I’ve got to say a loud “Thank you!” to Bengt from Sweden–we are all so glad to have you in our little blog community–for sending us this hymn request: This Blessed Day, sung by Kraja. Really, it’s beautiful–part of Sweden’s annual St. Lucy’s Day celebration. (Farmer Hogget was watching it on TV in Babe–remember?)
Ah! Christmas!
This is another contribution from “jessicafischerqueen.” I have no idea who these Crash Test Dummies are, but trust me–this turns out to be quite nice: The First Noel, performed by Crash Test Dummies.
Come on–let’s do Christmas! Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Here’s another one that stirs my soul: The Sussex Carol, performed the old-fashioned way by Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band. I love you, O Lord! And I love the Christmas season.
Father in Heaven, we are indeed as sheep that have gone far astray: but you have sent us the Shepherd, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep–
–And takes it up again!
We have two hymn requests this evening, and blamed if I don’t use ’em both! This one comes from the White Rabbit.
Savior of the Nations, Come goes back a long long way. Original text by Ambrose of Milan, who died in 397; and the German text, upon which our text is based, by Martin Luther.
Our hope and faith in Jesus Christ will outlast the centuries.
This Christmas music request comes to us from Erlene: Christmas is Believin’, by Carroll Roberson.
Thanks, Erlene. Some of these news stories that I cover, they do get me down.
Christmas defies the wickedness and evil of a fallen world. I chose to post this carol today, I Saw Three Ships, because I love it and because I was already reeling from the non-stop flow of bad news: and the joy of Christmas stands like a tower of refuge. God is our refuge and strength, for sure.
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Susan asked for this, Bethlehemian Rhapsody–with puppets, no less. My wife tells me this is patterned after a smash hit by some group called Queen. I try not to know anything about popular music. I’m just posting hymns and Christmas music.
I don’t know why, but today I feel like all I really want to do is post hymns. Must be because Christmas is coming.
Linda asked for O Holy Night, and I chose this rendition by Celtic Woman: very nice, don’t you think?
On the youtube page for this hymn we find several “I’m-an-atheist-but” comments, saying how much they love the music. We sigh. They’re like people standing outside a bakery, loving the aroma that comes drifting out–and declaring that there’s no such thing as cake.
Come in and taste that the Lord is good!
Another contribution from “jessicafischerqueen”–Silent Night sung in Irish, by Enya. Isn’t it nice to be able to celebrate Christmas without the government frowning at you? And so many of these pictures look like the jigsaw puzzles Patty and I give each other for Christmas.
Our friend from Australia, “Optimal Play,” found this one for us: what a rousing rendition of We Three Kings! I don’t know if you have access to the comments, when I post a youtube video; but these guys sing it like they mean it… because they really mean it. Thanks, OP!