Tonight's first selection is "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant. There are actually two versions of this song and this one is more from Mary's point of view. I remember learning that Mary was most likely a younger teenager and thinking with a shock, "She was my age!" What terror and anticipation she must have had! I've always loved this song because it isn't necessarily Christmas-y, it can be listened to at any time of the year. Plus I love Amy Grant's voice, her range is where my imaginary range is so I could easily do hairbrush microphone singing!
The next song is also about Mary. "Mary Did You Know" has been sung by many. But most people don't realize the person who wrote it was Christian comic, Mark Lowry. This was probably when I started to realize that just because you're funny doesn't mean you can't be serious and have an impact. It's a wonderful song and Mark Lowry's vocal range is definitely heard. Plus as a fellow person with incessant questions, he asks some of the same questions I had.
Okay! Off to some lighter songs! "Winter Wonderland" by Avalon is so fun! It's got this jazzy harmony that I love. I would play it when I was babysitting my young brothers and we would dance to it. So every time I hear this I remember them as little kids and our dancing. Plus it was my secret, please God, let it snow so we don't have to go to school!
"Little Drummer Boy" is actually one of my dad's favorites, especially the Audio Adrenaline version. Every time I hear it, I can see my dad doing his little slight head banging imaginary guitar riff! He nails it by the way. It was one of the versions we played when we did our tree decorating.
Finally for the big win! "Away in a Manger"! Yeah, I know not really that original but it's the first Christmas song that I remember knowing all the words to. I can't remember why but I memorized the song as a little kid and it's always been a favorite for that reason. Plus I like not just any version of it, I like the Veggie Tales version! Just an added note, both the voices in the song are the same person.
Sorry I couldn't get more of the songs to download but hey, you must have YouTube so check them out if you want. I could keep going, but I bet you might get bored hearing all about what I like. What about your favorites? Get them out of storage, or just pull them up on YouTube. Listen to them, let good memories fill you. And most importantly, go out and make some more!
I've always loved Away in the Manger!
ReplyDeleteI still can't remember why I had to memorize the words, I think it was for a Christmas kids musical at church. I do remember wondering what a manger was and how for away was it. Also I lived on a farm when I was really young and I knew about cows but I had never heard them lowing!
DeleteLOL!
DeleteI've always loved Away in the Manger!
ReplyDeleteI didn't listen to much Christian music Christmas stuff. I've always preferred the originals. I am going to check out some of the songs you mentioned although I am familiar with Breath of Heaven, I had our children's church sing it one year with sign language for our Christmas program. It was so precious! Also Welcome to our world by Chris Rice was in our program. Aunt Kathie sent me a Kent Henry CD one year and said "it isn't Christmas without my Kent Henry CD." I listened to little of it and thought it was... it was different and shelved it. This year I got it out and listened to it and send her a text and apologized to her that I had delayed listening to it but I loved it and was listening now!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory of Away in a Manger is my; hmmm, I don't know I'm thinking it's my Sunday school class with the two and three year olds. There were four little boys. And Harrison was one of them. He was holding a black naked little baby doll, one was holding a brown little horse, and I can't remember but the other two. Of course they were supposed to rock the baby. And one was a horse baby! Harrison sang all the words because we had practiced. I have a picture of this somewhere. It was so cute! I think the other two were trying to run off the stage with the other teacher keeping them seated. It is a great memory.