Greetings First Presbyterian Family,
Christmas songs, carols, and anthems add so much to the season. My top three are “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “Joy to the World”, and “Holy Night”. Each hymn speaks in a special way to the awe, the majesty, and the holiness of the season. Each one speak of joy, wonder, and peace.
I also enjoy the secular songs that populate the airwaves at this time. Some of them are just fun. Some of these songs speak to deeper issues of the season. At this point my favorite three are: “We Need a Little Christmas”, “I’ll be Home for Christmas”, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.
“We need a little Christmas” comes from “Mame”. She sings this song one week before Thanksgiving Day in the early days of The Great Depression. She has lost her money, many possessions, and now her job. Back home with her nephew and staff, she has them put up their Christmas decorations and make merry. This song speaks to Hope.
“I’ll be Home for Christmas” made #1 for all four week in December 1943, four weeks of January 1944, and then four weeks in December 1944. When first written, this song spoke to a person in Los Angeles longing for Christmas Back East. However, sung in the context of World War II, this song spoke to the longings of millions who were separated from loved ones by War. This song speaks to Love between family members.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” comes to us from “Meet me in St. Louis”. At this point a family anticipates a move in the coming year. The children are sad at the prospect of their last Christmas in their beloved home. Judy Garland, who plays the oldest child, sings it to the youngest. This song acknowledges the present sadness. However, it also points to Joy in the moment and future happiness. Frank Sinatra later produced a cover that emphasized the Joy even more.
Each of these secular songs acknowledges challenges. Each song speaks to Joy in the moment, Love that knows no barriers of miles, and Hope in the midst of adversity. In Jesus Christ we have Joy that goes beyond circumstances. We have Love that knows no bounds. We have Hope that goes beyond present challenges. Advent and Christmas 2020 WILL be different. As you listen to the great hymns, songs, and carols of the season; as you listen to the secular seasonal songs that speak to our deepest longings, I pray that all of us will be guided by those words to Jesus Christ.
Jones Doughton
