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List of all Articles in Shopping
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Bingo History - The Origins Of Bingo Games
The origins of bingo, as with most games, is shrouded in the mists of history. However, we can trace the idea back to the 1500's where the Italians invented a lottery game to be played 'en masse' rather like Bingo is today. "Lo Giuoco del Lotto...
Music - Being a DJ for Beginners
Being a DJ may seem like an easy career path for many people. The fact of the matter is there is an endless stream of would be DJ’s who are just as into the music scene as you and me. The only way to get ahead in this game is to be hard working,...
The Dark Side of P2P File Sharing Programs
P2P file sharing programs are free. Period. But there are P2P scam sites out there that want you to pay them instead. P2P scam sites are rogue companies that have set up shop to fleece unsuspecting music downloaders looking for file sharing programs...
The Pros And Cons Of Ceiling Speakers
Office buildings, airports and restaurants were the first homes of ceiling speakers. They can be easily recognized by the dense grilles that pour decibels right into your head. But why would someone want ceiling or in wall speakers, instead of a...
Top 3 Magic Trick Tips to Performing Magic
Top 3 Magic Trick Tips to Performing Magic Magic has been around for as long as one can remember. Magic is something that can take people from reality to fantasy. I have been interested in magic since I was just little toddler. I’ll never...
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IT'S BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
IT'S BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!!
by Karen A. Lech
Last year at Christmas time a former friend told me that one of
the radio stations was playing nothing but Christmas music for
the entire month of December. I was so glad to hear that, for I
love Christmas music! This year, my daughters and I heard that
same radio station would start playing the Christmas music or
holiday music at 7 p.m. the Friday before Thanksgiving.
On Friday afternoon, I had taken my mother to the doctor. She
had just gotten out of the hospital after spending nearly three
weeks there. The visit to the doctor was good, but seeing her so
vulnerable and worried, the time spent reviewing and
adding/subtracting the numerous medications she was on, saddened
me. It is hard to see her, such a dynamic woman, with this
physical weakness and worry. I dropped her off back home, then
proceeded to get my girls, drop off clothes at the cleaners,
take them to eat, go to Menard's to pick up some necessities,
grocery shop. The weekend was one I planned on a major cleaning
blitz (with their help) to get everything ready for
Thanksgiving.
Sure enough, Saturday morning before Thanksgiving, my twin
daughters woke up early to their alarm clock radios set to the
Holiday Music. They have been playing it non stop! I must admit,
it lent a spirit to our cleaning, and you know what? I could
feel the love in their hearts as they helped me with the
housework, getting ready to gather together for a special meal
with those we love.
I was hostessing this Thanksgiving. My son from New York would
not be coming, but my 21 year old son, his wife, their friends
who own a Chinese restaurant, my 16 year old son who left home
to live with his father, my daughters, my mother, my sister and
her husband would all be my "guests". I wanted to make
everything as perfect as possible.
I try so hard to make the holidays a good memory for all who
come, make them as comfortable as I can make it for others, to
serve their needs, appetites, and spread good cheer and love,
for who knows? It may be the last holiday they spend with
anyone... and all too true that is, for just two Christmases
ago, I had guests who spent their last Christmas celebration at
my home. I hope their memories were good, for two left this
world, one now- my dear little Aunt Jo, with cancer, in a
nursing home.
During my holiday celebrations I had my own Christmas CDs
playing in the background. It lends such a festive mood, to
quietly hear songs we all know and love. So having a radio
station playing it non stop is a real treat!
The new versions of old favorites are interesting, for there are
some newer artists, like Josh Groban whose rendition of "Oh Holy
Night" sends chills down my spine and brings tears to my eyes.
The beauty of his voice is a gift in itself, a treasure. I am so
grateful he shares his gift of his voice with the world.
What is it about holiday music, the melody? the lyrics? the
memories of Christmas past?
I remember as a child in school how we would sing Christmas
Carols. I attended a Catholic grade school, in the great city of
Chicago. Music and singing hymns, even in Latin, for mass was a
major part of our curriculum. It was easy to memorize words and
melody. But now I think of the lyrics, and being a writer, the
meaning of the words of Christmas songs, with a much deeper
appreciation. Some lyricist lifted their heart to God and put to
music words of love and appreciation, words of joy and hope.
Music is one of the greatest gifts God has given to the human
race. It must be very important to Him, for the Bible tells us
that angels sing... and who would have given them that power
.... Our Heavenly Father.
I wonder, how did man decide to use his voice in song? Did he
hear angels do it? I am a firm believer in Adam and Eve, and my
scientific mind fills in the gaps with thoughts of cavemen. It
is my theory that when Adam and Eve were banished from the
Garden of Eden, they lost not only paradise, but a lot of
knowledge they had, for mostly, I bet things were just there for
the taking, and they and their descendants had to learn how to
shift for themselves, work for their food, etc. I believe they
reverted to caveman type mentality, being separated from the
protective walls of that Garden and God's abundance, and were
sent into a changed world, where animals were no longer
friendly, and food was not just there for the plucking. They had
to find their own shelter.
What prompted man to sing? To hum? To make an instrument? To
play an instrument? I don't believe animals play guitars or
pianos.......though they do have their own voices and song...
Somehow music does not fit in the theory of evolution, at least
Darwin's version of it.
And now, we hear choirs, families, children caroling, lifting
their voices up in praise (or money making as the music industry
can tell you) singing the familiar and beloved Christmas songs.
Take the time to relish the lyrics... they are beautiful. We
often mouth them, but do we mean them? Many are a form of
prayer, appreciation, historical. A story of Christ's
birth.....and what word pictures they evoke to take us back to
Bethlehem!!!!
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed.
Hark! The Herald Angels sing, glory to the new born King.
Oh Holy night, the stars are brightly shining, it is the night
of the dear Savior's birth.
Silent night, Holy night.
It came upon the midnight clear, the glorious song of old... the
hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight
Tis the season of words and music to warm our hearts. The season
of celebrating the greatest love given to mankind in the form of
an infant. Enjoy each strain and phrase, for they are reminders
to us all the reason for this season, and the God/Man, the pivot
point of every soul to choose and accept into your heart and
life, or not. No matter where you are or who you are, may the
blessing of Christmas music be with you every day of the year,
bringing you the same warmth, the joy, and love each and every
day of your life. And give thanks for the gift of music, for it
has wrapped its arms around you since you were born.
Karen A. Lech Copyright 2005
About the author:
Author from Richmond, Illinois. My first book (of many I have
written) has just been published (came out in August). I have
five children, many animals, love the outdoors and all manner of
nature.... even people.
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