Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Joy to the World" (Trinity Choir)

Welcome to Christmas!  The day has arrived!  It's better than any dream you contrived!  An air of peace seems to waft through the breeze, all set for excitement to cut through the ease.  A day full of fun, family, and favor, with food and sweet treats set to savor.  It's presents and trinkets all tied up in bows, the kids 'bout to burst as they handle the throe.  Smiles they abound as each package unwrapped. Jigs they are danced, hands they are clapped. 'Tis Christmas and Tuesday oh my what a day!!! 

We'd better get going oh yes right away!  There are Notes to be read and thoughts left to ponder.  Oh, what could the song be?  We all readily wonder!  A song filled with glee, with robust belly laughter.  A song filled with hope about life here and after.  So steady yourselves for today something new.  A Christmas Hymn Notes, the premise is true.  A Savior we celebrate that takes away sin.  His joy surrounds and drowns out the din.  Let's see, here we go, oh who should we choose?  Bing's, Dean's, or Perry's, with them you can't lose.  But let's go a ways back, let's make it all final.  We'll choose the first one to appear on a vinyl.  

Trinity Choir - "Joy to the World" (1926)

Written by Isaac Watts in 1719, "Joy to the World" is one of the world's most beloved and most published Christmas-time hymns.  It is based on a combination of scripture:  Psalm 98 King James Version of the Bible, Psalm 96:11-12 KJV, and Genesis 3:17-18 KJV  It would be 129 years later that "Joy to the World" would find the tune that has become cherished by so many today.  It seems every popular artist EVER has recorded a version of the song.  

It is a song that to my knowledge has never charted, yet its influence during Christmas is without exception.  Not too bad for a song that was never intended to be about Jesus' birth, rather it was written to celebrate Jesus' second coming to earth as King and Judge.  Carefully reread the lyric in the context of the scripture in which it is based, and you see a far cry from a baby in a manger.  

Regardless of the context, JOY is the overwhelming emotion when speaking about Jesus' entry into our world!  

"Keen pleasure; elation" are the words used by dictionary.com to define the word "joy".  However, as we come to this incredible day of celebration of Jesus' birth, we must be reminded that "joy" is so much more than an emotion that tugs on our heartstrings.  

In the King James Version of the Bible, "joy" is listed 187 times.  In these instances, we see an energy, a supernatural force that envelopes those to which the experience happens.  In some instances, it is indescribable.  So much more than happiness or contentment, this "joy" is experiential and difficult to explain.  

As we celebrate Christmas today (did I mention it's Tuesday too?), take a moment and like Mary, ponder all the things that happened on that day.  The ancient Jewish prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. (Fulfilled Prophecies at the Birth of Christ by Tim Chaffey on December 24, 2012, answersingenesis.com)  Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds had angelic visits after God had been silent for over 400 years.  And even 2 years later, a group of Eastern Mystics follows a new star in search of the Redeemer of the world.   With each occurrence, this unfathomable joy was experienced by the participants of the events.  This "joy unspeakable and full of glory" was on display and passed down by the narrative of those who were witnesses to the occasion.  

No longer was God silent.  The prophecy was being fulfilled before their eyes.  The salvation of the world by God through Jesus was happening and continues to happen in the lives of those who will listen with attentive ears and open hearts to the True Story of Christmas.    

Today, dear friend, "Joy" can be experienced by you!  The story of Jesus seems to be miraculous.  The redemption of mankind seemed impossible. But what seems impossible to man is possible with God.  Jesus made the impossible...possible.  Because of His love for you and me, we now have The Way to restore our relationship with God, a relationship that was broken in the Garden (He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found).  At that moment we are forever changed from who we were.  Because of Jesus...there is JOY!!!

"Joy, Joy" from the 2010 album Christmas with David Phelps

Merry Christmas!!!

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving You,

randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "All I Want for Christmas is You" (Mariah Carey)

Welcome to Tuesday and what do you know?  It's time for The Notes with just one week to go?  Have you checked all your lists maybe once, maybe twice?  Perhaps you're giving something that won't come with a price?  This year is different, this year there's a way.  This year give gifts that don't require you to pay.  Our blessings of resources, our holiday cheer. You say will not be spent as they have in past years. 

This year will be simple, this year will be plain.  We'll surround ourselves with those down the lane.  Our neighbors, our friends, our family so dear.  So often are seen only this time of year.  In reality, though we will buy some things.  An expression of love, the magic it brings.  But still, in our hearts, we long for the cue.  To hear "All I want for Christmas is You!" 

"All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey from the November 1, 1994 album Merry Christmas

or for those with a nostalgic bend:

"All I Want for Christmas is You" (retro video)

In recent years, "All I Want for Christmas is You" has joined the ranks of perennial Christmas favorites Tuesday's Musical Notes - "White Christmas", Tuesday's Musical Notes - "The Christmas Song", and Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Sleigh Ride" to name a few.  It returns to the Billboard charts every year after Thanksgiving and stays there until New Year's celebrations have passed.  It was released at the peak of Mariah Carey's career, something that is usually not done with a Christmas release. It was subsequently remixed (Extra Festive) and placed on her Merry Christmas II You album from 2010.  The first video released included cameos by then-husband Tommy Motolla as Santa.  It peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot 100 this year.  

"All I Want for Christmas is You" sells itself as a love song.  It appears as a refreshing puff of cold air in a world that seems bent on buying everything they can to fulfill lists of loved ones.  It's a throwback to the '60s (hence the second video) where many remember things being much simpler, at least the toys we played with didn't require 60 pages of instructions. Or if we didn't like the rules of the game, we tended to make up our own rules.  Does anybody play Monopoly the same way? ("Top Toys of the 1960s" By Stuart Englert - December 15, 2013, americanprofile.com)

Many times, during the Christmas season, we find ourselves drifting to or favoring the less complicated gifts.  How many of you had more fun in the box than you ever had with some of those big toys?  Why do you suspect that is?  Perhaps the business of the season prompts us toward those things that take less time, energy, and effort.  Or maybe there is something so much more than that driving us towards the simplicity of a throwback toy.

Our feature song today highlights the relationship between folks in love.  It expresses the incredible simplicity of just being together.  That is an emotion that has been placed in us as we are created in the image of God.  Genesis 1:28-28 New American Standard Bible/The Message paraphrase of the Bible/King James Version of the Bible parallel  Why would God create man in His image?  It is simple.  He is relational and desires a relationship with someone in which He has things in common. 

While I don't know the mind of God, I certainly understand the desire for relationships.  God created us for 2 kinds of relationships: 

1) God created man to have a relationship with Himself.  God never does anything without a reason.  That's right!  You were created on purpose for a purpose.  Paul's letter to the Ephesian church, chapter 2, verse 10 NASB/The Message/KJV  Christians celebrate Christmas as a way to show that through Christ, the broken relationship that occurred in the garden can be restored through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  Paul's letter to the church in Rome, chapter 5, verses 3-11 NASB/The Message/KJV  

2) God created us to have a relationship with each other.  The Gospel of Jesus according to the disciple John, chapter 15, verses 9-17 NASB/The Message/KJV  It seems plausible that we can only have a relationship with those that we know.  So many times our churches and even small groups are populated by those who have a knowledge of one another, yet don't really invest the time in getting to know one another?  There is a huge difference!  Love is something that is built upon by spending time together doing life.  Our love for each other should be so powerful, that nothing can keep us apart.  Yet, we allow distractions to keep us away from gathering together.  

One of the ways that we demonstrate our love for one another is by meeting together for worship.  

If it seems we are challenging you to church attendance, it is because we are. ("5 Reasons to Attend Church Regularly" by Rick McDaniel, Contributor Author, 07/01/2013, huffingtonpost.com, "10 Reasons to Never Miss a Sunday" by Kristen Terrette, contributing author, crosswalk.com)  If you are a member of a church, God called you to that place to love those who make up that particular body.  Like any family, there will be struggles, but the love we have for God is demonstrated through the love that we have for each other as we persevere through adversity.  Every family I know has dysfunctions and so do all of the churches that I know.  But we grow together while being dysfunctional.  This growing together can only happen if you are present and investing in and with others.  

If you aren't a Christian and are wondering about all this love from others that is waiting for you, take a moment and peruse through a few of Tuesday's Musical Notes.  There is guidance on how to become a Christian and what that means.  Or feel free to email me at rawacr@gmail.com.  I would love to have the opportunity to share with you one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life.    

Want the commercialization/materialism of Christmas to decline?  Show your love to someone who attends your church.  Find a church to attend if you don't already and fall in love with the folks who attend with you.  Allow others into your life as they attempt to love you through all of our dysfunctions.  Put "love my church enough to attend every time the doors are open" at the top of your giving list this Christmas.  

So, as we finalize those lists and get ready to make that last trip to buy gifts, ponder this thought...when was the last time I invested in this person with my time?  When was the last time I spent serving them?  When was the last time I made their wish come true?  Because all they really want this Christmas is you...

'Til Tuesday,

Loving HIM by Loving You,

randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Judy Garland)

It's the 11th of December when all through the land, packages are shipping, the deliveries are grand!  The ovens are baking such delectable treats, there is little worry to find something to eat!  The sparkle of lights in a few neighborhoods shows the cheer of the spirit and it really feels good.  While inside the homes there are trees with their boughs shod with tinsel and baubles and things that do glow.  It seems there's a kindness, well at least around here, folks are so quick to spread holiday cheer!  It's 2 weeks to Christmas and things to be done.  Despite all the fuss it really is fun!! 

But before the excitement, before you put on your coats.  Settle down for a minute and read today's Notes!  You'll find there a song just right for the season.  You'll stop long enough to gain back your reason.  So set down your wrapping, yes, set down your totes, for 'tis time to read Tuesday's Musical Notes!!!

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland - from the 1944 Motion Picture - Meet Me in St. Louis

Written in 1944 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" became a signature song for Judy Garland.  She sang it as a part of the soundtrack to the movie Meet Me in St. Louis.  Garland's version peaked at #27 on Billboard Charts of the time.

This song has never been performed as originally penned for it was deemed too depressing by Garland for what she wanted to express in the above scene from the movie.  Martin explains his vantage point in the following video:  Hugh Martin Discusses Lyric Change for "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"  

Political Correctness was also alive and well in 1944 as the lyric was changed to shy away from religious overtones.  The lyric "through the years we all will be together if the fates allow" was in its original form, "through the years we all will be together if the Lord allows".  

The song was further rewritten by Frank Sinatra for his 1957 album A Jolly Christmas.   His "jollying up" of the song from the screen version transitioned from  "Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow" to "Hang a shining star on the highest bough".  

Martin also later lays claim that Blane didn't help him write the song at all but was content with any remuneration Blane might have received from royalties and other considerations, noting his naivete at that time of the business end of the music business.   

The song became "Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas" in 1980 as Martin, who was a Christian and worked with religious institutions during this time, partnered with John Fricke to turn it into a song that could be sung at churches around the world...again, roll the tape:  "Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas" by Michael O'Brien

As you would expect, there are several covers of this favorite Christmas song.  Including one from that rock band with horns...Chicago:  "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Chicago from the 1998 album Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album

Regardless of the lyrical content, what is the recipe for having a Merry Little Christmas?  While not culinary experts, we here at Tuesday's Musical Notes have a suggested blend of ingredients for just such an occasion!!!

First, you begin with a base of obedience:  The Gospel of Jesus according to Dr. Luke, chapter 1, verse 38 New American Standard Version of the Bible, The Message paraphrase of the Bible, King James Version of the Bible parallel

Mary's reaction to Gabriel's announcement reflects an attitude that each of us should have at this time of year.  Do you want to be that peculiar person of which the Bible speaks?  How about serving instead of being served?  How can we be of service to God?  How can we be of service to others?  Our love for God is expressed by our immediate obedience to Him.  Sure, it's okay to ponder what is going on or even doubt.  But you can ponder and doubt all while obeying what you've been called to do.  

Second, we blend in a fraction of faith:   Luke 1:46-55 NASB/The Message/KJV  

In some of the most expressive language ever uttered, Mary details her faith in God's plan.  This beautiful passage has been the inspiration for music throughout the ages and will continue to inspire creatives.  Mary's obedience is beautifully expressed in the confidence that she has in the future with God in control.  

Later, in Jesus' ministry, He would teach His disciples what a small amount of faith could achieve. The Gospel of Jesus according to the Disciple Matthew, chapter 17, verse 20 NASB/The Message/KJV  Oh that believers would redirect their attention from the world to the faith in which they profess to have.  Mountains would not be the only thing moving, as Christians follow Mary's example and believe in God's plan.

Next, we carefully add a heaping helping of the Holy Spirit:  Luke 1:35 NASB/The Message/KJV  

Throughout the Bible, we read about The Spirit of God coming upon those whom God chooses to use.  ( How did the Holy Spirit operate in the lives of OT saints? - bible.org)  Jesus promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to dwell in Christians as we live our lives practicing His presence every day.  The Gospel of Jesus according to the Disciple John, Chapter, 14, verses 16-17 NASB/The Message/KJV  At the point you repent of your sin and accept Jesus as the master of your life, Jesus promises to imbue you with the Holy Spirit.  The Bible records that miraculous things occurred in and through those who had been given the Holy Spirit.  The miraculous awaits you now...

Finally, our mix is made complete with a dollop of direction.  Luke 1:39-45 NASB/The Message/KJV 

Soon after Gabriel's visit, Mary leaves to go to the home of her cousin Elizabeth.  Elizabeth greets Mary with her own set of extraordinary news.  The Bible says that Elizabeth was an older woman.  She was also married to a priest named Zacharias.  The Bible doesn't expressly say this, but the premise could be made that Mary was seeking wisdom and advice from a life-experienced relative.  Gabriel also told Mary about Elizabeth's pregnancy.  Mary had the confidence that Elizabeth would be a compassionate ear with all that they now had in common.  Elizabeth could offer sage advice based on her lifetime of being the wife of a priest.  Mary's faith in doing God's calling was strengthened by her living in the religious household of Elizabeth and Zacharias for her first trimester.   For more on Zacharias and Elizabeth: Luke 1: 5-25 NASB/The Message/KJV

Allow the mixture to sit for what seems to be an eternity and then place in the oven of your life.  

With each passing year, the story of Jesus will marinate as He makes our hearts be light.    Each year, we see more and more of his character and less and less of our own.  Then and only then can our troubles be out of sight.  Each year, we find ourselves loving Him as we love others by sharing life with faithful friends who are dear to us.  Each year, we become a greater impact on the eternal Kingdom where we all will be together, as the Lord allows.   

There ya have it!!!  There is no secret ingredient.  In fact, angels proclaimed Jesus' birth to Elizabeth and Zacharias, Mary and Joseph, and then to shepherds.   God caused a star unlike any other to appear to those who studied the stars to lead them to Him.  Since that time, folks have continued to talk about and proclaim His birth.  What about you?  If you use the above recipe, you too could find this Christmas season to be the best yet!!!  So go on... and have yourself a merry little Christmas...now.

'Til Tuesday,

Loving Him by Loving You,

randy

Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Grown-Up Christmas List" (Amy Grant)

Dear Santa,

     I know it has been a long time since you've heard from me in a letter.  In fact, I haven't written you a letter since before the digital revolution happened.  So I thought perhaps an email might be the most expedient way of visiting with you for a minute.  Do you get the internet at the North Pole?  

Anyways, it seems that over the years, I've gotten too busy to clue you in on my list for the year.  Not sure how or why I stopped checking in with you annually. Much has happened since we last interacted. 

One of the most exciting new things is the blog that I started a few years back.  Perhaps you've heard of it!?  It's called Tuesday's Musical Notes!  Do you read many blogs in your spare time?  Well, you should probably read The Notes if you get the opportunity!  You know, like in the summer?

Tuesday's Musical Notes comes out every Tuesday.  It is a blog that uses popular music from all ages to inspire, encourage, and sometimes challenge readers in their family and faith and throws in some total life change for good measure.   

I even include Christmas songs during December!  Why just last week the blog was all about you, well at least the song was... Tuesday's Musical Notes - "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"

While I have made my Christmas lists over the past few years to give to friends and family, I can hardly remember when I told you what I wanted for Christmas.  After much thought and deliberation, I determined a song would be the best way to communicate to you my desires for this holiday season.  

So, Merry Christmas St. Nicholas, do what you can with this list, and enjoy the sounds of the season for just a few minutes before you start getting the reindeer ready to be hitched to the sleigh...

 "Grown Up Christmas List" from the 1992 album Home for Christmas by Amy Grant, with an assist in this video by Vince Gill

Written by David Foster and Linda Thompson-Jenner in 1990, "Grown Up Christmas List" was first recorded by Foster and Natalie Cole on Foster's nonseasonal album River of Love.  The song has since been covered by a myriad of performers.  In this humble bloggers opinion, the best is Amy Grant's cover. She even added her own touch with an additional verse.  

While not setting the Billboard hearts aflutter, the song HAS charted. Kelly Clarkson's version peaked at #17 on the Adult Contemporary Chart and Grant's version went to #15 on the Christian Digital Singles Chart.  Who even knew there was a Christian Digital Singles Chart?  Just goes to show that there really is a musical chart for everything.  

In the spirit of the season, let's take a look at the items on this "Grown Up Christmas List", shall we?

1) No more lives torn apart:

  

What does this even mean?  It seems like every day there is a tragedy of some sort.  And usually, these tragedies affect more than just the principal players.  Lives torn apart indicates some sort of separation from those that were at one time close.  This can happen in any number of ways, but to my thinking, divorce happens to be the most insidious of the ways. There is something so unnatural about two folks determining that they no longer can be one after the consummation of marriage.  This tearing apart what has been put together is not the intention of the Creator:  Genesis 2:21-24 Christian Standard Bible/ The Message paraphrase of the Bible/King James Version of the Bible parallel Dear friend, please consider the vows that you make to others.  But most importantly, consider those vows that you make to one in which you will give yourself to in the most intimate way. 

2) That wars would never start: 

 

Have you ever known of a time when there was no war?  It always seems that just about the time the world is close to seeing a time of peace, some despot determines that he wants to be ruler over more land, or desires to commit genocide on those who are not like him.  Scripture promises that we will continue to see war, but it also promises that there is an end in sight.  The Gospel of Jesus according to the Disciple Matthew, chapter 24, verses 3-8 CSB/The Message/KJV  

Dear friend, today is the day of salvation!  God knows every person who will be redeemed by Jesus.  Wars and rumors of wars are not the indicators that He is about to call believers to be with Himself.  The ultimate restoration for the believer occurs when every nation, tribe, and tongue has had the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Matthew 24:9-14 CSB/The Message/KJV  Depending on the source, there are anywhere from 1000-3600 unreached, unengaged people groups in the world.  This represents over 8 million people who have never heard the name Jesus, much less His story.  The question begs:  What are you doing to see that these people hear about the Good News of Jesus and thus ushering in His return?

The story of Joseph in the Bible has a theme; what was intended for bad, God intended for good.  Wars are terrible, destructive things.  But God intends for good to come of them.  Many wars bring about the persecution of Christians.  The biggest spread of the Gospel has always occurred when Christians are persecuted.  Acts of the Apostles, chapter 8, verses 3-8 CSB/The Message/KJV This spreading of Jesus' story resulted in joy for the cities where the persecuted Christians fled because they were diligent to the calling on their lives. 

3) ...And time will heal all hearts: 

 

This will happen for those who follow Jesus.  Revelation 21:1-5 CSB/The Message/KJV Can you imagine?  No more heartache.  No more sorrow.  No more darkness. No more lives torn apart, and wars will never start, and He will heal our hearts.  

4) Every man would have a friend:

Think about the circle of folks around you.  Do you have a deep relationship with them or is it more of a cursory knowledge of who they are?  Are you willing to lay down your life for them?  The Gospel of Jesus according to the Disciple John, chapter 15, verses 11-15 CSB/The Message/KJV  Everybody needs a friend like this.  Can you be one today to someone who needs it?  Could be that there is a new friend just waiting for you to engage them.

5) Right would always win: 

Injustice is a part of our lives in this fallen world.  But as we have eluded, there is a time when justice prevails.  John 3:16-18 CSB/The Message/KJV, Jesus provided the way for life with God and restoration to God.  Justice will be served when He comes as the Righteous Judge over everyone. When Jesus comes as Judge, there will be two books in front of Him.  Which book has your name in it?  Revelation 20:11-15 CSB/The Message/KJV, "The Sheep and the Goats" by Keith Green from the August 11, 1981 album The Keith Green Collection, Matthew 25:31-46 CSB/The Message/KJV

6) ...And love would never end:

 

All of the above

7) Every man, woman, boy and girl in the generation of my influence would believe in Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life, the Name above all names, the Savior of mankind, and the Reason for the season.  (This one isn't in the song, but 7 in the numerology of the Bible is the number for completion, lest we leave our list incomplete!) 

There ya go, Mr. Claus.  My Christmas list for 2018.  It is quite different from my previous lists, of a Daisy beebe gun, a bike with the sissy bar, and Spirograph.  But, hopefully, I have changed as well as I now see things through redeemed and restored eyes.  

As I long for the world to hear about Jesus and His salvation, I now submit to you this, my grown-up Christmas list...Merry Christmas!!!

'Til Tuesday,

Serving HIM by serving You,

randy