The Best Reason for the Season

Here's to a Merry Christmas and happier 2021!  🍹

Very special greetings to readers from Saudi Arabia and Taiwan. (Best seen in web view.)

Having already presented glimpses of Christmas traditions in Barbados, including our annual fashion parade as well as much of the local music - even the humourous touches - and my "goosebump" faves, I will focus on the real reason for celebrating Christmas with some recently-discovered "goosebump" songs and seasonal quotes (not quite a nine lessons and carols) but I hope you will be inspired.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the virgin is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. That is God is with us." Isaiah 7: 14

O Come, O Come Emmanuel | Filmed in Israel (Hebrew & English) [Source: Anna Hawkins, November 2015]

Mary's Song 

"Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house ns family of David. He went to be registered with Mary to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they are there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke 2: 4-7 

Amy Grant - Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) (Lyric Video) [Source: AmyGrantOfficial, November 2019]

News of Messiah's Birth

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2: 10-11. 

Handel's Hallelujah Chorus | MSO Virtual Choir feat. MSO Chorus [Source: Melburne Symphony Orchestra, December 2020]

Love Incarnate, Love Divine

For a child has been born to us,

a son given to us;

authority rests upon his shoulders;

and he is named 

Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9: 6

                   Chris Tomlin - Noel (Live) ft. Lauren Daigle [ChrisTomlinVEVO, November 2015]

The Reason For The Season

On that note, I will sign off with a blast from the past. When I was a child, Jim Reeves was very popular on the local radio stations. Today, country and western music is still popular among a certain age group. He knows the true reason for Christmas (though the image with Santa and baby is unfathomable):

                    Jim Reeves..."C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" with Lyrics [V.A. Hoss, December 2013]

Until next time...