it also tends to be intolerant of people-for example, Christians-who have strong religious convictions."
And this friends, it the culture war. It's been growing for days, months, years, centuries and will continue to grow. It's not going anywhere. Sure it ebbs and tides and it has seasons. Ultimately it's just going to keep getting bigger though.
I 100% support Cathy's words that somehow started the latest chapter of this war. But notice nothing that he said opposed the first two kinds of tolerance and actually I think his words did a wonderful job of stopping short of #3 in a pretty gentle way. What happened after that is a break down of society to acknowledge social tolerance. While this cannot be said of all who spoke out or made their presence known yesterday at Chick-fil-A, I have spent the past week+ as many others have, observing social media sites as people weigh in. Jesus drew the line at #3. Cathy drew the line at #3.
Christians: Many of us have drawn the line waaaaay before that and somehow think of ourselves as more righteous because of it. Let us be reminded of our Godly role model and follow His example of how to be tolerant in truth! Also, remember Ephesians 6:12 and reflect on it often when the culture war flares up.
Non-Christians: I struggle with what to say to you in response. But you too should look to Jesus' example of what tolerance should look like. Also I would ask that you would extend a certain amount of grace to us Christians as we slowly realize our mistake of not being socially tolerant. Being a Christian does not mean that we are perfect. It means that we are forgiven by God. It also means that we have a wonderful model to look at if we would just take the time to do so. Often times we don't practice what we preach. We have a lot of change that needs to happen in our lives as we try to look more and more like Christ each day. This is not a fast process. So because of the dissonance between what we practice and what we preach, yes we look like hypocrites many times. That's because we are many times. But we are trying.
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