As a young girl, one of my favorite Christmas songs started on page 70 of the old Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook. I played that tune over and over on my flute until the pages became dog-eared and worn. Although the tune was catchy, my fascination went beyond notes. It told a story, but I didn't understand the words. It talked about a Redeemer. But that Redeemer was a child.
How could a child redeem anyone from anything?
Church was not a regular part of my childhood, so the story of angels, wise men, and a shining star captured my imagination.
In His amazing wisdom, God chose to tuck that particular song in my heart. I pulled out that same old songbook last week, and marveled at the yellowed, well-loved pages. And I came upon that song. I picked up my flute and played it through several times. The song stuck in my head for days.
I realized that I still sing it to this day - but with much more gusto. And tenderness. As a Christian, I understand it now. I sang it during my talk on Sunday night at a women's advent dinner. Only 2 women out of 300 recognized the tune, but most, if not all of them, understood the meaning of the words.
The song, called "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S," was originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1961. It goes like this:
"When I was but a youngster, Christmas meant one thing: I'd be getting lots of toys that day. I learned a whole lot different when mother sat me down and taught me to spell CHRISTMAS this way:
C is for the Christ child, born upon this day,
R is for our Redeemer,
I means Israel, and
S is for the star that shone so bright.
T is for three wise men, they who traveled far,
M is for the manger where He lay.
A is for all He stands for,
S means shepherds came, and that's why there's a Christmas Day!"
Beautiful way to tell a story full of wonder, isn't it?
Here's a YouTube link to listen if you like [be prepared - it's old school!]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLl95DnsN90&feature=related
Do you have a favorite Christmas song from childhood? What made it your favorite?
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What a lovely post, Donna. My favorite carol as a child was Away in a Manger. I liked thinking that Jesus had once been a child just like me.
ReplyDeleteDonna, That is beautiful, and very moving. It's amazing how the Lord works through a song, a note, scripture - however his word is passed, it's at work. Praise God He tucked it in your heart.
ReplyDeleteKeli, how comforting that must have been to know that Jesus would have, at one time, been the same age as you. How awesome!
ReplyDeleteJill, what a beautiful picture you paint with your words. Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful insight.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved "Silent Night." It's entwined with Christmas Eve services ... and candlelight ... and the childhood memory of an apartment near our home that always put up Christmas lights in one window in the shape of Mary and the baby Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of my favorites, too, Beth! What a sweet childhood memory for you. I've never seen that done. Hmmm...sparks ideas for decorating. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI remember loving "I Heard the Bells" because as a kid in a small catholic church, I wasn't convinced that these people I went to church with really believed in God, but more in the rituals we did week in and week out. So the verse in the song, "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor doth He sleep! The wrong shall fail the right prevail with peace on Earth, good will to men." Gave me great comfort, encouragement, and affirmed my little kid's heart conviction that God was indeed there with me.
ReplyDeleteThat is a powerful memory tied to a wonderful song. God is certainly not dead nor does He sleep! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Wow!
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