It's Christmas Eve, music is in the air, and I love it! A few years ago at a Family Life Network Christmas musical, I did something I rarely do, making a spur of the moment purchase, an internet radio. Linda has it playing constantly, especially during Advent and Christmastide (How's that for antiquated language? We moderns lump everything together as the "holiday season," whereas traditionally, there was Advent, followed by Christmastide, and then Epiphany). We've programmed in a few Pandora stations, including five or six Christmas-themed ones. We can switch between a "Renaissance Christmas," "Holiday Music," "Bing Crosby Christmas," "Big Band Christmas," "Classical Christmas," and "Christmas Carols." There may be others I can't recall. To some people I know, my admission that I actually like to occasionally hear "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and other secular holiday tunes is tantamount to heresy, but it's true.
Nobody sings "White Christmas" as well as Bing Crosby, "Silver Bells" must be done by him and Carole Richards. Burl Ives has to sing "A Holly Jolly Christmas," and it helps if Mel Torme does his signature "Christmas Song." Oh yes, Christmas wouldn't be complete for me without the Vince Guaraldi trio doing "Christmas Time is Here," and "Linus and Lucy." What I really love however, is to hear the classic carols, especially the less familiar ones, sung by full choir with pipe organ accompaniment. That's why I have the Classical Christmas channel. What I don't like is the old carols dolled up by contemporary artists who think they can improve on it with all the frills and vocal gymnastics that seem to draw more attention to them than the Savior of which the songs speak. The only exception to this disdain for modern interpretation of the old carols is listening to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Their rock cantatas are nothing short of amazing.
About five or six years ago, Linda, knowing my love for classical music, bought tickets for us to attend a TSO concert in Buffalo. She saw the word "orchestra," and figured it would be traditional classical music. What a surprise! Not for me; I knew who they were, but Linda was utterly dumbfounded at what she had done. We had a great time; I had a good laugh at her expense, and have gone to a number of their concerts since. Unfortunately, this year will not be one of them.
I suppose the music of the season is to be expected, heritage of the angels, of Mary, and Elizabeth, whose Gospel songs were the first of a long line of Christmas music. In a few hours, we will head down to church, gathering to sing songs old and new, ushering in the Day with musical joy. It is a tradition we've observed for most of our adult life. The music will soar, pipe organ replaced by guitars, drums, and keyboard. Toward the end, the lights will dim, we will receive Communion, light candles, and sing "Silent Night" as the Eve passes and Christmas Day arrives. It wouldn't be the same without the music. We sing because God has given us a song. We sing joyfully because God gave us a Savior, Jesus, his Son.
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