Is this not one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written? Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, composed by J.S. Bach, performed here by Celtic Woman–we usually find this hymn associated with Christmas, but it’ll do just fine year-round. If this hymn doesn’t stir your soul, I don’t know what will.
“Thewhiterabbit” recommended this: from G.F. Handel’s The Messiah, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, For Unto Us a Child is Born. The text, of course, is from Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Thank you, Phoebe, for being the first to request a Christmas song: Joy to the World. I don’t know who this is, performing it, but it’s beautiful, just beautiful.
Please, everybody, join in prayer for a moment.
O Lord Our God, please bless this year’s Christmas season with power to draw this troubled world to Jesus Christ her rightful king and only Savior. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Update: The hospital just called with news that Aunt Joan’s fever has gone away and her condition is now stable. Thank you all for your prayers on her behalf. She can’t talk anymore, but I’ll be sure to tell her that she’s got a lot of good people praying for her.
For the first time in eight years we have a president who will say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Generic Holiday.” I think we should be grateful for it.
To celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh, the only begotten Son of God born into our wretched fallen world to save it, I throw open this blog to you, the readers, and your requests for Christmas music. Any music that celebrates the birth of Christ is eligible and will be posted here. Sorry, no “Santa Baby” here: real Christmas carols only.
It doesn’t matter if a song has already been posted–if you ask for it, we’ll post it. Make as many requests as you like, there’s no limit. If you’ve never requested a hymn post before, well, come on now, join in the fun.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
It’s early to be playing Christmas hymns, but Linda asked for this and how could I say no?–The Christmas Guest, by Grandpa Jones.
A funny thing happened to me while I was listening to this. A certain passage in Zechariah came to mind, and my eyes filled up with tears–tears of joy and relief.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. –Zechariah 9:9
This is the song I woke up with this morning–Angels We Have Heard on High, performed by I don’t know who: I wish I could give him credit by name.
There are dark and evil forces strenuously at work in our time, and Christmas needs to work on our hearts all year round. Easter, too! Our weapons are spiritual, our shield is faith, our sword is the word of God.
Listen, listen, listen for the angels…