What Child Is This

Friday, December 25, 2009

Powerful words put to an old English piece of music and a profound classic was born!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wix14BuE09o&
feature=related Andrea Bocelli & Mary J. Blige - perfection!

Some interesting trivia about this classic from pg4anna.tripod.com/Greensleeves.htm



"What Child Is This?" is one of the most moving and beautiful of Victorian carols. It's history can be traced back farther than the days of the infamous Henry VIII. It dates from Elizabethan time, possibly even earlier.

The melody is the beautiful Greensleeves. This haunting melody, is often associated with guitar or harpsichord solos. As an ancient English folk song, there have been more than twenty different known lyrics associated with it throughout history and many more might have been lost. It was first published in 1652.

For much of its early life, the tune known as "Greensleeves" was associated with pubs as a popular drinking song. Although God is mentioned in a closing verse of the best-known lyrics, nothing about the song closely resembled a religious piece; it was simply one of the era's most popular folk songs.



The song was first registered in 1850 to Richard Jones with lyrics that were neither religious nor respectable. Shakespeare mentions it by name in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" in which is it played while traitors are hanged.

In 1865 Englishman William Chatterton Dix wrote "The Manger Throne," three verses of which became "What Child Is This?" In the era while Dix was writing hymns and raising a family, Christmas was not the celebration it is today. Neither was it a season where many openly celebrated the birth of Christ. Conservative Christian churches forbade gift-giving, decorating, or even acknowledging the day. These Puritan groups feared that if set aside as a special day, Christmas would become a day of pagan rituals more than a very serious time of worship. In this context, it was unusual for Dix to feel moved to write about Christ's birth, since many hymn writers of the period ignored Christmas altogether.

The song's powerful words presented a unique view of the birth of Christ. While the baby was the focal point of the song, the viewpoint of the writer seemed to be that of an almost confused observer. Dix imagined visitors to the humble manger wondering who the child was that lay before them. He wove a story of a child's birth, life, death, and resurrection, but in each verse it was answered with a triumphant declaration the infant's divine nature.

Dix published "The Manger Thone" in England just as the U.S. Civil War was ending. The song was quickly imported from Britain to the United States. Dix, who died in 1898, lived long enough to see "The Manger Thone" become the much beloved Christmas carol "What Child Is This?"



Complete Lyrics:

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 Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Hail, Hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SPARKYCARLEY 12/25/2009 9:15PM

Thank you so much. I love this song. So many people today forget the real reason why we celebrate Christmas, and you've made sure that Jesus was not left out of your holiday song list. Report Inappropriate Comment

IAFARMERWIFE 12/25/2009 10:23AM

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WILDCARD1 12/25/2009 9:47AM

Again, thanks for the history of this song! Very interesting! Merry Christmas! Report Inappropriate Comment

JAYCEE77 12/25/2009 8:40AM

I love Andrea Bocellis version of this song. My sons gave me his cd a couple of weeks ago for Christmas. Merry Christmas. Report Inappropriate Comment

O Holy Night

Thursday, December 24, 2009

When it comes to Christmas music, to my mind I separate it into two categories - Christmas songs which to me are the lighter, more modern tunes and Christmas carols as being more reverent, those we would sing in Church such as Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Noel, etc. and my favourite carol of them all is the most beautiful O Holy Night!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7uiqRCW6I8 Luciano Pavarotti & Placido Domingo - the master virtuosos!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-8jYpa1-o Celtic Woman/Chloe Agnew - this is how I imagine angels sound!



Some very interesting trivia about this carol - long, but well worth reading (taken from truemenministries.blogspot.com/2009/
12/o-holy-night.html ) based on Ace Collins’ book "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas", Zondervan Publishing, 2001.

It is a bit surprising that one of the most beautiful songs of the Christmas season – O Holy Night – was written by a wine commissioner in France known for not attending church and composed by a man of Jewish descent who did not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

In 1847, the parish priest of the town where Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure was wine commissioner asked him to write a poem that would be read at the Christmas mass. Knowing this, he knew it would have to be religious, focus on Christmas, and be based on Scripture. Using Luke 2 and Matthew 2 has his guide, he imagined himself present at the birth of Jesus. Traveling from his small town to Paris, he completed the poem by the time he reached the big city.

But he realized that this was more than just a poem, it was a song in need of a tune. So he asked his friend, a well-known (at the time) opera composer – Adolphe Charles Adams – to compose a tune. Reading the words, he realized that this poem was about a holiday he didn’t celebrate and a man he did not view as the Son of God. But moved by friendship, he went to work and completed the tune in a short time.

The result is a song that went on to have an interesting history. At first it was embraced by the French people and the French Church. But later, it was discovered that Adophe Charles Adams was a Jew and an atheist to boot. The heads of the French Catholic Church at that time deemed the song as unfit for church serves – citing that it lacked musical taste and a total absence of the spirit of religion! Even though officially banned by the Church, the people continued to sing it.



It was about this time that the song traveled to America – bitterly divided between North and South and quickly heading to Civil War. A Unitarian minister – of all people (The Unitarian Church does not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ) – was given a copy of the French carol, translated it and published it. He was drawn to its message of freedom – especially in the lines, “Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother, and in his name all oppression shall cease.” This minister – John Sullivan Dwight – was an ardent abolitionist and knew that the message of Christ coming to free all men was one of the most important messages that the people of the United States needed to hear at this pivotal time in our history.

There are two more interesting items of this songs history that show the impact it has on people. Back in France, in the 1870’s during their war with Prussia, a story began to circulate that on Christmas Eve in 1871, a soldier suddenly jumped out of his muddy trench and, with both sides look at this crazed man, he boldly stood with no weapon and began to see at the top of his lungs, “O Holy Night.” In response, a German soldier jumped out of his trench and began to sing “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come.” The story went on to say that the fighting stopped for the next 24 hours while the men on both sides observed a temporary peace in honor of Christmas day.

The other story takes place in 1906. It was the early dawn of radio and Reginald Fessenden – a former chief chemist for Thomas Edison – using a new type of generator spoke into a microphone and for the first time in history, a human voice was broadcast over wireless radio. He began by reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 and then he picked up a violin and played “O Holy Night.” Thus, this song became the first music heard over radio in the history of the world.



Lyrics:

1. O 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 appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Chorus
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.

2. 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.

Chorus
He knows our need, He guardeth us from danger
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

3. 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.

Chorus
Christ is the Lord, O praise His name forever!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

Enjoy!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WILDCARD1 12/25/2009 6:35AM

Thank you! The history was really interesting for this one. Report Inappropriate Comment

BJENKINS1014 12/24/2009 11:17PM

Thank you. This song was my favorite of all in the church service tonight, sung by a beautiful soprano. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUDY1676 12/24/2009 12:34PM

Thanks for sharing! Christmas isn't Christmas without this! Have a Very Blessed Christmas! Judy Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKYCARLEY 12/24/2009 12:02PM

This is the perfect choice for a song for today, after all 'tis the reason for the season! It's what we are all celebrating! Thanks! I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and a very blessed new year in 2010. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 12/24/2009 11:16AM

Thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

Feliz Navidad

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

"Feliz Navidad" is my DH's fav so I just had to include it in my Christmas song blogs.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMtuVP8Mj4o Live performance by Jose Feliciano of the Xmas song he made so famous.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFl-s63OfKg Another great version by Boney M.

Some trivia about this Christmas favourite from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feliz_Navidad_
(song)

"Feliz Navidad" is a Christmas song written in 1970 by the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano. With its simple Spanish chorus (the traditional Christmas/New Year greeting, "Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad" or "Merry Christmas,and a happy New Year ") and equally simple English verse ("I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart"), it has become a classic Christmas pop song in the United States, Canada and throughout the Spanish-speaking world.



Feliciano's version of "Feliz Navidad" (in which he plays both an acoustic guitar and a Puerto Rican cuatro) is one of the most downloaded and aired Christmas songs in the United States and Canada. It was also recognized by ASCAP as one of the top 25 most played and recorded Christmas songs around the world.

Lyrics:

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Ano y Felicidad.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
With lots of presents to make you happy
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STARTSPARKING 12/24/2009 6:21AM

Another great Christmas song! Thanks for sharing its history! Report Inappropriate Comment

STRAWBERRYLASS 12/24/2009 1:37AM

I love that song, thanks Val. I was singing that the other day with a friend's little 5 year old grandson. I am of Welsh descend so here is Merry Christmas in Welsh: 'n ddedwydd Nadolig Thanks Val for keeping the Christmas spirit alive for me and others. Hugs, Donna Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKYCARLEY 12/23/2009 8:47PM

Awesome tune! I could listen to this all year long! lol Thanks! Seems we have the same taste in Christmas music. I've liked all your choices so far! lol Report Inappropriate Comment

WILDCARD1 12/23/2009 3:28PM

this is such an easy song to sing, I hear it all the time from my kids, lol! Report Inappropriate Comment

MICHELE_L 12/23/2009 1:31PM

I am a Spanish teacher and it's just not Christmas until I hear this song on the radio. This year I heard it quite early in the season, which made my day! Report Inappropriate Comment

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

In keeping with my earlier blog poem today "I Saw Mommy Punching Santa Claus", here's one of my childhood favourites, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsat4e8jgHA John Mellancamp's great rocking version - check out his young daughter Teddi singing at the end!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFj4D11Wmn4&
feature=related My fav version by The Ronettes from 1963



Some trivia about this fun Christmas song from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Saw_Mommy_Ki
ssing_Santa_Claus

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" is a Christmas song with music and lyrics by Tommie Connor.

The original recording by Jimmy Boyd reached number one on the Billboard charts in 1952, and on the Cash Box magazine chart at the beginning of the following year. The song was commissioned by Neiman Marcus to promote the store's Christmas card for the year, which featured an original sketch by artist Perry Barlow, who drew for The New Yorker for many decades.

Jimmy Boyd's record was condemned by the Roman Catholic Church in Boston when it was released on the grounds it mixed kissing with Christmas. Boyd, age thirteen, was photographed meeting with the Archdiocese to explain the song. After the meeting, the ban was lifted.



Lyrics:

I saw Mummy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked
up in my bedroom fast asleep.
Then, I saw Mummy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mummy kissing Santa Claus last night.

Enjoy!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WILDCARD1 12/23/2009 3:37PM

I like this one too! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKYCARLEY 12/22/2009 11:42PM

Thanks. I love this one too. I'm a John Melloncamp fan but for this song I like The Ronettes better as well. Comment edited on: 12/22/2009 11:43:45 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

BJENKINS1014 12/22/2009 5:05PM

Thank you! This one brings back such memories. As a child, I loved that Jimmy Boyd version. How old AM I, anyway?!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JAYCEE77 12/22/2009 4:21PM

Thank you! This is one of my favorites too! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 12/22/2009 2:50PM

Thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

I Saw Mommy Punching Santa Claus!!!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Too good not to share!!!

I Saw Mommy Punching Santa Claus

T'was the night before Christmas
And all through my home,
My family was sleeping,
I was completely alone.

The stockings were hung
on the mantle (it's fake),
And on the table was placed
Some cookies and cake.

Gingerbread and chocolate,
Sugar and spice.
I was sure that Santa
Would find it quite nice.

My mouth started to water,
I looked at the treats twice.
Santa would understand
If I had just one bite.

Then what to my
Chocolate-smeared face did appear?
But Santa, an elf,
And a bunch of reindeer.

Santa walked up to me.
We stood toe to toe.
He said "Those are mine,
"Or didn't you know?"

I looked Santa square
In his twinkling eye.
And said
"You touch these treats.....you die."

You see,
With chocolate, nothing can compare.
Even with Santa,
I would not share.

Yes,
I've always had trouble with this.
To make matters worse,
Snacks go right to my hips.

But I wouldn't give up,
Those treats, they were mine!
So I told Santa Claus
He was way out of line.

He wrote my name on his list
The one that's naughty, not nice.
Then I balled up my fist and
Punched him not once, but twice.

The scuffle that night
Was ugly to see.
We knocked over the elf,
We destroyed the tree.

Yes,
Santa and I got into a fight.
It seemed to last
Almost all night.

We fought over those treats,
Those snacks and sweets.
I even stomped
On his black-booted feet.

Because when it comes
To sugary snacks,
I won't give up.
I just attack.

But Santa's tough,
Quicker than he looks.
(And besides that
He throws a mean left hook.)

Finally we sat,
Panting and bruised.
Santa said
"This just won't do."

He asked
"Tell me, tell me, why do you fight?
Are these treats so precious,
That you'll fight all night?"

"Oh Santa!" I cried,
As I massaged my black eye.
"I don't know why I love treats!
They go straight to my thighs!"

"I know that these snacks
Will just make me fat.
But I still want them."
And there we sat.

Santa looked at me closely,
He may have shed a tear.
And quietly asked me
"What do you want this year?"

"Oh Santa" I cried,
"I want to be thin!
Though I don't act that way.
Is that such a sin?"

"I eat more than I should."
I continued to say
"And what's even worse,
I have treats every day."

"And yes,
I know that those snacks are yours.
But cookies and cake
I truly adore."

"I don't want to eat them.
Really, that's true!
Because after I eat them,
I only feel blue."

Santa nodded
To show that he understood.
He smiled at me
As he quietly stood.

"My child" he said
"This gift you desire,
The one that you dream of,
That sets you on fire,"

"This gift I cannot
Stock on my shelf.
The only way to receive it
Is to give it to yourself."

The gift of good health,
Being fit, tone and trim.
Cannot be given,
Even by him.

"It must be earned,"
He said to me.
"With diet and exercise
Don't you see?"

"There is no shortcut.
No quick fix.
No elf magic.
No Santa tricks."

"Oh, Santa" I asked,
"Are you really sure?
All of that effort,
Must I endure?"

"My dear" he replied,
"To be truly fit,
You cannot just wait,
You must work for it!"

He continued "Cheer up!
I know you'll succeed!
For I've known you since you
Were as tall as my knee."

"You can do it!" he said,
In a voice that rang true.
"Because, my dear child,
I believe in you."

"Thanks, Santa!" I cried,
"For the gift of good health."
"Don't thank me" he replied,
"You give this to yourself."

Santa turned to leave,
Back to his work.
But at the last minute
He turned back with a jerk.

"Go ahead" he said,
"I'll leave those treats you adore."
"No thanks" I replied,
"I don't want them anymore."

And then up the chimney
His sack he did lift.
As he called back to me
"Good health.....What a gift!"

And I swear I heard
As he flew off in the night.....
"Merry Christmas to all,
And next year - no fight!"

by Tracie Johanson from
www.associatedcontent.com/article/20
61007/funny_christmas_poem_about_dieti
ng.html?singlepage=true&cat=44

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WILDCARD1 12/23/2009 3:40PM

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SPARKYCARLEY 12/22/2009 11:38PM

I read this on a thread you posted. It's so funny. I just love it. Thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment

BAILEYS7OF9 12/22/2009 1:29PM

Very cute! Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIEBUG815 12/22/2009 1:16PM

Too cute!! Report Inappropriate Comment

STAMPINGADDICT 12/22/2009 12:31PM

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FASTPHIL 12/22/2009 12:03PM

That's really a good one. Over the years with my weight battles I have been asked many times (after my successes) what my secret was and as Santa says "There is no shortcut. No quick fix. No elf magic. No Santa tricks" Just hard work. Keep up the good work Report Inappropriate Comment

LLWILSON100 12/22/2009 11:57AM

Absolutely priceless! Report Inappropriate Comment

BREN4376 12/22/2009 11:49AM

I loved it! Thank you so very much! You are awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

D_K455 12/22/2009 11:48AM

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