Christmas Blog
a Heavenly Host Declares
12/28/23
Tyler Lemen
”O Holy Night” by Celine Dion
One of the scenes I most wish I could go back in time and see is the moment a great light shone in the darkness as angels declared the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds. How glorious and awe-inspiring that must have been! One minute to be sitting in the pitch black of a rural countryside, and then to be awoken to a whole new reality and world.
This happens to us from time to time, doesn’t it? We stumble around trying to just get by, and then God makes himself known to us in a miraculous way. He shows up. He restores. He teaches. He comes through. He reminds us. We are awoken again to his goodness and might. Sadly, far too often we then stumble right back into the darkness of forgetting. And we retreat back into trusting ourselves. We misplace our hope.
Hope. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. As the Christmas season comes to a close, let us not lose our thrill in remembering a God who is with us. Let us not take for granted His presence. Let us continually rejoice because of the reality of a savior who has restored and rescued our weary souls. Hold onto true hope and persist in praising His holy name. Don’t let this moment come and go. Allow it to be used to teach you a little more about abiding in Christ.
Top 5 Songs to sing
with a Group
12/21/23
Pastor Tyler Lemen
#5 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: John Denver
Any spontaneous Christmas carol singing amongst friends always has to include this festive celebration of our dear hoofed symbol of unlikely heroism. The true heroes of this group effort are those that venture into the silent void between lyrics with all the traditional additions. My favorites being: “Like a light bulb!” and “Ho Ho Ho!”
* Additional Fun Fact: A reindeer is just a caribou. So next time you sing this song, sub in the word “caribou” and regale your friends with your newfound knowledge.
#4 Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays: *NSYNC
Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit like donning some frosted tips and reliving the heyday of the 90’s with a few buddies. Personally, I think The Backstreet Boys were far superior artists overall, but this Christmas song is da bomb! Do yourself a favor and watch the official music video for this song which, for some reason, features Gary Coleman. Yes, THE Gary Coleman.
#3 We Wish You a Merry Christmas: Pentatonix
You can’t have a list of top group-oriented songs without this merry melody. It’s right there in the title! You join any troop of carolers and this is the immediate go-to jingle. As you wreak havoc with your harmonies, just don’t make the rookie mistake of singing “king” instead of “kin.” The only reason it isn’t higher on the list is the escalating conflict that ensues over a bowl of figgy pudding.
#2 The Twelve Days of Christmas: Bing Crosby with The Andrews Sisters
Has anyone ever actually started this song and finished it in one attempt? To do so would be the musical equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest. Sing this song alone and you’re sure to fall short of the summit. BUT, attempt it with twelve trusted friends after some intense training and you’ll ascend the summit and be back down to the pear tree faster than you can say “5 Golden Rings.” If you want to take this song to the next level, as you sing, have each person be responsible for acting out one of the gifts given over the twelve days.
#1 O Come All Ye Faithful: Passion
What I love about this song is that it isn’t just a song, it’s an invitation. An encouragement to remember the reason for the season and a call to worship our Lord. There is an urgency to it. “Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!” We rush to do a lot of things don’t we? Maybe the thing we should be rushing to…..is to be in the presence of Jesus and simply rest. O come, let us adore Him.
a devoted follower Sees
12/19/23
Kim Lopez
”Noel” by Chris Tomlin
In the city of Jerusalem, amidst the chaos, there lived a man named Simeon. He is described in Luke 2:25 as "righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel." Simeon's devotion was not a passive observance but an active, expectant faith. As he waited in the temple, he clung to the promises of God with unwavering trust, his heart attuned to the whispers of the Holy Spirit.
In that divine moment, Simeon's devotion found fulfillment as he cradled the Savior, recognizing the long-awaited Messiah in the arms of Mary and Joseph. His excitement echoes the chorus in Chris Tomlin's song, "Noel," proclaiming, "Noel, Noel. Come and see what God has done. Noel, Noel. The story of amazing love! The light of the world given for us. Noel."
This Christmas, amidst life’s challenges, let us wait with expectancy for God, taking a moment to sit and remember what He has done. Christ, the light of the world, was given to us because of His amazing love. Like Simeon, may we be devoted followers, recognizing the presence of Christ in our daily lives, and sharing His redemptive story with a world desperately in need of hope. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us be bearers of His light, illuminating the darkness around us with the message of love, peace, and eternal hope.
Top 5 Songs we love to hate
12/14/23
Pastor Tyler Lemen
#5 Last Christmas: Wham!
“Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away.” What does that even mean!? How can someone give my heart away to someone else? Does that mean I love that other person now? My advice to Wham!: “Turn off the synth and get over it. Eat a carton of ice cream while watching a Hallmark movie like the rest of us.” Do you understand how bad a song has to be that Taylor Swift can’t even redeem it!?
#4 Christmas Wrapping: The Waitresses
This song will bore its way so deep into your brain that you’ll find yourself randomly singing it in March. The song never ends! It just slowly fades into the oblivion and takes your soul with it. Some of you aren’t familiar with this song, so you’re going to look it up. DON’T! I beg you.
#3 The Christmas Shoes: NewSong
This has got to be the saddest Christmas song ever written. Worse yet is the movie based on the song featuring Rob Lowe. The sentiment of the song is nice enough. A boy wants to buy a pair of new shoes for his mom who’s sick and dying but he’s too poor and can’t afford them. You know, like the content of every cheery Christmas song.
#2 Santa Baby: Eartha Kitt
In her list of demands, she asks for a deed to a platinum mine. A PLATINUM MINE! This sounds less like a Christmas wishlist and more like a hostage negotiation.
#1 All I Want for Christmas Is You: Mariah CareyThis belongs at the top of every Christmas song list. It is not just the greatest Christmas song ever. But probably just simply the greatest song ever written. You say you hate it. But we all know the truth….you love it. Remember, jolly ol’ St. Nick sees you when you’re singing in your car too. It’s ok, this is a safe space. We’re all friends here. No judgment.
* You might be wondering why “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” didn’t make the list. It’s because it’s a literary masterpiece. Shame on you for even thinking that it belongs on this list. It’s educational too. Every fact that I’ve ever learned about hippos is because of that song.
a cynical skeptic believes
12/12/23
Chase Gray
Romans 12:2
In a world where people choose to wield doubt as a shield, dare to be brave enough to surrender to the hope that Christ offers as we celebrate his birth this season. Many people in our world look upon tradition and hope as foolish values, trading these in for self-reliance and cynicism. There is false safety in this pride, it only leads to empty hearts and an endless pursuit of the self.
Romans 12:2 warns us against following the ever-shifting currents of culture, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." God wants us to surrender to the comfort of his hope and be emboldened in our faith. As we honor the birth of our Savior, don't feel foolish for being consoled by that warm fuzzy feeling this season can bring. Instead, dare to hope!
Top 5 Songs to lower your anxiety level
12/7/23
Pastor Tyler Lemen
#5 Christmas Time is Here: Vince Guaraldi Trio
When you hear the musical arrangement of this song, you can’t help but picture snow softly falling to the earth. And along with that imagined snow, falls all the cares of the day. The only reason this doesn’t rank higher is the creepiness factor of the kids singing. If your Alexa starts to play this song in the middle of the night all on its own as you’re walking through the dark to get a glass of water, you might as well just run out of the house.
#4 Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy: David Bowie and Bing Crosby
This is Christmas marketing at it’s finest! Young pop star, check. Old crooner, check. Song mashup, double check! Hearing these two people that have nothing in common sing together gives us hope that anything is possible during Christmas time. It’s a season for forgiveness, peace, and the joining of hands.
#3 Winter Snow: Chris Tomlin feat. Audrey Assad
This song reminds us about the slowness that Christmas points to. We needed a savior now! God gave us a baby. And, in effect, he said, “Wait for him to grow up.” Think about what that tells us about who God is and the way he operates. Maybe this Christmas you need to be reminded that there is joy and trust in slowness and stillness.
#2 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Michael Bublé
From now on, our troubles will be miles away. ‘Nuff said.
#1 Silent Night: Sarah McLachlan
This is the obvious choice for the number one spot. How to spell “McLachlan” however, not as obvious. It took me 4 tries and a google search. Really, her whole Christmas album “Wintersong” is a great listen that will lower your anxiety level. Easily in the top 5 Christmas albums of all time. But that’s an argument for another day. This song reminds us what the season is all about. Jesus. Everything outside in Bethlehem (and the rest of the world) was chaos and struggle and brokenness. Yet, there in the stable, the baby is able to sleep in heavenly peace. And with this dawn of redeeming grace, all is calm and all is bright in the presence of Jesus. The only better version of this song is a kids school performance. I dare you not to cry!
a Nervous Heart Trusts
12/5/23
Nicole Connors
”Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant
This is such a special song. Not only does it express Mary’s doubts and fears, but it also is a beautiful example of her humility before the Lord. No matter the unimaginable magnitude of her feelings and situation, Mary’s faith in the goodness of God remains steadfast. How many times do we not feel good enough to carry out what the Lord puts on our hearts to do? How many times are we afraid to take a step or a leap? I know I struggle with these things quite often. This is my prayer for both you and I: no matter how much we feel unequipped to do what the Lord asks of us, may we have the heart and mind of willingness and faith combined with boldness and fearlessness to step onto whatever path the Lord has prepared.
Top 5 Songs to listen to while decorating
11/30/23
Pastor Tyler Lemen
#5: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
You want a song to get you in a cheerfully festive mood? Then look no further than this Brenda Lee classic. You will get a sentimental feeling as you take tinsel out of the tote to the tune of this toe tapper.
#4: Merry Christmas Baby
This song by Otis Redding is sure to get you dancing as you deck the halls. And when Santa comes down the chimney half past three, he’ll probably find you still groovin’ to the music.
#3: O Tannenbaum
Normally, this song wouldn’t crack the top 5, maybe not even the top 10. But if we’re talking the Vince Guaraldi Trio version, then it instantly rockets to number 3 on the list. Fire in the fireplace. Hot cocoa on the end table. Putting the finishing strands of popcorn on the Douglas Fir. That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.
#2: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
The title says it all.
#1: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
As soon as you hear the very first note of this song, a smile stretches across your face that no grinch can steal. By the time Mr. Christmas declares that there’ll be parties for hosting, you’ll be skipping around the outside of your house tossing multicolor lights onto the eaves. And when Carl across the street calls the cops on you while you bless the neighborhood by belting out that final line way too loudly and holding that last note way longer than you should, you don’t care, because it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Looking for the Unexpected
11/28/23
Pastor Darcy Webster
”The One-Horse Open Sleigh” by James Lord Pierpont
In 1857, James Lord Pierpoint wrote “The One-Horse Open Sleigh”, a fun storytelling song echoing its title. This song was not written as a holiday jingle and was originally released in autumn. Later renamed to “Jingle Bells”, it did not gain popularity until 1943, well after Pierpoint’s death.
Sometimes the most surprising finds are discovered in the most unlikely places. A little ditty with no connection with the holidays has become one of the best-known Christmas songs of all time. So as this Christmas season is upon us, keep a look out for the unexpected. The small blessings. The sweet moments. The glorious sounds of this season. And most importantly, remember the Giver of those splendid gifts this Christmas.
John Lord Pierpont’s “ The One-Horse Open Sleigh”
Bing Crosby’s “Jingle Bells”