Christ of Our Christmas | 01 | The Christ of Advent

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

NIV Isaiah 9:6 NIV

NASB Isaiah 9:6 NASB

NLT Isaiah 9:6 NLT

MSG Isaiah 9:6 MESSAGE

The story of the birth of Jesus didn’t start in a manger in Bethlehem. The need for a savior started long before that in the Garden of Eden. But the need continued. We aren’t given the details of the presence of sin in the lives of Adam and Eve, but we know that eating the fruit wasn’t their only shortcoming. By the time they had children, they had begun to pass on to their offspring the culture of sin and the tendency to sin. Their son Cain showed how sin swallows its victim. No longer was sin just a little incident, but it could engulf the thoughts and actions of its victim.

The story of the Old Testament is the story of what this Savior will be like. The prophet Isaiah gives some of its clearest pictures. This Savior will be called a wonderful counselor, a mighty God, an everlasting Father, and a prince of peace. The way He will reign will be like nothing anyone has ever seen before. Over the next few days, let’s consider Jesus – the coming Messiah – as the Prophet, the Priest, and the King. Can your mind hear the singing of Handel’s Messiah? “King of kings and Lord of lords!”

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.

A Christmas Album by Amy Grant

Let’s start the count-down of the Christmas albums by playing two of my favorites. It is difficult to imagine talking about Christmas music without speaking about Amy Grant. In our list this month, we could mention any of several Christmas albums that she has released, as well as some compilations. Our choice to start the month is her first Christmas collection. Released in 1983, A Christmas Album was the fifth studio album of her young career. This Christmas album followed her incredibly popular Age to Age release. This particular music portfolio has several songs from which her versions have become Christmas’ standards – Tennessee Christmas, Sleigh Ride and Little Town of Bethlehem.

There are several reasons why the music of Amy Grant is special to me. To be honest though, if you said, “You can only listen to the Christmas music of one artist this year – who will it be?” My answer would quickly be “Amy Grant.” Perhaps it is because she has recorded so many Christmas songs, but I love her voice and her festive arrangements of the jolly, secular Christmas music. There is a reverence, awe and almost holiness with her renditions of the religious songs and carols. I walk away from either her sacred or secular Christmas music feeling that I have worshiped the King of the season.

Christmas Rhumba by Roman Street

Christmas Rhumba is the seasonal release of one of my favorite jazz groups, Roman Street. The instrumental blends a fusion of classical, gypsy and contemporary jazz. Flavors of Latin and Mediterranean musical improv pepper the rhythms. The group was named for an old Roman street in the Alps where they studied guitar. The listening to favorites at Christmas does not get any easier than this.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Amy Grant”]Faith is salted and peppered through everything at Christmas.[/su_quote]

There are twenty-four days remaining until Christmas!

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We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

December 2

Today’s Scripture text is:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 ESV

John 1:14 NIV

John 1:14 NASB

John 1:14 NLT

John 1:14 MESSAGE

While Matthew and Luke begin their gospels with the historical events of the birth of Christ, John commences his account by stressing the spiritual and eternal starting place. As you will notice in reading the entire Gospel of John, the apostle shows his understanding of the Greek culture of the day. He begins by talking about the Word. While the word had Hebrew importance, the word was significant to the teachers and philosophers of the Greek culture. There was no greater sense of leadership and creativity than through communication. In the beginning (John 1:1) all thoughts, reasoning, logic, creativity and intelligence was wrapped up in a communication – the Word.

In this beginning, the Word was God, in God, with God and through God. Nothing – absolutely nothing – came into existence except that it was communicated through the spoken words of God. But it didn’t stop there. This Word became flesh. He lived with us, actually showing us how to live in a way that would please the Creator.

John’s gospel isn’t just for the Greeks. The author relies upon his understanding of the Hebrew culture as well. This Word that became flesh – showed people His glory. The word “glory” to the Hebrews made them think of the glory of God’s presence in and around the tabernacle and temple. Glory meant God’s presence.

And John beheld the glory of the Word – full of grace and truth.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.

Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters

In 1969 the world of pop music was mesmerized by the distinct soft music style of brother and sister Richard and Karen Carpenter. Their first hit, (They Long to Be) Close to You, featured Karen’s sultry contralto voice with the breath-taking harmonizing, arranging and composition skills of Richard. During their fourteen year career, the Carpenters recorded 15 number one hits on the Adult Contemporary charts, with several hitting number one or two on the Hot 100 chart. They have sold more than 90 million records worldwide, making them on of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Merry Christmas Darling was actually first released as a single in 1970, cashing in on the popularity of the duo and desire of the public to hear Karen’s amazing voice coupled to a Christmas tune. The lyrics of the song were actually first written in 1944 by an 18-year-old Frank Pooler. Twenty-two years later, when Pooler was a choral director at California State University, Long Beach, two of his aspiring music students had formed a local cover band. They asked their favorite professor if he had any ideas for holiday songs. They didn’t want to just do the same old covers of holiday music. According to Pooler, he gave them the song, but Richard did not think much of the original tune. Carpenter wrote a new melody for the lyrics – the tune we currently hear – in 15 minutes over a cup of coffee. They performed it at local bars and clubs, and four years later they released it as a single that went to number one on Billboard’s Christmas singles chart. The single was released again in 1971 and again in 1973, both times hitting number one. A complete album was finally recorded and released in 1978.

When the Carpenters first began, Karen actually played percussion on all of the songs while she sang. Because of their popularity, they were invited to appear on many variety television shows, like Ed Sullivan and The Tonight Show. The size of the stage along with limited microphone capabilities forced Karen to the center of the spotlight, and away from the comfortable safety of her drums. Many speculate that the move led to Karen’s uneasiness about her looks and stage presence, and the resulting eating disorders which led to her untimely death in 1983.

A Night Before Christmas by Spyro Gyra

Spyro Gyra is an American jazz fusion group formed in Buffalo around 1974.The sound of the band is a unique blend of jazz, R&B, funk and pop. The band’s name comes from Spirogyra, a strand of green algae that the group’s leader had learned about in college. A Night Before Christmas is their thirtieth album, recorded and released in 2008. The sound on this album resonates with their signature style and sound. Janis Siegel of the Manhattan Transfer provides the vocals on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”B.C. Forbes”]Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts toward giving.[/su_quote]

There are twenty-three days remaining until Christmas!

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We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—”

Deuteronomy 18:15 ESV

Deuteronomy 18:15 NIV

Deuteronomy 18:15 NASB

Deuteronomy 18:15 NLT

Deuteronomy 18:15 MESSAGE

The Law taught that God’s people enjoyed the leadership of three different groups: prophets, priests and kings. The prophet managed the communication – the words delivered by God Himself. The priests were in charge of the rituals of practice of the worship of God. This included the sacrifices made to God. The king led the people first in their relationships with one another, but also as they represented God and His people to other nations. Israel saw the coming Messiah as the best of the prophets, priests and kings.

The Savior will be a prophet – as great a prophet as Israel has known. He will accurately present the Words of God. He will live and breathe God’s Words. Indeed, He is the embodiment of the Word in the flesh. Even in the giving of the Law, the people were to look forward to the day when the greatest prophet would come.

The key word in this verse is the word “listen.” We are to hear and obey the words of this communication, this Word, this Communicator.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. On Fridays we will include a special bonus section: “Is This Really a Christmas Album?” Enjoy the Music of Christmas today from these special albums!

Andy Williams’ Christmas Album by Andy Williams

This is a special Christmas album, not only because of the many memories of Christmas celebrations when I was younger, but because of the quality of the orchestration and the Williams’ voice. Produced in 1963, the twelve songs on this album have become Christmas classics. A medley of Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells make this album a must for your holiday season. Aaron Latham of Allmusic offered a fitting summary of this release: “It is an album of wonderful holiday songs perfectly performed. Williams wraps his voice around chestnuts like “White Christmas” and “The Christmas Song” with all the warmth of a favorite blanket.”

Gifts of the Season by Dave Koz

Smooth jazz has a face and it looks like Dave Koz. Saxophonist Koz has been recording albums for almost thirty years. He has nine Grammy nominations, 11 number one albums on Billboard’s Jazz charts, world-wide tours, sea cruises, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and performances for several presidents. His talent on this album stands out in superb fashion, but the folks that join him on this album possess as much talent as he. When Koz touches music, you walk away enriched.

BONUS: “Is this really a Christmas album?”

Shatner Claus by William Shatner

In honor of the man who would “boldly go where no ninety-year-old had gone before,” the first unbelievable Christmas album on the list goes to the 2018 release, Shatner Claus. Though his acting career spans seven decades and includes appearances on The Twilight Zone, T.J. Hooker, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Boston Legal, William Shatner will forever be known as Captain James T. Kirk from the Star Trek series of television and movies. Shatner owns a horse farm near Versailles, Kentucky, plays on the World Poker Tour for charities, has authored several books, and recorded nearly a dozen records. His commercials, several interviews and this Christmas album affirm he has a great sense of humor and does not take himself too seriously.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Andy Rooney”]One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.[/su_quote]

There are twenty-three days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

Acts 2:22 ESV

Acts 2:22 NIV

Acts 2:22 NASB

Acts 2:22 NLT

Acts 2:22 MESSAGE

Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?

Go back and report what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good new is proclaimed to the poor.

The Messiah will be attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs.

And if this isn’t enough, let me make it clear. This is my beloved son with whom I am well-pleased.

Jesus, the Messiah.

This is the one we have been waiting for.

This Christmas, remember that Jesus is the one whose coming we adore. We wait to celebrate the anniversary of His first coming. We wait with baited anticipation for His second coming.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.

White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Perhaps there is no album in the United States that is more “Christmas” than this Christmas album. There is also no song that is more Christmas than Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” And there is no crooner that is more Christmas than Bing Crosby. White Christmas was written for the musical film Holiday Inn in 1942. The composition won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Some traditions say that Berlin wrote White Christmas in 1940 while staying at the La Quinta Hotel in La Quinta, California. One day he told his secretary, “I want you to take down a song I wrote over the weekend. Not only is it the best song I ever wrote, it is the best song anybody ever wrote.”

Dave Marsh and Steve Propes wrote, “White Christmas changed Christmas music forever, both by revealing the huge market potential market for Christmas songs and by establishing the themes of home and nostalgia that would run through Christmas music evermore.”

Christmas Songs by Diana Krall

Diana Krall is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer. Her albums have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. Billboard Magazine named her the second greatest jazz artist of the first decade of this century (2000-2009) which established her as one of the best-selling artists of our day. Krall is the only jazz musician to have had eight albums premier at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums charts in their opening week. She has won three Grammy statues. Krall is married to British musician Elvis Costello and they have twin sons.

This Christmas album is Krall’s first album to have a big band playing behind her. If your idea of Christmas is Jimmy Stewart and Bing Crosby, close your eyes and listen to the sounds of Krall’s “Christmas Songs” and let your dreams come true.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Calvin Coolidge”]Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.[/su_quote]

There are twenty-one days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Matthew 21:11 ESV

Matthew 21:11 NIV

Matthew 21:11 NASB

Matthew 21:11 NLT

Matthew 21:11 MESSAGE

William Chatterton Dix was 29 years of age when he suffered from a near fatal round of illness. William was a businessman, managing the sales of insurance for the Maritime Insurance Company. While recovering from the experience, William came to a point of spiritual awakening. As a result of the emphasis of God in his life, William began writing hymns. One of his hymns, William Shakespeare references in the play, “Merry Wives of Windsor.”

Another of his hymns he paired with the haunting and beloved tune of the time, “Greensleeves.” We know this hymn as a carol, What Child is This?

What child is this, who laid to rest,

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Jesus – the Christ, the Prophet, the Priest, the King.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.

Burl Ives Christmas by Burl Ives

You may not know who Burl Ives was, but I am sure that you know his voice. His most popular Christmas tune is played every year, “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas.” It is one of those songs that you feel the Christmas season officially begins when you hear this song on the radio.

Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives (1909-1995) was an American singer, musician, author and actor. He began his career as a singer and guitarist, which eventually led to the launch of his own radio show. In the middle of World War II, Ives appeared in Irving Berlin’s This is the Army endearing him to millions of Americans and producing a major star for CBS Radio. You may not know, but Ives appeared in many popular films in the 1940s and 1950s, including the role of Rufus Hannassey in The Big Country (1958) for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

But his most famous role was as the voice of Sam the Snowman, the narrator for the Christmas television iconic special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” You may recognize him as looking like this:

One of the unique features of the narrators for the Rankin/Bass holiday specials is the caricature was created to look like the celebrity whose voice was giving the image life. As Sam invited, this Christmas, “pull up an ice-block and lend an ear” to the story of Christmas.

James Taylor at Christmas by James Taylor

In the fall of 1970, I was beginning a significant change in the education process, moving into the first year of the high school experience. Music was arguably undergoing dramatic changes as well, turning into the music that fifty years later is considered Classic Rock. In 1970 a folk-rock artist named James Taylor scored with his breakthrough song, “Fire and Rain” taking the hit to the number three spot on Billboard’s list. The next year, Taylor went all the way to number one with a song written by his friend, Carole King, “You’ve Got a Friend.” Taylor explains, “Carole and I were playing the Troubadour in Los Angeles. The chorus to my song, “Fire and Rain” is “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.” Carole’s response was “You’ve Got a Friend.” As soon as I heard it, I wanted to play it.”

James Taylor is one of the artists that wrap up the music of my life in a box. This Christmas album provides the ribbon and the bow.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Dave Barry”]Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice.[/su_quote]

There are twenty days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”

Luke 7:16 ESV

Luke 7:16 NIV

Luke 7:16 NASB

Luke 7:16 NLT

Luke 7:16 MESSAGE

As we continue to look to celebrating Christmas, we are thinking about understanding Jesus as Prophet, Priest and King. This short verse in Luke’s Gospel shares four important theological truths. Here is a little of the historical setting for the verse. Jesus has arrived at a town in Galilee called Nain. As He and His disciples are approaching the city gates, a procession of people are carrying a body to be buried. Jewish custom was to bury a body as soon after death as possible, so the body probably was dead for just a few hours.

Luke tells us a little about the dead person and family. We learn that the body is of an only son of a widowed lady. While the age isn’t stated, a good assumption can be that the mother was no older than thirties or forties (possibly younger), making the son no older than in his twenties. Luke tells us that the Lord’s heart went out to this woman. A characteristic of God that we see time and time again is His compassion for His people.

Jesus stops the procession, speaks words that without action would seem typical for the grieving. “Don’t cry.” But with a touch and another word, the young man sits up and begins talking. At this point the people are awe-struck, offering praises that God indeed visits His people.

Let’s think about all four truths found in this short verse highlighting the reaction of the people to the miracle of the Messiah:

Fear of the Lord seized the God’s people. The New International Version describes it as awe. This is a health fear, a reverence for who God is. There is a healthy part of us that, in the presence of the Lord, we fall flat on our face.
The people glorified God. When we think of giving God glory, we understand who God is and what He has done. Acknowledging God as Creator, rather than seeing creation as random chance, glorifies God. The people of Nain glorified God as they saw Him as the Author of Life, and “Very Present Help” in times of trouble.
When they saw Jesus as a Prophet, they were thinking one of two things. Tradition held that Elijah – one of the great prophets of the Old Testament – would come back in the days just before God’s Messiah would come. They could have seen Jesus as the “Elijah.” Or they may have remembered the words from Moses in Deuteronomy that God would one day bring a Prophet like Moses to His people. This was the awaited Messiah!
The people understood that God was visiting His people. Forerunner or the Messiah, the presence of God through His Prophet was not an everyday occurrence. Do you remember the words of Isaiah and Matthew? “And His name will be called Immanuel – which translated means ‘God with us'” (Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:23).

O come, O come, Emmanuel.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.

My Gift by Carrie Underwood

Since her time on American Idol, the faith of Carrie Underwood often walks onto the stage with her. Whether singing about “Jesus Take the Wheel” or “Something in the Water,” her normal choice of songs reflects a commitment to God and His presence in life. When she dedicates an entire album to her faith, like in her recent My Savior, the result shows the depth of her understanding and the passion of her love for Jesus. The Christmas collection, My Gift, presents many standard Christmas songs with energy and vibrant excitement that often escapes a musical recording. Carrie also possesses an incredible voice, making wondrous use of the talent she’s been given. Her rendition of “O Holy Night” may well be unparalleled.

In the Christmas Mood by the Glenn Miller Orchestra

Musician and bandleader Glenn Miller (1904-1944) inspired soldiers and civilians during the World War II generation of American history with many popular songs. In 1942 Miller enlisted in the Army and was immediately assigned to lead the Army Air Force Band. Miller started out playing the mandolin as a child, but soon switched to the trombone. Miller was stationed in England in 1944 when he learned that his band was to go to Paris. On December 15th, Miller boarded a transport plane heading to the French capital. He was to make preparations for a series of concerts there, but he never arrived. Neither the plane nor his body were ever recovered. Miller’s military band continued to play for months after his death, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra was revived after the war to honor his legacy. The Orchestra continues to tour today. It is considered the greatest big band of all time. In the Christmas Mood is Christmas music through the eyes of the orchestra at its very best.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Charles Dickens”]I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.[/su_quote]

There are nineteen days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

Deuteronomy 18:18 ESV

Deuteronomy 18:18 NIV

Deuteronomy 18:18 NASB

Deuteronomy 18:18 NLT

Deuteronomy 18:18 MESSAGE

We are centering our thoughts right now upon the ministry of the Messiah – His role as prophet, priest and king. We have been talking about His work as a prophet for the past couple of days. Moses is told that God will raise a prophet like Moses. A key aspect of the work of the prophet is found here: God will put His words into the mouth of the prophet.

Jeremiah says that the Lord put out his hand and touched his mouth (Jeremiah 1:9). There are almost 100 verses emphasizing that the words of the prophet are not His own. The words of the Messiah come from the heart of God. The results are amazing.

“Then he (Jesus) went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority” (Luke 4:31-32).

The Hebrew author writes, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV).

“He was still speaking when, behold,a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:35).

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas today from these special albums!

Dean Martin Christmas Album by Dean Martin

You may have first been introduced to Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti, 1917-1995) as an actor and comedian. His breakthrough roles came with his time together with comedian Jerry Lewis in nightclubs, radio, television and films. Although born in Steubenville, OH, his parents were Italian immigrants and he did not speak a word of English until his first days in elementary school. In 1956 the Martin and Lewis partnership ended abruptly under harsh circumstances. Martin worked in several films and established himself as a singer. Two of Martin’s songs went to number one on Billboard’s charts, “Memories are Made of This” in 1956 and “Everybody Loves Somebody” about a decade later. “That’s Amore” just missed by hitting number two.

Martin made an impact in television when he became the host of The Dean Martin Show which centered on Martin’s singing and easy-going comedic style. In 1974 he became the roast master on the very popular Dean Martin Celebrity Roast.

Music from Martin’s Christmas albums have become more popular in the years after his death. The number of radio stations and streaming services providing Christmas music continue to look for smooth, listenable renditions of favorite tunes. Martin’s tunes blend memories and past traditions of the holidays to stir our emotions.

Christmas Album by Herb Alpert

Christmas music spans the horizon of style and performers. During a trip to Tijuana, Mexico, Herb Alpert (born March 31, 1935) heard a mariachi band while attending a bullfight. The experience inspired Alpert to try to express through music the emotions he felt while watching the fight, the wild responses of the crowd, and the brass musicians that were almost serving as an MC to the event. Adapting his trumpet style to mixes of cheering crowds, Alpert personally funded the production of a single he called “The Lonely Bull.” His group was nameless, so they chose the name “The Tijuana Brass.” The result, as they say, is history, and Herb Alpert became the only musician to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as both a vocalist (“This Guy’s in Love with You,” 1968) and an instrumentalist (“Rise,” 1979).

This Christmas album spotlights a completely different style of music, as well as a different style of musical passion. The Music of Christmas is for everyone.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”G.T. Chesterton”]When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?[/su_quote]

There are eighteen days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.”

Psalm 110:4 ESV

Psalm 110:4 NIV

Psalm 110:4 NASB

Psalm 110:4 NLT

Psalm 110:4 MESSAGE

The High Priest played a significant role in the entire religious system of the Jewish faith. The priest served as the intercessor between God and His people. In some ways he served as the one representing the people before the throne of God. In other ways, he was to provide an example for the people of how life and worship were to be conducted. Perhaps more importantly, the priest would offer prayers to God on behalf of the needs and the sins of the people.

Jesus is just the kind of priest that we need. He lived the life that we should live. The sacrifice that He offered for humans – because it was a sinless sacrifice – was able to be applicable once for all. Jesus intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 9:24) and His prayer is for us to steadfastly remain faithful (Luke 22:31-32, John 17).

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas today from these special albums!

A Jolly Christmas by Frank Sinatra

One of the truly classic Christmas albums, A Jolly Christmas was recorded by Sinatra for Capitol Records in 1957. It was Sinatra’s first full-length Christmas presentation. Capitol rereleased the album in 1965 with a different cover and title, “The Sinatra Christmas Album.” In 1987 the compact disc pressing included art from both of the album covers. The CD contained bonus tracks that were released on the old 45 rpm singles from 1954. The Ralph Brewster Singers provided the background vocals, while Gordon Jenkins and Nelson Riddle arranged and conducted the orchestra accompaniment.

Sinatra is a foundational voice of America’s soundtrack. No Music of Christmas would be complete without a tip of the hat to “The Chairman of the Board.”

Christmas Album by Jethro Tull

The Music of MY Christmas is an eclectic list of unique tastes for the different seasons of my own life. While this 21st studio and last album of the British rock band Jethro Tull, featuring Ian Anderson, was released in 2003, the sound and Jethro Tull take me back to my high school years. This album on my list is dedicated to one of my dearest friends in high school, Mike Gillespie, who introduced me to Jethro Tull. I can still vividly picture tooling around in his orange Volkswagon beetle while listening to the never-ending loops and clicks of the 8-track version of Jethro Tull’s “Thick as a Brick.” Mike also introduced me to a love for Mexican cuisine, and a passion for listening to local live cover music in small venues.

While many of the cuts on this album are an acquired taste, the first song, “Birthday Card at Christmas” was written for Ian Anderson’s daughter Gael. Anderson commented, “My daughter Gael, like millions of other unfortunates, celebrates her birthday within a gnat’s whisker of Christmas. Overshadowed by the Great Occasion, such birthdays can be flat, perfunctory and fleetingly token in their uneventful passing. The daunting party and festive celebration of the Christian calendar overshadows too, some might argue, the humble birthday of Mr. Jesus Christ. Funny old 25ths, Decembers ….”

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Taylor Caldwell”]Don’t let the past steal your present. This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.[/su_quote]

There are seventeen days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 5:6 ESV

Hebrews 5:6 NIV

Hebrews 5:6 NASB

Hebrews 5:6 NLT

Hebrews 5:6 MESSAGE

Jesus’ priestly work offering a sacrifice for humans and interceding for them before the Father was effective. The ministry of earthly priests consistently fell short. Jesus was a priest like Melchizedek, a unique character from the Old Testament who gave the people of Israel someone to in whom to place their hopes and trust. Listen to these additional words from the author of Hebrews:

“This [the importance of the role of Melchizedek] becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life” (Hebrews 7:15-16).

John writes, “This is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life,and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11 ESV).

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas today from these special albums!

Christmas Album by Jim Nabors

The Music of Christmas list is filled with memories for me, and this album is certainly jam-packed with them. “Gomer Pyle” was an iconic figure of the 1960s and 1970s first on “The Andy Griffith Show” and then on his own “Gomer Pyle, USMC.” Jim Nabors, born in Alabama and lived his later years in Honolulu, was also woven deeply into the history of the state of Indiana. For years, Nabors became the voice of the Indianapolis 500, singing the state’s theme song, “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

The story of the tradition is filled with smiles. Nabors was in Indianapolis performing on stage with Florence Henderson in 1972. He attended his first 500 at the Speedway that year, guests of Bill Harrah, the owner of the club that Nabors often played in Vegas. Speedway owner, Tony Hulman, stopped by their suite and recognized Nabors from television.

“Welcome to the Speedway. Do you want to sing?” asked Hulman. “Sure,” Nabors replied.

In and of itself, the question was unusual for the well-prepared Hulman. But for some reason, the person scheduled to sing was absent. Several hundred thousand race fans were gathered for the race, and Nabors needed to sing in 29 minutes. Nabors was his always calm self, assuming he had been asked to sing the National Anthem.

Moments before he was scheduled to take the microphone, he was told he’d be singing “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Nabors was not ruffled at all. He knew the tune and a few of the words. He scribbled notes to himself on the palm of his hand. He pulled it off. People loved his rendition and Nabors soon became a foundational part of “the greatest spectacle in racing.”

This Christmas album is beautiful because of the rich baritone voice of the television star. You will love this offering of the Music of Christmas.

The Gift by Jim Brickman

Jim Brickman is an amazing pianist and music arranger. His albums almost always feature one or two voices which fit Brickman’s style like hand in glove. This presentation offers Brickman’s best as he molds familiar Christmas tunes into smooth masterpieces. The title song, “The Gift,” uses sings Collin Raye and Susan Ashton for vocals. You will play this offering more than once this season.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Ludwig Mies van der Rohe”]God is in the details.[/su_quote]

There are sixteen days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ. Today’s Scripture text is:

We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place. Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:18b-20 CEV

Hebrews 6:20 NIV

Hebrews 6:20 NASB

Hebrews 6:20 NLT

Hebrews 6:20 MESSAGE

Upon what do you anchor your soul? Where to you place your trust and faith? So many today believe they are self-reliant. They will handle problems and circumstances as they come up. Others lean to the government to provide security and income. Often in times of turmoil and distress, a turn is made toward the spiritual and toward God Himself. The promises God has made for our future should give us reason to hope. His promises should settle us and direct us. But more – His promises hint at our forgiveness. His Son has become the high priest, offered the sacrifice which didn’t simply roll away sin, it destroyed the sin. Take hold of the hope this Christmas.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. On Fridays we will include a special bonus section: “Is This Really a Christmas Album?” Enjoy the Music of Christmas today from these special albums!

That Christmas Feeling by Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell (1936-2017) was an American guitarist, songwriter and singer. Throughout his career, Campbell dabbled in acting and television hosting. Campbell was born in Billstown, Arkansas and was the seventh of twelve children. His family attended the Church of Christ in town; his brother Lindell became a Church of Christ minister. Campbell recalls, “We had no electricity. A dollar in those days looked as big as a saddle blanket.” At age four, his father gave him a $5 dollar guitar from Sears. He dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and moved to Los Angeles. In 1962 he signed with Capitol Records and played on recordings by the Beach Boys, Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, the Monkees, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Sammy Davis, Jr., Wayne Newton, Shelley Fabares, Lou Rawls and even Elvis Presley. Presley and Campbell became friends, and Campbell helped record the soundtrack for Viva Las Vegas! It was said that in 1963, Campbell’s guitar and voice was heard on 586 recorded songs that year. He never learned to read music, but he could play guitar, banjo, mandolin and bass. He began touring with the Beach Boys in 1964, filing in for Brian Wilson. In 1967, he recorded a single, Gentle on My Mind, written by John Hartford. The song became an overnight success. He followed it with By the Time I Get to Phoenix, which was an even bigger hit. By 1968, Campbell was writing music for, and acting in the movie True Grit, with John Wayne and serving as a summer replacement for the CBS’ television series, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Campbell struggled with alcohol and drug addictions, and tumultuous relationships with women. But in the 90s the prodigal returned to the roots of his faith, and actually recorded a couple of Christian albums of hymns and contemporary Christian music. His last album, released in 2017, was recorded and produced while Campbell was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Rock legend Alice Cooper called him one of the top five guitarists who had ever lived.

Christmas with Johnny Cash by Johnny Cash

If our Music of Christmas today features “musical legends,” we would be amiss without mentioning Johnny Cash at some point during our month. Cash (1932-2003), like Campbell, hailed from Arkansas and is considered by many to be one of the most influential musicians of our era. Cash became a Christian when he was only twelve, and embodied the struggle between living a sanctified life and one stained with sin. He was at the same time a God-fearing humble man and a rebellious outlaw. Cash’s picture is featured on a page of Billy Graham’s website. Cash studied for two and a half years in the 70s and received a four-year degree in theology, becoming an ordained minister. Rolling Stone magazine listed this Christmas album among its 25 greatest Christmas albums of all time. His song, “Christmas as We Knew It” is gut-wrenching. There is a passionate faith in every song.

BONUS: “Is this really a Christmas album?”

Christmas on the Ponderosa by the cast of Bonanza

This is album is cheesy, goofy, and as bad a use of vinyl and recording technology as ever existed. Imagine if you can, Hoss singing “Deck the Halls,” while Little Joe explains how “Santa Got Lost in Texas.” But you will smile during most of this album, and there are times when you will find yourself laughing out loud. This recording provides a bonanza – pun totally intended – of holiday fun and home-spun memories. The original four are certainly not gifted singers, but they aren’t BAD singers. Throughout the mixture of music, the boys from the Ponderosa share stories and life. You leave the album feeling like you spent the afternoon with some old friends. Maybe there isn’t anything better than that at Christmas.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Eric Sevareid”]Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.[/su_quote]

There are fifteen days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Hebrews 7:26 ESV

Hebrews 7:26 NIV

Hebrews 7:26 NASB

Hebrews 7:26 NLT

Hebrews 7:26 MESSAGE

The Old Testament priest fulfilled the ministry of sacred things for God’s people. Particularly, they offered sacrifices at the altar. When people brought their offerings for sacrifice – doves, goats, grain and other commodities – the priest assisted and actually made the sacrifice. In a sense, the priest served as assistant for the people and their mediator between the people and God.

In the New Testament, the word priest is used for priests of the Gentiles (Acts 14:13), for priests for the Jews (Matthew 8:4), applied to Christ (Hebrews 5:5-6), and applied to all Christians (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6).

The office of priest in Israel was highly revered. Next to the king, the high priest enjoyed the highest status and dignity in the country. The priest was the ultimate source of religious knowledge for the people. Even more than the rabbis and scribes, the priests were turned to when questions about the Scripture or spiritual life were posed.

The priesthood implied God’s choice. “For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God” (Hebrews 5:1). The priest was not elected by the people, but was chosen and set apart by God.

And a voice came from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him” (Luke 9:35). Isn’t it fitting that we have such a high priest!

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Beach Boys Christmas Album by Beach Boys

Perhaps no group represents Americana for our era like the Beach Boys. A unique sound and harmony, the original group was formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961, consisting of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl WIlson, their cousin Mike Love, and a friend Al Jardine. The Christmas Album was their seventh studio album and was released on November 9, 1964. It contains five original songs and seven standards with a California surfing harmony. The presentation has found long-running success over the decades. Music historian James Perone calls it “one of the finest holiday albums of the rock era.” On most of the songs, the Beach Boys are backed by a 41-piece orchestra.

In 1977, the group intended to release a second Christmas album Merry Christmas from the Beach Boys, but complications prompted Capitol Records to abandon the project. In 1991 the group re-released the Christmas Album on CD and included a few cuts from the intended project. One of the cuts was their rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Welcome Inn by Phil Keaggy

Phil Keaggy is an American acoustic and electric guitarist, raised in a small farmhouse in Ohio with nine brothers and sisters. Keaggy has released 55 albums in both the contemporary Christian and mainstream markets. He has won Christian music’s Dove Award seven different times. Twice he has been nominated for a Grammy award. His guitar style and abilities are revered by many.

Rock legend Jimi Hendrix was asked, “Jimi, how does it feel to be the world’s greatest guitar player?” Hendrix did not hesitate and was reported to have said, “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Phil Keaggy.” Similar acknowledgments have been made by Eric Clapton and Eddie Van Halen.

There may not be a better collection of Christmas music featuring an acoustic guitar than this presentation by Keaggy.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Suzie Eller”]Jesus exchanges our hurts for joy.[/su_quote]

There are fourteen days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 7:27 ESV

Hebrews 7:27 NIV

Hebrews 7:27 NASB

Hebrews 7:27 NLT

Hebrews 7:27 MESSAGE

Our Scriptures lately have come from verses from the book of Hebrews – not often thought of when thinking of Christmas passages of the Bible. Hebrews helps us focus on the ministry of the Messiah. The Hebrew author helps us understand not just why Jesus came to earth, but why He had to die. While we tend to romanticize our images of the birth of a baby, the story must also be blended with intrigue, adventure and drama.

Today, allow your devotional thoughts to center on the “once and for all” nature of the sacrifice of Jesus. Although the sacrifice of animals helped the Israelites understand that death was a part of the process of redemption from sin, the people realized that the death of an animal couldn’t really cleanse us from sin. So year after year, the people made their journey to the Temple to offer their sacrifice. Year after year, the high priest offered sacrifices on behalf of the people – and also on his own account, because he, too, needed his sins forgiven.

But God chose Jesus to be a high priest who would be different. This high priest would offer a sacrifice that would last. He would be fully human – representing man before the judgment seat of God. He would be able to stand because He was sinless. His sacrifice would not be an animal, but Himself. There is no longer a need for daily sacrifices.

Isn’t it interesting that Paul urges us to present our bodies to God as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1-2)? Thanks to the coming of the Messiah, our sacrifice no longer has to include death.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Holiday Sing Along with Mitch by Mitch Miller

This week, we will be looking at the Christmas music that I enjoyed within my family. Each day I will feature a favorite album of one of my family members – meaning this is one of the albums played over and over through the holidays. We lived in a tri-level house and my grandparents lived on the lower level. Grandpa has a console stereo, sporting an AM-FM stereo radio and a stacking turntable record player. The stack would hold five or six LP albums.

Grandpa enjoyed male choirs and quartets. His favorite style music was barbershop quartets. He enjoyed “The Buffalo Bills,” the quartet that sang in both the Broadway and movie version of “The Music Man.” Grandpa had sung barbershop music with his three brothers, and often sang in the choir at their church.

In the early 1950s, musician and record producer Mitch Miller assembled an orchestra and male chorale in order to produce singles and albums of classic songs. About five of the recordings went on to be top 10 hits, resulting in about a dozen complete albums. “Sing Along with Mitch” albums included tear-out sheets with the words to the songs. For three years, the “Sing Along with Mitch” gang enjoyed a successful television show on NBC.

The Gang produced two Christmas albums, “Christmas Sing Along with Mitch” featuring classic carols, and “Holiday Sing Along with Mitch” focusing on secular songs of the season. Mitch’s unique style of conducting, along with his festive arrangements, make this a favorite holiday album. But my grandfather makes this music a memory.

A Very She & Him Christmas by She & Him

Continuing the eclectic tradition of one selection, there may not be a more eclectic album than “A Very She & Him Christmas.” Zooey Deschanel had a slow rise to success, but was thrust into the spotlight by her role in Will Farrell’s movie “Elf.” Soon after, she began to sing with M. Ward, a guitarist and music production specialist. Zooey’s older sister, Emily, starred in the television series Bones. Her boyfriend is Property Brothers’ star Jonathan Scott. In addition to her vocals, Zooey plays keyboard, percussion, banjo and ukulele on the album.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Lysa TerKeurst”]Jesus is the answer to the problems placed on us and the problems found within us.[/su_quote]

There are thirteen days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 2:17 ESV

Hebrews 2:17 NIV

Hebrews 2:17 NASB

Hebrews 2:17 NLT

Hebrews 2:17 MESSAGE

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Today’s Music of Christmas features three albums! Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Merry Christmas by Lawrence Welk

During by entire growing up years, on Saturday evenings at 9:00pm, you could find my grandparents in their rocking chairs watching “The Lawrence Welk Show” on ABC television. Lawrence Welk (1903-1992) was an American musician and arranger, bandleader, accordionist, and television personality. The television program ran on ABC from 1951 to 1971. The program continued as a first-run syndicated show, airing on 250 stations until Welk retired in 1982. The program actually increased viewership during the years in syndication.

The program was Grandma’s favorite television show. Guy and Ralna, Bobby and Cissy, the Lennon Sisters and Norma Zimmer became her personal friends. When Grandpa put Christmas albums on the player, Lawrence Welk’s album was always in the stack.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas by the Ray Conniff Singers

My mother’s favorite Christmas albums included two male singers, Jerry Vale and Robert Goulet, and the Ray Conniff Singers. Ray Conniff (1916-2002) was an American bandleader and arranger best known for The Ray Conniff Singers during the 1960s. In 1954, Conniff was hired by Mitch Miller, who was then the head of A&R (Artists & Repertoire) at Columbia Records and responsible for overseeing talent and their development. By 1959 he started the Singers, composed of 12 women and 13 men singers. The Singers continued until 2000, releasing over 90 albums. This album was released in 1962 and earned Conniff the best-selling record for Columbia Records for the year.

Coral Reefer Christmas by Robert Greenidge

Today’s eclectic Christmas is dedicated to the Jamaican sounds of Robert Greenidge and A Coral Reefer Christmas. Parrotheads will recognize the connection with steel drums and Jimmy Buffett, the latter adding his voice to “Winter Wonderland.” The music is festive and energetic. Even with seasonal favorites that are dusted with snow, it allows you to walk with them in the sand, next to the ocean.

I would not be a Parrothead if I did not at least mention that Jimmy Buffett himself has two Christmas albums. His first was called “Christmas Island.”

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Agnes Pharo”]What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future.[/su_quote]

There are twelve days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Hebrews 9:12 ESV

Hebrews 9:12 NIV

Hebrews 9:12 NASB

Hebrews 9:12 NLT

Hebrews 9:12 MESSAGE

We have been thinking about the offices of the Messiah – prophet, priest and king – during our daily devotions. The focus recently has been on the priesthood. While a part of that ministry involves the sacrifice for sin, today let’s shine the spotlight on the concept of redemption. The angel said to Joseph that he was to name the baby Jesus “for he will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NASB). The action of saving from sin is called “redemption.”

The concept of redemption is ground in the Hebrew faith and culture. The idea is found in the Torah and refers to the payment for the ransom of slaves (Exodus 21:8). Of course, the setting of Exodus itself provides the foundation for the teaching. The people of Israel were bound in slavery to Pharaoh and his armies. God presented the opportunity for Pharaoh to “do the right thing” and set the people of Israel free.

When Pharaoh was not willing to give Israel her freedom, God purposed to redeem the nation from its slavery. God was going to “pay” Pharaoh for their freedom; unfortunately for Egypt, the payment was not going to be a positive one. Plague after plague was offered to Pharaoh as incentive for action, but it finally took a payment of death to secure the freedom of the slaves.

The image of the payment of death was first emblazoned upon the minds of the Israelites. They were to ready themselves for their freedom by ridding their lives of the weights that would hinder their journey and their haste. Next they were to select an unblemished lamb from their herds. They were to kill the lamb and prepare it for a meal – the last supper, if you will, before their freedom. The blood of the lamb was to be sprinkled on the door frame of their homes.

Pharaoh and all of Egypt then learned of the payment for freedom. An angel of death struck the final plague as payment, killing the first-born son of every family in Egypt. The price of redemption weighs heavy.

Throughout the Torah, redemption applied to real property, such as fields and houses, to animals and produce, and even to groups and individuals. The Law outlined the redemption of the first-born son, where the parents paid silver coins as an act of redeeming the son from God.

And they will call His name, Jesus – God saves – for He will save His people from their slavery to sin.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Christmas Brass by Dallas Brass

My father’s taste in music was eclectic all by itself. Dad spent many of his hours driving a company car across the central and southern counties of Indiana, with the AM radio often providing his only companion. His station of choice was 1430 WIRE from Indianapolis, partially because the strength of its signal covered the state, and partially because Dad liked the sound of Willie Nelson.

Early on I tried to provide Dad with a better, more “sound” education, but Dad was strong-willed and stood his ear-piercing ground. During the Christmas season, WIRE radio would play country artists offering their renditions of the seasonal favorites. Sprinkled into the country croonings, the station would often mix instrumentals of brass quintets. Dad loved the sounds of Christmas brass. When eight-track tapes became a fad, one of Dad’s seasonal purchases was a Christmas eight-track tape by the Dallas Brass. The only eight-track that we had was in the car, so trumpets and trombones ruled driving time during the holidays.

Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald

The voice of Ella Fitzgerald is nothing short of legendary. She recorded two Christmas albums during her amazing career. The second album was released in 1967 called Ella Fitzgerald’s Christmas. Unlike her first album, this collection contained only religious Christmas songs and carols. Ella’s first album, Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas, was recorded in 1960. The younger voice on this collection produced a breath-taking smooth sound to the holiday sounds of the season.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”David Jeremiah”]All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ.[/su_quote]

There are eleven days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”

Psalm 2:6 ESV

Psalm 2:6 NIV

Psalm 2:6 NASB

Psalm 2:6 NLT

Psalm 2:6 MESSAGE

Walk with me to the manger.

That doesn’t seem to be what the verse is talking about, does it? But look closer.

Read the word “Zion” and hear what another Psalm has to say. “The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, City of God” (Psalm 87:2-3 NASB). After David captured the Zion stronghold (2 Samuel 5:7), it became the site of the temple, the center of the faith for God’s people. Zion became a symbol for the places where God’s people gathered to worship.

Keep thinking with me. Let’s turn to the author of Hebrews.

“You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire … But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to

thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,

to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.

You have come to God, the Judge of all,

to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

to Jesus” (Hebrews 12:18, 22-24)

You have come to the manger. Home of the King. Joyful, joyful we adore Him.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Christmas Greetings by Jerry Vale

One of my mother’s favorite three favorite Christmas albums featured the voice of Jerry Vale. Born Gennaro Louis Vitaliano (1930-2014), Vale was an American singer and actor. He reached the height of his musical career during the 1950s and 1960s. Vale’s singing career began in nightclubs in New York, but hit a national spotlight when he appeared on “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour television show in 1950. Vale was introduced to Mitch Miller (remember that name?) who was the head of A&R at Columbia Records. Vale signed a recording contract. His rich baritone and versatile baritone voice makes this Christmas album one to remember.

Vale was born in the Bronx and frequently sang the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium. His version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” recorded in 1963, was a fixture at many sporting events around the country for years. The gold record he earned for its sales is displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. For years, Vale was the owner of the Daytona Beach Islanders, a minor league baseball team that played in the Florida State League from 1920-1966, 1977 and in 1985 to 1986. Depending upon their major league affiliation, the team often took the name of their “parent” team, like the Dodgers or the Expos.

An Evening in December by First Call

One of my personal favorite Christmas albums, though very difficult to track down, An Evening in December was the work of Christian group First Call, a mostly a capella trio. The title tune will tug at the strings of your heart.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Alexander Smith”]Christmas is the day that holds all time together. [/su_quote]

There are ten days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, ³³and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Luke 1:32-33 ESV

Luke 1:32-33 NIV

Luke 1:32-33 NASB

Luke 1:32-33 NLT

Luke 1:32-33 MESSAGE

It is hard for us to imagine something that has no ending. We are used to things starting and stopping. And even more, we are used to things starting with an intention of stopping. When you buy a new car, you know the day will come when the car no longer works and it is necessary to buy another one.

This passage introduces two aspects of eternity to us, especially has it relates to the reign of the Messiah as King of all. With no beginning or end, eternity gives us reason to pause and ponder. As we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, let’s consider two phrases in this passage of Scripture.

First, the Messiah will reign over the house of Jacob forever. By saying “forever,” the angel teases by talking about how time is not existent in heaven. In heaven there is no beginning or end. The Messiah – God Himself – reigns. There is no question. We do not have to wait until the results of an election, or for that matter, a battle of an Armageddon-like nature. With the Psalmist, we affirm “The Lord reigns!”

But also, the angel says there will be no end to His kingdom. Using “ending” this way speaks to choice. There came a day when I chose to end my softball playing days. My competitive basketball playing days ended before that. There will come a time when I choose to no longer teach at the college level. My life is not over, but I choose for this portion of my life to stop.

Although we put a starting point on a baby in a manger, the truth is His reign started way before the manger and it will continue way beyond my days on this earth. And for solid hope, we can be assured He will never stop His kingdom, He will never grow tired of it, and He will never change His mind about what He wants to do with it.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan

As we continue to think about some of the favorite Christmas albums in my family, “Wintersong” by Sarah McLachlan is the favorite collection of my wife. Sarah is a Canadian singer and pianist whose albums have sold over 40 million copies worldwide. Her music is known for the range of her voice and the passion and emotion that permeates her introspective music. Her Christmas album contains a couple of songs that she wrote, as well as a couple of carols that are not often heard.

In concert, Sarah comes across as a very real, personal individual who loves music. I have a hint that you are going to love this album.

When My Heart Finds Christmas by Harry Connick, Jr.

Harry Connick, Jr. has demonstrated his creative talents in just about every avenue of the entertainment world. A singer, songwriter, pianist, actor and television host, Connick has been recognized with Tony Awards, Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards. He has had ten number-one US jazz albums, more than any other artist in US Jazz history.

What you may not know is that during the COVID touring shutdown, he recorded a gospel album, “Alone with My Faith,” which is nominated for Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album for 2022. This Christmas collection represents a mixture of faith and holiday celebration. It is worth a listen.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Mother Theresa”]It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.[/su_quote]

There are nine days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham …

Matthew 1:1 ESV

Matthew 1:1 NIV

Matthew 1:1 NASB

Matthew 1:1 NLT

Matthew 1:1 MESSAGE

Fables begin with the words, “Once upon a time.” Fantasy begins with “In a galaxy far, far away.” The account of the birth of Jesus begins with “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.” What I am about to read is no fable or fairy tale. This account is grounded in history, in tradition and in a people who had a hope for redemption.

The Bible tells it as it is. Man is a sinner. Some seem better than others, but when it boils down to it, they all fall short. Short of the expectations of one another. Short of what they hoped they would become. Short of God’s standards for living. Man’s story is a story of failure and condemnation.

God could not stand it that way. He loved His creation too much to allow them to flounder and wrythe in punishment. He decided to pay their punishment for sin through the death of His Son. The story of Jesus is a story of hope. It is a story that is historically real – and it all begins, not just with Mary and Joseph, but with His people – with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. On Fridays we will include a special bonus section: “Is This Really a Christmas Album?” Enjoy the Music of Christmas today from these special albums!

Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio

This week is featuring favorite albums by members of my family, and today’s choice comes from my oldest daughter, Sarah. Her favorite collection is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by the Vince Gauraldi Trio. Sarah is an excellent guitarist and singer who appreciates instrumental music. It is impossible to listen to this album without thinking about the “Charlie Brown” television special and smiling. In a very simple way, without whispering a single word, this album captures a flavor of the Christmas season that we never want to abandon.

Heaven and Nature Swing by Phil Driscoll

My lifetime has enjoyed some of the greatest trumpeters the world has ever known. During my high school days, I stayed up almost every evening for the big band number by Doc Severinsen and his orchestra on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. Television specials were often graced by the strong jazz sounds of Louis Armstrong. We jumped to the fiesta joy of Herb Alpert and his Brass. A trumpeter, composer and arranger of their caliber whose name you may not know is Phil Driscoll. Driscoll has won Grammy Awards and Dove Awards for his music presentations.

Driscoll has performed on the Ed Sullivan, Merv Griffin, Steve Allen, Della Reese and Arthur Godfrey television shows. His trumpet and horn arrangements can be heard on classic rock albums by Blood Sweat & Tears. He has performed at the White House for presidents Carter, Reagan, Clinton and both of the Bushes.

If your heart does not burst with praise when you listen to his version of “Joy to the World,” either your ears or your heart need to be checked.

BONUS: “Is this really a Christmas album?”

Twisted Christmas by Bob Rivers

I believe the first time I heard the song from this album I was driving in a car in Cincinnati in the late 1980s. I almost had to pull over because I was laughing so hard that tears came to my eyes. “The Twelve Pains of Christmas” was the classic parody song of one of the most monotonous songs of the holidays.

Bob Rivers was a disc jockey at rock station WAAF in Worcester, Massachusetts when he came up with the tune for his morning show. Morning shows have done parodies before using equipment to dub-over their voices on popular songs, but Rivers built a recording studio at his home and produced the parodies from scratch, resulting in a much better quality of music. “The Twelve Pains of Christmas” went on the air in 1986 and was well-received. Atlantic Records heard the tune and commissioned him to produce an album which sold over 500,000 copies, certifying it a Gold Record.

Rivers went on to produce several other parody Christmas albums. My favorite title is “Chipmunks Roasting on an Open Fire.”

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Charlie Brown”]Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about? [/su_quote]

There are eight days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

which God will bring about in His own time — God the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

1 Timothy 6:15 NIV

1 Timothy 6:15 ESV

1 Timothy 6:15 NASB

1 Timothy 6:15 NLT

1 Timothy 6:15 MESSAGE

Would you focus your thoughts today on the phrase “in His own time”? We have been talking all month about the Messiah and His role as King of kings and Lord of lords. Paul writes to Timothy that God brings about the coming of the Lord at the proper time.

Do you have a day that you set aside to get out the Christmas decorations? We have boxes and bins in the garage filled with Christmas ornaments and decorations. On the day after Thanksgiving, we go to the garage to gather our season’s treasures. Trip after trip is made, carrying heavy boxes to the house. One by one, the mementos are carefully placed in their proper setting, like chess pieces in a well-planned game. There have been times when we were not able to decorate on the exact day, and somehow the process just didn’t feel right.

At “just the right time,” God placed Jesus into straw and rubble of a sin-stained world. Do you think He would do any less for you? At “just the right time,” He made His presence known as you were walking through the valleys of the shadow of death. At “just the right time,” He smiled and celebrated as you rejoiced in the treasures of family and life.

At “just the right time,” He tugs you close to His chest with the words of a pop-up window on a calendar, or a verse from the Scripture. And at “just the right time,” He unpacks the trumpet from the case and hands it to Gabriel and shouts “Play your best tune.” Even so, Lord Jesus, may “just the right time” come quickly.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Christmas by Phil Wickham

We are certainly not the von Trapp Family Singers, but all four of our children have musical talent and an intense interest in musical creativity and expression. The youngest, Rachel, has used music as a profession longer than any of the others. She sings several times each week and gives private lessons in voice, keyboard and strings. I was most interested in what her choice for a favorite Christmas album would be.

Her taste in music ranges from classic hits from Billboard’s Top 100 through the years to her personal favorites from eclectic artists of today. She immediately responded that her favorite is an album by Phil Wickham, a praise and worship singer/songwriter. Wickham began leading worship for his youth group when he was only 13 years of age. His parents have been worship leaders and have been recording artists of contemporary Christian music. His single “This is Amazing Grace” became the number one song on the 2014 year-end Christian Airplay charts.

Even the standards on this Christmas album have Wickham’s signature style and arrangement. Three of the songs are original from the artist. If you enjoy today’s praise and worship music, this collection will stir your soul.

Christmas Through Your Eyes by Gloria Estefan

The festive style of Gloria Estefan permeates this collection of Christmas songs. The title track encourages us to look at Christmas through the eyes of a child. The advice is certainly appropriate for an outlook upon life. Estefan has won three Grammy Awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her record sales have topped 75 million worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female singers of all time. She is considered the artist who opened doors which brought Latin music into the marketplace for others like Shakira, Selena, Ricky Martin and others.

In 1990, Estefan was returning from a meeting with President George Bush about an anti-drug campaign when her tour bus was struck by a semi-truck during a snow storm. The accident results in critical injuries to Estefan and a fractured spine. Her rehabilitation from extensive surgery required months of time and pain to the degree “there were times I just prayed I would pass out.” A year later, she performed a song, “Coming Out of the Dark,” which reached number one on Billboard’s charts.

Estefan’s style of celebration and hope flavor every song on her Christmas collection.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Winston Churchill”]Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection. [/su_quote]

There are seven days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²²And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

Ephesians 1:20-22 ESV

As we have walked toward Christmas this month, we have looked at certain phrases in many familiar passages of Scripture. Today let’s pause within these verses and reflect upon a name that is “above every name that is named.” This concept permeates the Bible and is summarized by Paul in Philippians when he writes, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Augustine wrote, “Christ is not valued at all unless He is valued above all.” Billy Sunday preached, “There are 256 names given in the Bible for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I suppose this was because He was infinitely beyond all that any one name could express.”

John Piper wrote, “If we cannot claim to live sinless lives, then the only thing that can keep us from despairing before a holy God is that we have an Advocate in heaven and He pleads our case not on the basis of our perfection but of His propitiation.”

What kind of value do you place on Jesus?

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Merry Christmas by Johnny Mathis

Johnny Mathis was one of the voices we heard each holiday season when stacks of albums were placed on the record console. Mathis (born 1935) is an American singer-songwriter who has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for three different recordings. Mathis has recorded six different Christmas albums, this being the first, released in 1958.

Mathis’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in June 1957 along with the popularity of two hits that year, “It’s Not for Me to Say” and “Chances Are,” propelled him to success. Several of his Christmas recordings have become staple performances in the holiday music playlists.

Snowfall by Tony Bennett

Another foundational voice of the American Music Songbook features the voice of Tony Bennett. Bennett is a retired singer of pop standards, big band numbers, show tunes and jazz. Few may be aware that he is also an accomplished artist, with paintings on permanent display in several public museums. Recently Bennett has received renewed attention thanks to recordings with musicians Diana Krall and Lady Gaga. This is one of several Christmas recordings that the legendary singer has produced.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Janice Maeditere”]Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. [/su_quote]

There are six days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” ³⁸Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

John 18:37-38 ESV

As we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah, I would like you to consider the comments made by an outsider during the final hours of the life of Jesus. Some Christians look at Pilate and criticize his response to Jesus. My perception of Pilate and his response is that it is typical of an outsider looking at Jesus. “So, Jesus, are you a king?”

I can almost hear the words in Pilate’s mind. “You don’t look like any of the kings I know.” Pilate had no doubt been to Rome to visit Caesar. He knew the Herod family. “You haven’t worn royal clothes. You haven’t been in a luxurious lifestyle. Here you are, both political and religious leaders have beat you senseless. How do you expect me to believe that you are a king?”

Isn’t that the response of an outsider today? “Political leaders are divided over you. The ones who support you seem intolerant and harsh. Those against you often don’t acknowledge your existence. There are dozens of religions that claim to show the way to God. Even those who say they believe in you, don’t agree on what you said or what it means. Why should I pay attention to what you said?”

Jesus’ answer to Pilate gives us insight into an answer today. “I have come to show you truth.” Implied in Jesus’ response is that He is showing truth of how to relate to God and how to relate to one another. Pilate wonders aloud, “What is truth?”

How can we find truth? How can we know who’s truth to follow? When I taught this passage to high school students at a Christian school, we talked about everyone believing their own truth. We can make anything be truth – even a three-dimensional ruler, for that matter. What we have to decide is “Does Jesus know truth or doesn’t He?” Who do you say Jesus is?

Pilate, like many today, tried to take the easy road. He stood before the people and said, “I find no fault in Him” (John 18:38). The things that Jesus said and did seems to be harmless. But Pilate refused to take real action. Many today shrug their shoulders about what Jesus taught, but aren’t willing to do anything that would require commitment or obedience.

Recently the New York Times ran an article about a lady who claimed to be able to channel the thoughts and feelings of Jesus. Celebrity Jennifer Aniston commented that the truth of this lady’s claims are difficult to accept, but offered that the thoughts seemed to resonate with her. It doesn’t matter if it is really true, as long as you feel good about it.

What is truth? Jesus said, “I am … the way, the truth and the life.”

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

A Michael Buble Christmas by Michael Buble

Michael Buble’ is a singer, songwriter and record producer. He is a dual citizen of Canada and Italy. His records have sold over 75 million world-wide. Ht has won four Grammy Awards as well as multiple Juno Awards. This Christmas album spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s charts for the last weeks of 2011 and then the first week of 2012. His voice blends the beat of jazz and the easy listening of a swing big band. Somewhere between Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra you will find the voice of Buble’.

Gift Goes On by Sandi Patty

Sandi Patty is one of the foundational voices of the music genre known as Contemporary Christian Music. The first time I heard her in concert, I remember thinking “Every song she sings sounds like the show’s finale.” Her voice and her stage presence was nothing short of spectacular. She has won five Grammy Awards and been nominated for seven other Grammys. She was the GMA Dove Award Female Vocalist of the Year for eleven consecutive years, as well as the Artist of the Year in five other years.

Her first Christmas album is filled with rich arrangements of favorite carols. Her presentation of Bethlehem Morning is breath-taking. The song was written by Morris Chapman, who served as pastor to several churches in Texas before becoming the CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1992-2010.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Bing Crosby”]Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it white. [/su_quote]

There are five days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

Colossians 1:13 ESV

Colossians 1:13 NIV

Colossians 1:13 NASB

Colossians 1:13 NLT

Colossians 1:13 MESSAGE

The Scripture often uses the image of darkness to describe the world’s life without Christ. John says that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). In describing Christ’s entrance into the world, John says that “in him was life, and the life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).

Paul uses the same theme in describing the world without Christ. For the believer, God has “delivered us from the domain of darkness.” It is interesting that 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied that “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2 NIV). It is interesting how Isaiah closes the chapter before.

Isaiah urges the people to “Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn” (Isaiah 8:20 NIV). He continues and says, “they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness” (Isaiah 8:22 NIV). Darkness everywhere.

But in the verses just before, He reminds us that he and the children of Israel are “signs and symbols in Israel from the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 8:18 NIV). Little lights of what is to come.

This Christmas, strike your match.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Christmas Album by Nat King Cole

I know its been said, many times, many ways. No one says it better than Nat King Cole. The rich, smooth vocals of this baritone singer resonate “Merry Christmas” to our ears and our hearts. The Nat King Cole Trio first recorded Mel Torme’s song in 1946. According to Torme’, the song was writen during a hot July summer afternoon, in an effort to “stay cool by thinking cool.” As one of the group would think about cool things, they would sketch the notes on a pad of paper. “Chestnuts roasting,” “Jack Frost nipping,” “Yuletide carols;” the list began. They didn’t think they were writing lyrics of a song, but forty minutes later a song was born.

Cole recorded a version in 1946 and immediately recorded another version using just a small string section. The latter recording immediately went to the top of both the pop and R&B charts. He recorded the song again in 1953, using the same arrangement but with a full orchestra, arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle. In 1961 they recorded another version in full stereo with an orchestra recorded by Ralph Carmichael. (Christian teens from the 1970s will remember Carmichael and his Christian music and musicals.)

Adore by Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin is an American singer, songwriter and worship leader. His albums have sold over 7 million copies worldwide. He has been awarded 23 GMA Dove Awards, a Grammy Award, and two albums who have been certified platinum. His songs have become standards in contemporary Christian worship services held in churches across the country. Time magazine commented that Tomlin’s music may be the most often sung music anywhere.

Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship is Tomlin’s second Christmas album. The collection features a handful of traditional carols – “The First Noel,” “What Child is This,” and “Silent Night.” But the wonder of this album comes from the songs that come from the creative pens of Tomlin and Matt Redman. Christian artists Lauren Daigle and Crowder (formerly of Jeff Crowder Band) add their voices to two of the songs.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Roy L. Smith”]He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. [/su_quote]

There are four days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

Luke 2:1-4 ESV

Luke 2:1-4 NIV

Luke 2:1-4 NASB

Luke 2:1-4 NLT

Luke 2:1-4 MESSAGE

“Once upon a time” – fairy tales and fables begin like that, don’t they? Centuries past Luke’s writing, readers wonder the historical or factual nature of the Christmas narrative. Is this account real, or just a really nice story made up by followers of a rabbi from Nazareth?

Luke bids us erase any doubt. By using the name of Augustus, Luke broadens the horizon of his story beyond a small town in Judea to the scope of the Roman Empire. When he uses the word “world” to announce who was to be counted, he uses a diminutive form of world, implying “the Roman world.” If you belonged to Rome, the Empire wanted you to be counted. Though the outcome was usually for the purposes of taxation, the actual purpose of the census may have had several motives.

Augustus stood at a historical crossroads in the history of Rome. Mentioning him forges Luke’s story into the metal of history. Until his time, Rome had been a republic, but with the reign of Augustus, the power became an Empire. Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, and probably its greatest. He could be ruthless, but never reckless. Augustus was shrewd and cunning as a leader. He wanted law and order throughout the Empire, assuring peace and stability.

The chapter begins with a Greek word from Luke’s pen that isn’t translated in many versions. “In those days” is a phrase that starts with the third Greek word in the sentence. The King James Version translates the two beginning words as, “And it came to pass in those days.” The word Ἐγένετο is a marker of new information. It is normally used to emphasize the setting is a real, historical event. The people, places and circumstances are verifiable – hence the references to Augustus, Quirinius and the Empire itself.

Paul says that “in the fullness of time, God sent His Son (Galatians 4:4). Years before, the world was not stable and peaceful enough to have a message spread through the Empire. Years later, the Empire would have been too fragmented to sustain such a message. After the destruction of the temple in _AD70, the Jewish people no longer understood or practiced sacrifice.

As you celebrate the first coming of Christ, be thankful that God placed His Son at a time and a place that could be verified and established. This is no fairy tale.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

MS Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller

The first time I remember hearing any Christmas song by Mannheim Steamroller was a year that we still were living in Cincinnati. We took our family to Kings’ Island to see their annual Christmas celebration called WinterFest. The event featured lights, Christmas shoppes and festive food, and each evening a laser-light show along their main street. The holiday tradition is still an annual event.

The first year we attended the laser light display was accompanied by “Deck the Halls” from this album. The electric, technical sound of this song fit perfectly with the laser and blinking lights. To this day, I cannot hear any of the Christmas songs from Mannheim Steamroller without thinking of the cold night, time with our family and friends, spectacular lights, and scrumptious walnut-maple fudge.

This Christmas I Spend with You by Robert Goulet

This Christmas album by Robert Goulet was another of my mother’s favorite collections. Goulet (1933-2007) was an American singer, but also made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry as an actor. The first performance propelling him to stardom cast him as Sir Lancelot in the 1960 Broadway musical Camelot. His rendition of “If Ever I Would Leave You” opposite established stars Richard Burton and Julie Andrews turned his career and became his signature song. A Grammy and Tony Award winner in a career that spanned nearly six decades, Goulet released over two dozen albums, appeared in a dozen movies and was a constant presence on the television screen. From appearances on variety shows like The Red Skelton Show, The Jack Benny Program, and The Jackie Gleason Show, to parts in comedies as The Lucy Show, Howdy Doody, The Love Boat and Fantasy Island, to the serious dramas like Mission Impossible, Cannon, Police Woman and Murder She Wrote, Robert Goulet made a lasting impression on the industry. Following his death in 2007, lights on Broadway were dimmed, the main strip in Las Vegas was closed to traffic, and movie and theater marquees across North America posted his name as a final tribute to the singer and actor.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Benjamin Franklin”]A good conscience is a continual Christmas. [/su_quote]

There are three days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:18-21 ESV

Matthew 1:18-21 NIV

Matthew 1:18-21 NASB

Matthew 1:18-21 NLT

Matthew 1:18-21 MESSAGE

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Christmastime by Michael W. Smith

Today our Christmas music features the performances of two legends in the Christian music industry. Michael W. Smith began his career in 1979 when he auditioned for the contemporary Christian music group, Higher Ground. While touring with this group, he wrote gits songs for Sandi Patty, Kathy Troccoli, Bill Gaither and Amy Grant. The following year, Smith began touring as a keyboardist for Grant on her Age to Age tour. Smith launched his first solo album in 1983 and has now sold over 18 million albums. He has 31 number one hits in Christian music, a number 6 hit “Place in This World” on the Billboard Hot 100, fourteen gold albums and another five that went platinum. He has authored books and performed in films. This particular album was released in 2014 and features duets with Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Nettles, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, Bono, Michael McDonald, and Amy Grant.

Music of Christmas by Steven Curtis Chapman

Stephen Curtis Chapman has made an impact as a songwriter, singer, actor, author and social activist. Today he is the most awarded artist in Christian music, owning 5 Grammy Awards and 59 GMA Dove Awards. He is a strong advocate for adoption and orphan charities. Chapman has released four Christmas albums, including The Music of Christmas released in 1995. In 2006 Chapman toured several Asian countries for music concerts. His concerts for troops in South Korea and a concert in Shanghai, China, were the first public performances of Christian music ever in the countries. His song from this album, “Christmas is All in the Heart,” is a personal favorite.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Hamilton Wright Mabie”]Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. [/su_quote]

There are two days remaining until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Galatians 4:4-5 ESV

Galatians 4:4-5 NIV

Galatians 4:4-5 NASB

Galatians 4:4-5 NLT

Galatians 4:4-5 MESSAGE

It is Christmas Eve. Do you have traditions for the day? From food and meal traditions, to entertainment preferences, to meaningful worship services at church, Christmas Eve offers rich heritage for many families. We enjoy celebration of the Eve of Christmas because ancient Hebrew and Greek traditions persist that the day ended – and the new day begun – at sunset.

In many areas, the evening of December 24th consists of family traditions and gift exchanges. Several parts of the globe mark the day with the purchase and decoration of a Christmas tree. In many churches, the midnight mass is considered one of the most important services of the year. The day of Christmas itself is spent in quiet worship instead of loud, joyous celebrations.

Many traditions in the Greek and Roman churches have the birth of Christ taking place at midnight.There is a passage in the apocryphal book Wisdom 18 that says His birth occurred “when the night in its swift course was half spent.” To our knowledge, the first Christmas – mass in the Catholic Church – was celebrated in the year 380. That day was actually held on January 6th, but changes in understanding the calendar moved the day to December 25th. (Yes, January 6th is twelve days after December 25th which gave rise to the tradition of the “twelve days of Christmas.”

Paul reminds us that Jesus coming to earth was orchestrated by God in the “fullness of time” – at just the right moment. Some Christian scholars speculate that had Jesus been born as little as six months earlier or six months later, His ministry would not have had the impact, nor able to spread in the way that it did. Though some argue that we do not really know the day upon which Christ was born, we should be assured that God was actively involved in its planning and occurrence.

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. On Fridays we will include a special bonus section: “Is This Really a Christmas Album?” Enjoy the Music of Christmas today from these special albums!

Season of Love by 4Him

Today’s Christmas music features two personal favorite Christmas albums by Christian musicians. 4Him was a CCM group founded in 1990 in Mobile, Alabama. The group has ten Dove Awards, a Grammy nomination and have 3 albums that are certified gold. Their 12 studio albums have produced 27 number one singles.

Mark Harris, Andy Chrisman, Marty Magehee, and Kirk Sullivan met when they sang together in a Christian vocal group called Truth. The group was directed by Roger Breland and toured the world with their music. Truth consisted of four male and four female vocalists. While the group enjoyed an intermission in their concerts, the four men would sing some barbershop quartet style music as entertainment. At one concert, a representative from Benson Music heard them and wanted to use the guys to create a new four-member group under the Benson label. Their first single, “Where There is Faith,” spent eight weeks as the number one Christian music song on the charts.

The group’s tight blend and orchestration brings a wonderful sound to the music of Christmas. You will find a couple of original songs on this album that will bring a smile to your face.

Christmas by Francesca Battistelli

Francesca Battistelli is a Christian singer and songwriter from New York City. Her blend of jazz, rock, R&B and gospel produces a unique sound. Her personality adds a flavor to her music that makes it authentic and personal. She says, “I really longed to bring something to the Christian music scene that even non-Christians could listen to.” Christian music critic Joshua Andre wrote, “All in all, Francesca Battistelli has created a gem of an album in Christmas.” Though the entire album is good and listenable, three songs are absolute “musts” for my holiday season. You will want to hear, “Christmas Is,” “Heaven Everywhere,” and “You’re Here.”

BONUS: “Is this really a Christmas album?”

Tiny Tim’s Christmas Album by Tiny Tim

Tiny Tim – no, not the one created in Charles Dickens’ mind – was born Herbert Butros Khaury (1932-1996) in Manhattan. He is best remembered for his cover of “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” which he sang in a falsetto voice while accompanied by his ukulele on the television show “Laugh In.” His popularity through his performance on the show soared. He recorded his first album, “God Bless Tiny Tim,” and followed it with “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Album.” Believe it or not, he released a children’s album “For All My Little Friends,” which earned a Grammy nomination.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”Alicia Bruxvoort”]The good news of great joy changed the course of every silent night to come. [/su_quote]

It is Christmas Eve! ‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through the house … only one day remains until Christmas!

We are counting down the days to the First Coming of Christ.

God’s Word

Today’s Scripture text is:

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ⁶And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

⁸And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:1-20 ESV

Luke 2:1-20 NIV

Luke 2:1-20 NASB

Luke 2:1-20 NLT

Luke 2:1-20 MESSAGE

We love reading the Christmas story. Whether the words come from Matthew or from Luke, like Mary, we treasure the events around this birth in our hearts. Consider for a moment the person of Luke as an author. Do you realize that Luke is the only gospel with a sequel? The unity between the messages of Luke and Acts is evident when we understand the purpose of both writings.

This unity can be seen in Luke’s presentation of the story of the birth of Christ. In Luke 2:32 the elderly prophet Simeon reveals that Jesus will not only bring God’s glory to Israel, but also a “light to the Gentiles.” The reference points us to Isaiah 49:6. The fulfillment of this prophecy does not come until Luke’s sequel, the book of Acts. There Paul uses the same passage to explain why he is taking the message of the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).

One of the reasons we love the Christmas story is that it has our name written all over it. Verse 10 has so many important truths captured within. The angel begins with “Fear Not!” Any time we find ourselves considering God and His appearances or existence, it causes us fear. When people saw angels representing God, they fell flat on their faces in humility and fear. People don’t like to be afraid. Many refuse to acknowledge God’s existence or even to ponder its truth because they don’t want to be afraid at such a deep level. The angel says don’t be afraid.

God’s message is good news. One of our fears is that when God appears, He will punish us because He knows us and will reveal the core of who we are – sinners. Rather than appearing to judge, God is appearing – as a baby – to bring good news. The good news isn’t just a birth. It is a salvation. This baby will one day provide a Way to reach the Father on a personal and an eternal level.

God’s message isn’t just good, it is joyful. Happiness that is dependent upon circumstances or other humans is fleeting. Today’s security or pleasure can turn harsh and bitter within moments. God’s presence – God with us – produces joy, a joy that endures.

Finally, God’s message is for all people. This is what the prophet Isaiah foretold, and the thread that ties Luke’s gospel and his Acts together. Few things in the world are designed to bring us together. Most acts actually divide us, separating us by some demographic. The gospel in Jesus begs us to all come – Jew or Gentile, male or female, rich or poor, American or Asian – to meet the Master in a moment at a manger, during a crisis at a cross, and with a hope in heaven.

What a splendid way to be Merry this Christmas!

The Music of Christmas

In this section of the Advent Calendar, we will peek at a couple of favorite Christmas recordings by special artists. Your counting to Christmas can include special music of the holiday season. The link for the name of the album takes you to the album on Spotify. Here are two Christmas albums to consider that are sure to add holiday spice to your day. Both are available through most streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. Enjoy the Music of Christmas from these special albums!

Christmas is Here by Pentatonix

I spend the Advent season listening to traditional Christmas music, sprinkled with songs from favorite artists – at least artists that are my favorites. By Christmas Day, I am tired of Bing and Frank and any one else that you can hear in any number of department stores or radio stations. On Christmas Day, I want my heart to explode in joyous celebration. I try to wait until Christmas day to listen to one of the premier a cappella groups around, Pentatonix.

The group got their start by winning the third season of NBC’s The Sing Off. Though they have made several other albums, their signature work centers around the music for Christmas. Any or all of their Christmas music will take your heart to joy, your mind to hope and your knees to worship. Enjoy.

A Peter White Christmas by Peter White

Another favorite for Christmas day is the music from jazz artist Peter White. A part of me likes the music just for the clever approach to the title, but the smooth jazz style of the artist features amazing arrangements, talented musicians and a soft style that is a welcome finish to the hectic pace of the season.

Thinking About Christmas

[su_quote cite=”C.S. Lewis”]Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world . [/su_quote]

Merry Christmas! Glory to God in the Highest!

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New International Version	NIV	John 1:1 NIV
New American Standard Version	NASB	John 1:1 NASB
Holman Christian Standard Version	HCSB	John 1:1 HCSB
The Message	MSG	John 1:1 MESSAGE
New Living Translation	NLT	John 1:1 NLT
New Century Version	NCV	John 1:1 NCV
King James Version	KJV	John 1:1 KJV
New King James Version	NKJV	John 1:1 NKJV
New English Translation	NET	John 1:1 NET
Reina Valera Revisada (1960)	RVR60	John 1:1 RVR60
Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament	NA27	John 1:1 NA27

Christ of Our Christmas | 01 | The Christ of Advent

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