...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.
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.
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.
#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.
#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.
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.
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.
