Category Archives: Advent and Christmas

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS THE ANGELS DID SING!

(Yes, it is a busy season but please check back Wednesday, December 26th for a particularly moving and satisfying Christmas experience.)  Noel (or Nowell) means Christmas. This old English Carol, The First Noel, is fitting this December 21, 2012—“cold winters night”—here … Continue reading

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GLORY TO THE NEW BORN KING—PEACE ON EARTH

(Yes, it is a busy season but please check back Wednesday, December 26th for a particularly moving and satisfying Christmas experience.) Like so many, perhaps you listened to the previous posts of carols here and recovered your joyous mood. Today’s feature, … Continue reading

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NUMBER 1 CAROL IN AMERICA—AT LEAST IN THE LAST SEVERAL DECADES

That would be, “Joy To The World!” The earliest version was written nearly 300 years ago by Englishman, Isaac Watts based on the 98th Psalm. The current adaptation is more than 100 years old. Don’t worry that some political correctness … Continue reading

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LITTLE DRUMMER BOY? MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER AND HARRY SIMEONE CHORALE—WHO ELSE?

“I played my best for Him—me and my drum!” Do you wonder what a drum solo would sound like if played for—and to honor—a newborn baby who was proclaimed King of kings? What if they sounded so spectacularly alive you … Continue reading

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LIGHTING THE DARKNESS AT CHRISTMAS THE HOLDMAN WAY

Tom Holdman is one of a small group of digitally synchronized lighting masters.  Mr. Holdman operates Holdman Lighting in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He has been building his masterpieces since 2006. This treat, the 2010 Holdman personal display, will delight you … Continue reading

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GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY—GOD IS THE SAVIOR WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD

—And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is … Continue reading

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‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, December 24, 2011

An international classic given the world nearly 190 years ago by an Englishman named Clement Clark Moore. It is performed here by Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix. Enjoy as you prepare for your own celebration.  

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THIS IS A SPECIAL YEAR WHEN HANUKKAH BRACKETS CHRISTMAS

As Jews celebrate the 8 days of Hanukkah this year, a rare thing is happening. Hanukkah, December 20-27, is bracketing Christmas. Hanukkah is the celebration of the completion of the rebuilt Second Temple and marks miracles given the Jews from … Continue reading

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IT WAS A TOUGH ROAD FROM NAZARATH TO BETHLEHEM

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to … Continue reading

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