Gloria In Excelsis Deo...

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...there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

As Tiny Tim would say, "God bless us, every one."
Merry Christmas my friends.

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Songs of Christmas: #1

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#1 U2, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" (1987)

This one packs all the best of mid-eighties U2 into a Christmas song of desire for past love and holiday companionship.  Be careful, though, listening to it can result in the deep lodging within one's brain of the repeated refrain, "Christmas... Christmas... Christmas".

The snow's comin' down / Christmas I'm watchin' it fall / Christmas
Lots of people around / Christmas
Baby, please come home

The church bells in town / Christmas
They're ringin' a song / Christmas
What a happy sound / Christmas
Baby, please come home

They're singin' 'Deck the Halls'
But it's not like Christmas at all
I remember when you were here
And all the fun we had last year

Pretty lights on the tree / Christmas
I'm watchin' 'em shine / Christmas
You should be here with me / Christmas
Baby, please come home

Christmas can be such a happy, joyful time; but it can also be a very hard and lonely time.  Often the difference is context. When the memories of holiday happiness past is compared with the loneliness of a present holiday reality, everything about the season can increase the weight, the burden, of such times.  Snow falling, bells ringing, people singing, lights shining... all of these normally festive symbols of Christmas joy can become mockery to those whose heart cannot join in the festivities.

WikiFact: "The second and most widely known [cover] was recorded by U2 in July 1987 during a sound check at a stop during their Joshua Tree Tour in Glasgow, Scotland."

Not surprisingly, this song reeks (in the most beautiful, effervescent way) of Joshua Tree era U2.  This may be an unfair advantage that this particular Christmas song has over the rest of its competitors (especially considering that I love all things U2).  Nonetheless, the U2 version of this song is able to stand on it's own legs as a top tier Christmas song.

It's not as though U2 departed greatly from the original version by Darlene Love.  The two are actually quite similar.  But I get the sense that this song was intended for Bono and the boys.  Yes, I would be so bold as to say that Phil Spector's Christmas song finds its fulfillment in U2.

I just really enjoy this song - right or wrong -  that's why it's number one.

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Songs of Christmas: #2

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#2 Band Aid, "Do They Know It's Christmas" (1984)

I woke up this morning to this song playing on our clock radio.  When it was done, the host, Molly Johnson talked about this song and about Christmas  .She was saying that she thought the World Vision gift catalogue was a great idea for Christmas.  Molly suggested that this is what Christmas is all about: giving good gifts to those in need.  Molly is a wise woman. 

On November 25, 1984 Bob Geldof brought together all the musical power that the UK pop scene could muster - he brought them together to spread a message and bring some much needed help.  He brought them together in response to the severe famine in Ethiopia.  That is what this song is about: spreading the message of Christmas, the message of hope, in a tangible way.

It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time


But say a prayer - pray for the other ones
At Christmas time it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dreaded fear
Where the only water flowing is a bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom 
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you 

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows
No rain or rivers flow

Do they know it's Christmas time at all?  

This song is a call to all those with plenty, a call to remember Jesus' words to us: "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me."  If we believe in Christmas, if we believe that God sent his Son to unite with humanity - to become one of us, becoming incarnate in human flesh - that we might find salvation, joy, and hope... if we believe in Christmas, then we must answer the call.

Oh, I enjoy the various singers in this one.  Vocally, Boy George is at the top of his game here.  And Bono's haunting (and convicting) cry.  I can't shake it for the whole season.  This song is a must for the holiday season.  It's here to stay (and don't waste your time with the more recent renditions).

This could have quite easily been number one.  It really was a struggle to give it only the penultimate position - if there could have been a tie, I would have done it.

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Songs of Christmas: #3

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#3 Boney M, "Mary's Boy Child - Oh My Lord" (1978)

Is this Christmas or a toga party?

We're into the top tier here  my friends.  The highest level of Christmas music... or is it?  I suspect I will get two kinds of reactions to this one:
1) "Awesome, I love this song!!!"
2) "Seriously? You've got to be kiddin' me."
Whatever your reaction might be... I'm not backing down on this pick.


Two things happened way back in 1978 that would forever alter the course of my life:
1) I was born;
2) Boney M released this single!

 Sure, Harry Belafonte gave it a good go with his original 1956 version; but when you give Boney M a listen you quickly realize the difference.  Boney M does not take it up a notch, not two... no, they drop a bomb on the song and reinvent it with power, attitude, and coolness in excess of recommended safety guidelines.

 As my dear wife is fond of pointing out, according to the immutable laws of the physical universe (I added that part), it is impossible for the Boney M hit to be playing and Tyler not to be dancing... IMPOSSIBLE I say (at the very least pumping his fists in the air to the beat and singing along with a giant grin on his face).



This song has major lyrical power - not only is the Christmas story presented, but the theological implications of that event are also given:

"and man will live for evermore because of Christmas Day"

"there is hope for all to find peace"

And then there is the amazing ''Oh My Lord' part at the end:

Oh my Lord
you send your son to save us
oh my Lord
your very self you gave us
oh my Lord
that sin may not enslave us
and love may reign once more.

Oh my Lord
when in the crib they found him
oh my lord
a golden halo crowned him
oh my Lord
they gathered all around him
to see him and adore.

Oh my Lord
with the child's adoration
oh my Lord
there came great jubilation
oh my Lord
and full of admiration
they realized what they had (until the sun falls from the sky)

Oh my Lord (well praise the Lord)
they had just begun to doubt you
oh my Lord (he is the truth forever)
what did they know about you.

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
but they were lost without you
they needed you so bad (his light is shining on us)

I ask you... can you find me better lyrics for presenting reality of Christmas?  Nope, this pop song has it all right in there.

And then there's the music video for this song... well, don't even get me started on it.

Sufficed to say, I stand behind song number three.  Enjoy.




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Songs of Christmas: #5 & 4

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#5 John & Yoko w/ The Plastic Ono Band, "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" (1971)

 Is this a Vietnam protest song or a Christmas song?  Well, it was a protest song... now it's a Christmas song.  Look at these lyrics and tell me it isn't a true Christmas (well maybe Xmas) song:

And so this is Xmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Xmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

You know, now that I think about it, perhaps this is more an Advent song.  John and Yoko (along with their Plastic Ono Band and the Harlem Community Choir) wish us a Merry/Happy Xmas; but they also prompt us to some reflection on what Christmas is about.  What is Christmas for the 'weak and the poor ones'?  What does Christmas have to say to the black and white ones, the yellow and red ones, all the various people who continue to fight?  Advent is a time of reflection on the state of the world, the state of ourselves; it is a time of reflection on the coming Messiah.  We are reminded of humanity's need for Him and our need for Him.  We are asked to contemplate our own role in the world, in the lives of those around us.  John and Yoko throw the question right in our faces here:

And so this is Xmas
And what have we done
Another year over
A new one just begun

Whatever you think of this song, it is indefinably ingrained in our Christmas psyche.  It is here to stay.  And I like it!  This Christmas time (or perhaps this Advent) take a moment to consider these things.  Take a moment to ask yourself: 'what have we done'?


#4 The Barenaked Ladies w/ Sarah McLachlan, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" (2004)

To be honest, I'm actually surprised that this one didn't rank higher.  This is probably the only Christmas song that I listen to year round.  Seriously, I even put it on a mixed CD that made for my wife to keep in her car.  The Barenaked ladies are so much fun.  Combine their energy with Sarah's beautiful vocals... a winner is born.

I don't think I had ever really listened to either of these songs prior to hearing this recording.  Now, I sing it all the time.

I haven't yet heard the rest of the album but I can only imagine what a Barenaked holiday would be like - fun.

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Songs of Christmas: #7 & 6

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#7 The Ronettes, "Frosty the Snowman" (1963)

Considering that I'm not a fan of the song itself (Frosty the Snowman), it is quite the testimony to the Ronettes that their version ranks so high.  I quite enjoy the way Veronica Bennett (aka. Ronnie Spector) says 'Frosty the Snowman'.  I really don't know how this one ended up at #7.  But, nonetheless, I think I'll leave it there for now.  It has a really good feel about it (it must be the era in which it was recorded).  Who knows why we like the things we do?






#6 Dean Martin, "Baby It's Cold Outside" (1959)

A yes, winter romance... you just gotta love it.  This song is such a fun one - you can almost picture the two lovers cuddled up next to a warm fire discussing whether or not the lady ought to go home.  She is trying to be prudent about it, but he is having none of that as he attempts to rationalize why she should stay longer (for her safety of course).

WikiInfo: The lyrics in this song are designed to be heard as a conversation between a female and a male, marked as "mouse" and "wolf" on the printed score. As such, every line in the song features a statement from the female subject, followed by a response from the male.

Indeed, it is this very back and forth that gives the story to the song and the song it's energy.  You just have to laugh as you listen to Dino (the King of Cool himself) sweet talk the young lady into staying - he uses every trick in the book. 


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Songs of Christmas: #8

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#8 Eurythmics, "Winter Wonderland" (1987)

Is this a Christmas song?  Whether or not it was originally intended as such, it certainly has become one.  I love the intro part on this version:

Over the ground lies a mantle of white
A heaven of diamonds shines out through the night
Two hearts a-thrilling
in spite of the chilling weather

Love knows no season, Love knows no clime
Romance can blossom any old time
Here in the open
We're walking and hoping together

This song does a great job in expressing the magic and wonder of a snowy scene.  There's nothing quite so peaceful as the fresh falling snow.  And yes, isn't it the perfect setting for romance to blossom?    This version is without a doubt my favourite rendition of the classic - I would even be so bold to state that it is the definitive version.  Annie and Dave own this song.

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Songs of Christmas: #10 & 9

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#10 Andy Williams, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (1963)

This one is so over-the-top that it's just right.  The song goes on and on about how wonderful Christmas time is - it's almost sweet enough to make you sick... but not quite.  I enjoy singing along to it.  All the advertising that we are bombarded with throughout the (commercial) Christmas season is tacitly telling us what Andy here is saying plainly: this is a crazy, uber-happy time; so get happy.  At times it almost seems like a spoof or parody of itself.  Sometimes, though, it is fun to jump into the Christmas cheesiness with both feet.  That's what I do when I sing this song.




#9 Brenda Lee, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (1958)

Ah, Brenda Lee.  According to Wikipedia this was recorded when she was only fourteen!  Good job girl!  This song is a staple Christmas classic.  Every time I hear it I get mental images of staff Christmas parties (strangely enough, staff Christmas parties from the early eighties?).  It has that feel to it:

Rocking around the Christmas Tree
at the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Ev'ry couple tries to stop

You will get a sentimental feeling When you hear voices singing "Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly" 

Rocking around the Christmas Tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone's dancing merrily
In a new old fashioned way

Yes Brenda, I do get a sentimental feeling.  I love that line there: "a new old fashioned way".  It carries with it the sense of living tradition.  Christmas traditions evolve and change - what is old fashioned now was once new.  Anyway, keep your eyes open for that mistletoe (it shouldn't be hard to find since it's hung where you can see).


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Songs of Christmas: #14-11

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#14 U2, "I Believe in Father Christmas" (2009)

I'm not sure why I've ranked this one so high other than I am currently intrigued by it.  Yes, I enjoy the song (I have no problem listening to Bono sing - love it), but it is the lyrics that are currently drawing me in. 

The song (written by Greg Lake) explores the questioning of Christmas that many of us do as we grow up.  This song takes the listening/reader on a journey: describing the promises that children are given regarding Christmas, the disillusionment that often comes with growing up, and the discovery of a deeper meaning (?).  I enjoy songs that initiate deeper inquiry and personal exploration.

They said there'll be snow at Christmas,
They said there'll be peace on earth,
But instead it just kept on raining,
A veil of tears for the Virgin birth.

#13 Joni Mitchell, "River" (1971)

Probably not the first song that comes to mind when people think 'Christmas'.  Nonetheless, it is a legitimate Christmas song.  Joni is a Canadian legend and this song is top-tier in her musical repertoire.  Yes, another song about difficulty during the holidays: emotional turmoil is never pleasant, least of all during the Christmas season - and Joni wants to go back home to escape (back home to the Canadian prairies).

I've long enjoyed this song.  Especially the lyrics:

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I learned to skate long before my memory begins and as long as I've been skating I've thought that it would be the coolest thing to have a frozen river that I could skate on (one that went on for miles and miles).

Best Cover: Sarah McLachlan - Her 2006 Christmas album, "Wintersong" is one of the best to come along in recent memory.

Reader Recommended Cover: Herbie Hancock ft. Corinne Bailey-Rae



#12 Vince Guaraldi, "Lucy and Linus" (1964)

This song is so much fun, so full of life.  If there was a reason to learn to play the piano... this song is it.

There's the added bonus that the Charlie Brown Christmas movie is an intrinsic part of childhood (at least for me - and one day for my children).  Speaking of asking the deep questions about the nature of Christmas, poor Charlie Brown sets out on the quest for the true meaning of Christmas.  The commercialization of the holiday season is ubiquitous, it's inescapable.  How can we get beneath the alluring veneer of shiny aluminum Christmas trees and ground the holiday season in something of value?  This is Charlie Brown's quest.

But the song... oh the song... it reeks of the sweet smell of life. It is a thoroughly (re)vivifying experience - just like Christmas.

p.s. a special nod to The Royal Guardsmen, "Snoopy's Christmas" (1967) - my favourite part: the Red Baron saying, "Merry Christmas mein friend".



#11 David Bowie and Bing Crosby, "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" (1977)

As a testimony to the sheer quality of this duet, let me be clear: I have a strong dislike for "Little Drummer Boy".  It is probably the worst (or at least most annoying) of the Christmas classics.  That being said, I think this rendition of it is great.  Bowie sings his part beautifully.  Plus, the video is wonderfully hilarious.  It is so contrived, so typically TV special.

[I guess this makes two on the list for Bing]




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Songs of Christmas: #16 & 15

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#16 Sir Paul McCartney, "Wonderful Christmas Time" (1979)

Probably the only knight to appear on this list.  A simple message: it's Christmas time... let's have a good time.  I can appreciate that kind of message.  A very Wings-style Christmas song.  Lots of fun this one.









#15 Mariah Carey, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" (1994)

You have to give some credit where credit is due... This song has staying power.  Every Christmas since it was released it has received plenty of radio play.  And for good reason: it's catchy, full of energy, good lyrics and a great time to dance to (especially around the kitchen if you're me).  I bought the album back in '94 because of this song and I still enjoy it just as much now as I did then.  When Mariah is good, she's good - she's good in this song.





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Songs of Christmas: #18 & 17

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#18 Elvis Presley, 'Blue Christmas' (1957)

This "heart-broken tale of unrequited love during the holidays" is a staple of the Christmas musical season.  There are plenty of cheery songs of idyllic holiday bliss out there;  we need some sad songs to balance them out and keep us grounded in reality.  This is one of my favourite sad Christmas songs.  Even Elvis needs a place in our holiday season.

Alternate Versions: Engelbert Humperdinck; Jon Bon Jovi; Billy Idol; Céline Dion; Porky Pig.  Conclusion: They all sound like they're trying to be Elvis (yes, even Céline)... therefore, just go straight to Elvis.
p.s. if you get angered, frustrated, or annoyed easily, don't listen to the pig




#17 José Feliciano, 'Feliz Navidad' (1970) 

José wants to wish you a merry Christmas (in two languages) and I think that's great (from the bottom of my heart).  This one has very simple lyrics and is a lot of fun.  Sing with me, "Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad.  I want to wish you a Merry Christmas...".

Wiki Fact: 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.

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A Countdown: Songs of Christmas...

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Christmas would not be the same without the near crushing barrage of seasonal songs.  In the early stages (i.e. October/November) I try to ignore them.  But as Advent begins and Christmas draws nearer, I come to embrace and enjoy them.  There are certain hymns that I cannot bring myself to sing ("Joy to the World", "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", etc.) since prior to Christmas we are still in anticipation of the Incarnation and ought not to celebrate it yet (at least in my humble opinion).  But there are still many 'Christmas' songs that I thoroughly enjoy.  Hence, I'm going to take a page from my brother's example and share some of my favourite songs of the season.  So, over the next couple weeks I will randomly post on some of them.  Be prepared.

Starting if off:

#20     Bing Crosby, 'White Christmas' (1942)
Classic, classic, classic.  This one is the paradigmatic song of idealized Christmases past.  And seriously, who doesn't love a white Christmas.

#19     Burl Ives, 'Holly Jolly Christmas' (1965)
You gotta enjoy this guy's voice.  Yes, it is both holly and jolly.  This one was originally done for the Holiday Classic Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie. 

Though, I must add, it does have a slightly awkward bit of lyrics in it:
Ho ho the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me

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Give Peace a Chance...

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I remember many years ago listening to John Lennon's 'Imagine', thinking what a truly beautiful song it is.  Now, with different eyes and different ears, I listen to it and I think to myself, what a beautiful sentiment.  It is a wonderful song.  But I listen to it now and I realize that he was so close, yet not close at all.  Peace is a wonderful sentiment, but it ought to be more than a sentiment.  Lennon imagined peace as resulting from the putting aside of religion.  That I cannot agree with.  It is easy as a modern to assume that religion has only brought conflict and fail to recognize that religion has been responsible for those ideals that we most value.

Peace can only come through that great gift given so long ago in Bethlehem - Mary's child, our saviour.  John may not have been able to see this; nonetheless, his desire for peace ought to be remembered, respected, and emulated.

Indeed, 'Give peace a Chance'...

John Lennon  (9 October 1940 - 8 December 1980)
Requiescat in pace

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Some days are heavier than others...

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Indeed, some days are heavier than others.  Some days seem to stretch out like an almost endless landscape of slow drudgery - wearying the eyes, the limbs and the heart.  Shoulders and disposition alike are bent low under the weight.

There are words that become too familiar, phrases so common that they seem to loose all meaning and relevance.  But then these words suddenly rush in like a cool breeze, bringing life and refreshment, filling the lungs with oxygen and the soul with hope.  I was doing my daily Latin translation when I came across these words:


Venite ad me, omnes, qui laboratis et onerati estis, et ego reficiam vos. Tollite iugum meum super vos et discite a me, quia mitis sum et humilis corde, et invenietis requiem animabus vestris.

Come to me, all you who are labouring and have been burdened and I shall restore you; take my yoke upon you and learn from me because I am meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest for your souls.

These words reached out to the deepest parts of my being and I suddenly became awash in desire for this rest.  Along with this desire came a sense of peace.  Even more than we desire rest, He desires that we should find it in Him. 

Reaching out to me through the weariness and burden, these words were no longer mere words: they were a call, a revivifying imperative.  Out of His boundless love He calls to us.  Such a beautiful call...

Venite ad me

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Thoughts on a nation: America and Americans...

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With the recent WikiLeaks release of various confidential diplomatic cables, we Canadians are forced to ask ourselves, not for the first time, what is our view of our neighbour(s) to the South?  How do we think of America?  I was reading a recent NY Times article on the this topic and it got me thinking again.  What is my view of the good ol' U.S. of A.?

I think that there is a general distrust of America by the Canadian public.  And I think that I share in this distrust.  But how can one not feel this way?  We're talking about the most powerful nation - militarily speaking - in the history of human civilization.  No other group has had the ability for total destruction that this country wields over the world.  Furthermore, no other group has had the ability and desire to be involved in every aspect of human life around the globe - political and economic - that this country has.  Am I suspicious of those in power?  Yes, yes I am.

Perhaps I'm a little biased though.  Indeed I have read Noam Chomsky's, Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance.  It scared the crap out of me.  Really, it did (and continues to).  How can one not be cautious around a nation that has been consistently at war (either overtly or covertly) at various places around the world for over the last half century?  The American political rhetoric that I hear on the news scares me.  It seems that America sees itself in the role of world police/protector.  This frightens me.  Am I biased in my view?  What is the line between being informed and being biased?  The historical record scares me.  I'm not sure that's a bias.

What about, as this article puts it, "Canada’s habitual inferiority complex vis-à-vis the U.S."?  I think there is plenty of truth here - at least in the popular media and popular sentiment.  Those with an inferiority complex tend to attack those to whom they feel inferior - by attacking others and bringing them down, they attempt to bring themselves up.  I think that many Canadians do that.  I think that I used to do that.  We attack their intelligence; we attack their 'culture' (calling them uncultured); we attack their manners; we attack and we attack.  Often it comes with an air of superiority and the implied 'like us': they aren't intelligent (like us); they aren't cultured (like us); they don't have manners (like us); they aren't welcomed world-wide (like us).  The adjective that I often hear preceding the word American(s) is 'ignorant'.  It's our Canadian catch-all attack of our neighbours to the South.

I confess, I used to be this way.  But I cannot carry on bashing Americans like that.  What changed?  I met, and became friends with, several Americans.  These people are funny, intelligent, caring, and hospitable people.  They are good neighbours; they are good people.  I was recently told that the small sampling of Americans that I know are not indicative of the greater American population.  I cannot speak to this since they are the only sampling that I have.  I can say that they give me hope for that giant nation to the South of us.  I watch American news and it often frightens me.  I have little stomach for American politics (it's a little to similar to 'reality television' for my liking).  I hear the rhetoric, I read about the foreign policy and I'm scared.  Yes, America (the gov't) scares me.  But for the sake of those Americans whom I know, those who impress me and give me a picture of what the American people are capable of, because of these people I have hope for America.

What's my view of America?  Well, that's a complicated question.

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