It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. Santa Claus is Coming to Town. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (yes, I know they should be in quotes for perfect punctuation, but it looks better this way). Classic Christmas songs that my parents grew up with—and by default, so did I. I still remember when I heard that last one. I must’ve been in kindergarten, and it made me so sad to think the kid’s mommy was cheating on his daddy with Santa Claus.
I still love listening to those old songs because they bring back some very sweet memories of my childhood Christmases with my parents and grandparents. But most of them really have nothing to do with the season. They don’t mention Jesus at all. In fact, Santa is the hero in these lyrics.
Of course, there are also the timeless Christmas carols we sang in church. What Child is This (written in 1865). The story behind this is beautiful, and if you’re interested, you can read it here. Or the haunting song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1863 poem “Christmas Bells.” Interested in its origin? Click here. Both songs were crafted in the midst of great tragedy and pain.
Did you know Joy to the World was written by English minister and hymnist Isaac Watts in 1719, and it’s based on his interpretation of Psalm 98? I didn’t. I’ve never bothered to research the origins of so many of our beautiful historical Christmas carols.
But there are also so many new songs that have come out more recently, which I’ve been highlighting in my blog posts this month. Two weeks ago, I shared Caleb and Kelsey Grimm’s medley of two songs—Oh Come Emmanuel and Jesus We Will Wait On You. It was while researching this couple that I discovered Caleb was part of the Christian band Anthem Lights. I had never even heard of them.
So, imagine my surprise when I came across this group in my search performing with It’s Charlotte Ave (another unknown to me group) for a song to share on Christmas day . And, they were singing two of my favorite songs—one a Christmas song and the other not. Mary Did You Know? and Breath of Heaven. I sure hope the Lord will make my voice beautiful when I get up to heaven. To sing like these people do is a true gift.
I hope you enjoy this video and have the most blessed Christmas ever.
