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!!!
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!!!
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
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