A Weary World Rejoices

I love music. Sometimes so much that it makes me weep. Uncontrollably. People probably think I'm crazy, looking over and seeing a grown woman sitting in her car wailing over the Frozen soundtrack. It just moves me. I think the Lord gave me the ability to understand music in a ferociously deep way. To understand the emotion portrayed in specific melodies, movements, and intonation. I was a music major at one point in my life. This was before I ventured off to the magical land of Orlando. I was in my freshman year of college, and an insane vocal performance major. I took every class I could that semester for music. Theory, Aural and Keyboarding, Choir, Piano, and Voice lessons. I quickly learned that I am not good what-so-ever with music theory. Trying to analyze a piece of music and figure out which key, cadence, and chord measures was like math homework. Utter pain and torture. However, I did decent when it came to ear training, deciding whether a piece of music was in a minor or major key, and which era and composer it was. However, after coming back from Disney, I decided to venture into a new path for my future, instead of going the music route.

But I don't really want to talk about my past with music. Rather, I want to talk about the music I am listening to of present. I know most of you will probably shun me for this, but I have been listening to Christmas music. I know, I shouldn't be. I know, i'll be sick of it before Christmas even gets here. But I am still going to listen to it. I will tell you my reasons why.

Oh, holy night!

The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Listening to Christmas music in advance allows me to pick and choose my favorite renditions of songs; some that have more heart and soul, others are peaceful and operatic, and many are fun and jolly. It allows me to broaden my repertoire of musicians, keys, instrument use, and uniqueness of the songs.

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Listening to Christmas music this early helps me not only hear the familiar tunes of most of these classic and monumental songs that everyone and their mother knows, but listen to the lyrics behind the tunes and melodies. Each song, is so unique in it's message when you stop and listen to the lyrics. They remind me of days of the past, my ancestors and heritage, of the legacy that has been bestowed on me. They remind me of the incredible message of what Christmas is all about. Reminding me that the story of Jesus' birth was something of whimsical beauty, and should be cherished. It is a way for me to keep my mind focused on the beyond wonderful gift that was given to us!

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend

Especially songs such as "Silent Night", "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", "Joy to the World", "What Child Is This?", "O, Holy Night". All of these songs are so familiar to us. It can be hard to really meditate on the actual words being sung. They are about the most important, miraculous gift in the world!

And this is why I listen to Christmas music early.

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name

What am I listening to this Christmas season?

Country:
Darius Rucker: Home For The Holidays (Favorite song: What God Wants For Christmas)
Brad Paisley: Brad Paisley Christmas

Big Band:
Michael Buble: Christmas
Idina Menzel: Holiday Wishes (What Are You Doing New Years Eve?)


Worship:
Michael W. Smith: Christmastime (BEST ALBUM)
Point of Grace: A Christmas Story (Emmanuel, God With Us/ O Come All Ye Faithful)
Joy Williams: Here With Us

Classics:
Perry Como: The Classic Christmas Album
Frank Sinatra: The Classic Christmas Album
Bing Crosby: White Christmas 
Carpenters: Christmas Collection


What are some of your favorite Christmas songs? Which ones move you, bring you to tears, bring a smile to your face, and remind you of the past memories and traditions?

Use the hashtag: #charmlfeblog on Twitter or Instagram and let me know, I am always wanting to broaden my music portfolio!