I know, I know I’m off to a late start and I’m still tired from yesterday (more on that later)–but this hymn, Sing We Now of Christmas, is so beautiful, such a haunting melody, that I just can’t pass it up. Performed by our dear friends and colleagues, Joshua and Jeremy.
Once upon a time, sodomy was euphemized as “the love that dare not speak its name.”
Now Christmas is the “holiday” that dare not speak its name.
We’ve just been to the Stop & Shop, where we bought beaucoup groceries for the Christmas weekend. The weather’s supposed to be horrible and we don’t want to go out.
The P.A. system was on, like it always is, and pumping dreadful music at us, as it always does. It’s Christmas-time, so the store management’s vision of Christmas is to play lots and lots of songs about some nameless “holiday” that no one must ever mention. Much of the music features screaming. After about 15 minutes of it, I’m ready to join in.
Where is it written that we must be “inclusive”? Do I get bent out of shape because Hindus celebrate their holidays? Gee, wouldn’t that make me a Biggit, if I did?
Boy howdy… If they could just change Christmas into “Obama Day” or something… You can bet they’ll hail that holiday by name.
Noah’s Ark, as interpreted by Currier & Ives
I like to run this post from time to time because you never know whom might be out there as a first-time viewer, and might derive some benefit from reading it.
And if you’re afraid you’re the only one who believes what it says in the Bible–well, don’t! Because you’re not. You have a lot of company.
And I am happy to say that my Christian friend who didn’t seem to believe much of the Bible, seven years ago… doesn’t fit that description anymore.
Read the Word with an open mind and observe what happens in this fallen world. You’ll come around.
Requested by SlimJim, sung by “a traditional choir”–O Come, O Come Emmanuel. And as St. Matthew tells us, “Emmanuel” means “God with us” (Matthew 1: 23).
The carol contest is open all day, everybody. Don’t miss out!
Erlene asked for “Oh, Night Divine,” but whenever I searched for that, O Holy Night came up. Well, I thought it might. So let’s make the best of it–O Holy Night, sung by Home Free (I like their sound).
We’ve got some entries this morning in our Christmas Carol Contest, so let’s take care of those before we do anything else.
Requested by Michelle, Mary, Did You Know?, sung a capella by Home Free…
Yes, we’re still having a Christmas Carol Contest! Here’s the latest entry.
Requested by SlimJim, a Hillsong hymn–King of Kings.
And now I think I’ll have my breakfast.
Sorry the carols are running late today, but at least they’re running.
Requested by Erlene–Glory, by Carroll Roberson.
Yes, Our Lord had glory as a baby. He was born with it.
Two and a half hours at the vet’s this morning, first thing. That’s where I’ve been.
The bad news is, Robbie has a number of serious health problems all laying siege to her at once. Her whole life has been one damned thing after another. The good news is, she’s fought them off, year after year, and is still here.
Rather than put her through all kinds of major treatments, when she doesn’t seem to be particularly uncomfortable, we’re just going to rely on prayer and care. At her age (almost 17) she doesn’t need invasive tests and surgeries. Let her nap under the Christmas tree, when we put it up.
I wouldn’t have gone through all this trouble, these past three days; only when someone in your family suddenly keels over, you’re supposed to do something about it.
Anyway, she’s back where she belongs.
Speaking for myself, I don’t think we’ve needed Christmas more than we need it this year.
Requested by Phoebe, Away in a Manger, sung by Kings College Choir: this is the melody they sing it to in Britain. Never fails to bring a tear to my eye.