Tag Archives: Christmas music

S.A.N.S. Episode 301: What a Beautiful Name/Agnus Dei

Posted on November 29, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone in 2022, it’s officially time for Christmas music. While stores in Aiken have been playing Christmas music since the days following Halloween, Christmas season is now here. As you listen to the Cottrell’s version of What a Beautiful Name / Agnus Dei worship montage, may the words help you overcome the commercialism of Christmas. The lyrics should help you make Jesus the reason for this special season.

And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth, John 1:14.

A first century physician serves as a church historian. Luke is the author of Acts who writes about several of the apostle Paul’s missionary trips in accordance with the Great Commission left behind by Jesus, Acts 1:8. At some point during this spiritual journey, even this doctor was moved by what he saw and witnessed. Luke came to the conclusion that there is no other name on earth that compares with Jesus, Acts 4:12. May today’s song bring you closer to the One who saves.

by Jay Mankus

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Developing An Attitude of Gratitude

Posted on November 30, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As Christmas Day draws near yet again, it appears the Grinch Who Stole Christmas isn’t just a Dr. Suess classic.  Rather, a lack of thanksgiving is turning hearts once full of joy into Ebenezer Scrooge.  While 24 hours of Christmas music attempts to put people into the Christmas spirit, demons whispering Bah Humbug are drowning out carolers in the streets.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,  Ephesians 5:17-18.

I’m not sure the initial reason, but a song writer felt called to create a piece entitled the Twelve Days of Christmas.  Perhaps, modern times need a composition to prepare souls to celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God with us.  If Thanksgiving Day is used properly, this celebration could kick start the 12 Days of Thanksgiving, enabling a spirit of thanks to be transformed into an attitude of gratitude.

Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:19-20.

The apostle Paul provides a blue print for this evolution in a letter to the church at Ephesus.  The ungrateful tend to drown their sorrows in alcohol.  Meanwhile, the expense of gift giving can steal your joy for this special season.  To avoid this common fate, turn bitterness into praise by humming Christmas classics.  As this is practiced daily, perspectives slowly change from self-gratification toward a heart of service.  If you want to change for the better, start keeping a journal of reasons to be thankful.  When healthy practices become a habit, an attitude of gratitude will be established.

by Jay Mankus

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Christmas?

Posted on December 14, 2012 by expressyourself4him

As a new age approaches, a time is coming when children in America will not know God’s meaning of Christmas.  A little carol here, another Santa there and presents everywhere under a Christmas tree?  While Christians have taken this holiday for granted, the unchurched is drinking eggnog trying to comprehend the significance of this day.

Call it complacency, being out of touch or a lack of true ambassadors for Christ, something has gotten lost along the way.  The only Bible some people may open up is the example of Christ inside of believers.  Until this is displayed, the reason for this season will continue to be blurred by a double vision of the Word of God and what they see in followers of Jesus.

Is it just an illusion or a foregone conclusion that Santa Claus has become the Savior of Christmas?  Between the lines, there are no signs that the church can undo the lies of commercialism.  Drawing the masses to his side, with sleigh bells inside, at malls all across this country.

Tis the season to be jolly, except when you are driving or exchanging gifts that didn’t quite fit.  In the race to get great rates, what price are you still willing to pay as you try to appease your children every year.  Well, soon it will be all over, just a mass to make you feel good, then you can go back to behaving as you were.

What once was a holy night, is now great to catch a flight or stay at home to watch some bowl games on the tube.  It doesn’t matter who will be playing as long as Christmas music is airing in the background to get you in the spirit.  Meanwhile, angels are shaking their heads overseeing homes in disarray, urging you to quickly flip the channel.

Another rerun, another night, what happened to a wonderful life, lonelier than you have ever been before.  Is their any joy left in your hands or has quick sand penetrated this land, sweeping Christmas off its foundation?  I still believe peace can dwell on earth as long as there is something more behind the words, “Have a very Merry Christmas today!”

by Jay Mankus

Member of the International Society of Poets, 1994-1995.

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Another Silent Night

Posted on November 28, 2012 by expressyourself4him

 

It won’t be long until Christmas music permeates the airwaves.  Meanwhile, the annual release of new Christmas albums are on their way, as Country, R&B and Christian artists  try to give their modern interpretation of classics like Silent Night.  However, in this age, there is another meaning to silent night, one without God.

In the song Christmas at Denny’s, Randy Stonehill presents Christmas from an orphans perspective, without a family to call home or gifts to open.  In fact, most Americans experience silent nights often, alone, depressed and doubting God’s existence.  Although these people may not say it, they are thinking, “if God is real, why did He choose this path for me or God has abandoned me so I am going to go in a different direction.”  Choices like this lead to another silent night, separated from God like Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:23-24.

If God could speak directly to us like the days of old in the garden, He might ask, “have you spent any time praying today, singing songs of praise or opening up my Word to connect with me?”  Once you experience a close bond with someone, you want to build upon your relationship, nurturing it with caring, effort and time.  Unfortunately, the distractions of this world have recently kept  me from applying these same principles with God.

Thus, I am wrestling with silence, waiting impatiently for another sign from God like the faithless people in the days of Jesus.  Since what I have been doing isn’t working, I need to go back to the basics to break this silence.  Nehemiah has established a biblical formula of brokenness, fasting and prayer in chapter 1.  When you add vision to this equation, God broke the silence, providing Nehemiah with a plan.  If you are like me, sick of silent nights, clueless of the direction God wants you to move in, set time aside each day like Jesus in Mark 1:35 and God willing, you’ll be reconnected spiritually, Psalm 4:1-3.

by Jay Mankus

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