Christmas music has to be one of my favorite things. There are wonderful melodies as well as beautiful words. My husband and I often argued about the role of melody and lyrics. He was a lyrics man while I was a melody lady. By that I mean that I figured a song could not become a classic without a catchy tune, and he figured that the words sold the song.
All of that being set aside the songs of the season are glorious. Family Life Network began airing Christmas music right around Thanksgiving. It is not solid Christmas songs yet, but a mix of the regular music along with a smattering of Christmas songs.
While I was in school I was always in the choir except during a couple high school years when it just would not fit into my schedule. I often sang duets with one of the boys in the choir. It was not always the same person; the music designated the combination of voices. My favorite singing partner was the brother of one of my good friends. He had a rich voice that carried the melody while I sang the harmony. It helped that we were good friends besides. I was truly sad when he graduated and went on to Amherst College.
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Ann Swanson
One of the things that I miss the most about being retired is that I do not get in as much of the Christmas music as I used to. It did not matter what grade I taught I tried to incorporate some Christmas music. Another teacher and I often led the whole school in the singing of Christmas carols that last day of school. Anyone who has been around small children knows that if you cannot beat them, you join them. That is what we did with the all-school sing.
One year my class had a grown up party. The mother's fixed punch in a bowl and cheese and crackers that were elegant. For entertainment, a lady came in with her guitar to play music so that we could sing. That is one of the best parties that I have even done.
Now I make a joyful noise. Next weekend a group from the church is going out Christmas caroling. We start the evening at one of the nursing homes where a member of the congregation resides. Usually other people join in the "concert" as well. None of us are experts, but we enjoy sharing a gift of the season with those who do not get out and about. After we finish our rounds we end up at the church to eat soup and Christmas cookies.
When we go caroling we sing the familiar carols - that is what the people like to hear. I think as they listen they connect with their memories. Many have stopped me and told me that they remembered going out caroling.
Yesterday I had the Sunday school children complete some ornaments to give away. The older ones were fine with the process, but it was tough for the little ones to give up their creations. We tried to tell them that people who were sick would get some of them - that helped.
One of the up-and-coming Christmas classics is titled "Mary Did You Know?" This song is a wonderful mix of lyrics and melody. I found out that a man named Buddy Green wrote the melody, while the words were written by Mark Lowry.
A book I read described Mark as "one of the most interesting personalities in gospel music." Mark is filled with energy. Years ago I had the opportunity to interview Lowry before he appeared at the Warren County Fair. He was delightful to work with. His energy even came through in the interview. Now, I am sure that Mark was challenge to every teacher that he met, but somehow he found his niche in the music industry.
For years he appeared as a regular with the Gaither Vocal Band. While he appeared with this group he was the comedian, while Bill, the director of the group, was the straight man. If you have never seen him in action you owe it to yourself to look for one of the shows on television.
Mark began singing at a very young age. His powerful voice did not go unnoticed for long. As a third-grade student he sang the lead in an Easter musical. Mark's parents were the driving force in his life. They watched their exuberant son develop. They always assured him that God had a plan for his life.
"Mary Did You Know?" was written for a church Christmas play. Lowry noted that he envisioned himself interviewing the Virgin Mary.
"Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know, that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know, that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered,
Will soon deliver you?
Mary, did you know, that your baby boy
Will give sight to the blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know, that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod
And when you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God?
Oh, Mary did you know? Mary, did you know?"
I purposely have not included all the words to the song. I hope that you are interested enough in this modern classic to look them up for yourself. Ponder these words, for they are the purpose of Christmas.
Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa.