Musing: Isn't there more to Christmas?

So my antagonistic + nerdy friend (who will so finish me after reading this), in a very recent conversation asked this question. It got me writing...

Isn't there more to Christmas?

More to it than chiming bells,

Stockings hung, turkeys and mistletoe.

Snow bathed trees, Harmathan and dusty decors.

Isn't there more to Christmas?

more to it than the yearly tradition

Same slow sacred hymns

nativity scenes and a child with the halo

So what's more to Christmas?

what's more than the Spirit of love

and true cheer with friends and family

What's more than spreading word of the Savior's birth

in a weary world, with sin and error pinning

So what's more to Christmas?

What's more than Holidays and family time

Time when everyone comes home

with all this cheer, no one is alone
Is there more to love?

I'd say there isn't - Love is all.

There's not one like that
one shiny star seen from near and far.

He just makes it new

and so it evolves yearly.

Playlist: Yuletide hymns.

My love for hymns, poetic songs and of course, carols have not diminished one bit, as a matter of fact, it is in top gear this season. And i would sing a Christmas hymn, instead of a contemporary Christmas song.

What I like most about carols is not just the lovely tunes, but even more importantly, the poetic and sacred lyrics that warms the heart about the saviour's love.

Let's note that not all carols are popular in this side of the world, but let me share 5 of my favourite Yuletide hymns with you.

5. O come O come Emmanuel.

I LOVE verse 3 that says: O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night. And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel. Shall come to thee, O Israel.

So I love this Verse, and I sing it over and over again like I don't need the next! This Hymn calls Him "Emmanuel", "Rod of Jesse", "Day-Spring", "Key of David" and "Lord 'of Might".

4. Oh! Holy night

Every mezzo wants to sing Mariah Carey's version, but as a hymn they ignore the sacred words it carries. All these verses hold serene words brimming with depths. A vivid insight into that night, the night Christ was born. 

Take your time, sing, and Selah... Back to Bethlehem.

3. Little Drummer Boy

So this hymn that sings a story of a little boy who has no gift to bring save his little drum playing pa rum pum pum pum. So Mary nodded, the ox and lamb kept time while he played his best. Until he smiled at him. hahaha.. This upbeat hymn I like to sing, even post Christmas. And trust me Mandisa's version is not keeping my calm.

2. Hark the Herald Angel Sings

To me, this hymn has 5 verses, and that's because I sing the third verse 3 times. Help your soul and do same. The words are everything.

1. Silent Night

As old as 1816, the "stille nacht" as fresh on our lips and in our hearts as ever, like it's newly written. 

These words i hold dear: Son of God, love's pure light; radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace...wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King... 

My soul is full already. Christ is indeed beautiful. He makes the finest songs ever  sung. Try having a personal hymn time and selah, worship. You'll see...please share your experiences if you so please.

Oh! and last year, i shared a Christmas playlist, here.

Blessings! & Merry Christmas!

A Glorious Tale

A GLORIOUS TALE

        

Scorners will keep jeering

Winners will keep cheering

As glory keeps steering 

In the heart of those awaiting His appearing

He didn’t come for shame

Neither did He for fame

But for His reign and love He came

All glory be to His name

There is nothing free under the sun

He even paid the price with His son

His only son, not two but one

I’m not making fun, let sinners turn to Him

Wise men wondered as they wandered

As they pondered on who or what He may be

Herod’s blunder couldn’t temper with His majesty

He’s alive till eternity

From inn to inn they journeyed

Through ails and travail

Wise men sheepishly trailing the star

As they earnestly sought the Morning Star

Could He have been born in a manger?

The star, their pager gave its answer

As it stood still over the roof of its maker

They approached His place to pay homage

The stench and bleats of sheep, mhe mhe

His cry of joy loudly heard whe, whe

Hearts lift as they affirmed His existence

In turns they bowed with gold, myrrh and frankincense

Hark of herald angels sing!

No more silent night!

Come all ye faithful!

Joy to the world for His birth! 

Hosanna in the highest

Of those ever born, He is the greatest

Our king and saviour is born, the fairest

All hail King Jesus

The king of Kings

Lord of all Lords

He is not just a man

He is the Lord of all

~ The iPen'13