Tag Archives: Randy Stonehill

S.A.N.S. Episode 300: Christmas at Denny’s

Posted on November 28, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are some artists who become synonymous with one song. Such is the case for Randy Stonehill who released Christmas at Denny’s on his 1989 “Return to Paradise” album. I met Randy back in college before I was fully aware of his talents as a songwriter and storyteller. I could have used Charlie the Weatherman as the featured song for Stonehill, but I was waiting for after Thanksgiving to reflect upon the powerful imagery provided within Christmas at Denny’s.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6.

Whenever I listen to this song, I am moved by the orphans depicted having their Christmas dinner at a local Denny’s restaurant. Depending upon the cards that you have been dealt in the game of life, it makes me think of what could have been in my own life. While it would be nice to turn back the clock and change what has already happened, you have to make the best of cruel circumstances, James 1:2-4. May the lyrics of Christmas at Denny’s help you appreciate what you have rather dwell on what might have been.

by Jay Mankus

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Seeing Beyond the Present this Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Since I stopped listening to and watching any type of news cast, I’ve been much happier. If I ever get curious about what’s going on in the world, all I have to do is click on the internet to see how depressing everything appears to be. Following Trump’s apparent loss in the 2020 Presidential Election, I thought stories would shift from the Coronavirus toward a more positive outlook for the future. From what I’ve read online, there must be a contest that I’m not aware of between news organizations to see who can present the bleakest forecast.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, 3 A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4.

As I read about the latest death toll from Covid-19, I was reminded of an old song by Randy Stonehill. The lyrics of this song is filled with sadness, sorrow, and tragedy, very apropos for probably one of the worst years of the 21st century. Stonehill uses the backdrop of a Denny’s restaurant to compare an orphans Christmas meal with symbolism from the Bible. While the attached you-tube is gut wrenching, listening to this song helps me realize just how blessed my life is despite the current crisis facing America.

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing, James 1:2-4.

A wise Old Testament king predicted that these days would come. While the details are always slightly different, you can’t escape trials that pop up. These unexpected circumstances and events don’t wait for you to catch up. Rather, when crap hits the fan, things will get messy often leaving emotional and physical scars. Like the depressing story in the song Christmas at Denny’s, it’s hard to see beyond the present. Yet, when I read the miraculous testimony of Elizabeth and Mary, with God anything is possible this Christmas, Luke 1:37.

by Jay Mankus

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Christless

Posted on December 22, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Seinfeld was one of the first sitcoms to mock Christmas, establishing Festivus for the rest of us.  Meanwhile, Jewish holidays weren’t exempt as Saturday Night Live, known as SNL, created their own version of Hanukkah sung by Adam Sandler.  At one point in American culture, certain topics were taboo, to avoid offensive language.  However, a growing trend has erased the line eliminating boundaries, opening up every religion to verbal attacks except for Islam.

When you subtract the presents, songs and exchange of gifts, what else remains?  Sure, there are decorations, lights and manger scenes, but is Jesus still Lord of this holiday?  Or has the good news of a Messiah been X-out by cards too cheap to print the reason for masses across the country and throughout the world?  As I look around the roads, shopping malls and desolate streets, cheers of good news is a rare sound.  Rather, complaining, gripes and moodiness fill the air, opening the door for another Christ-less season.

If political correctness continues to be a guiding light for Americans, I’m afraid the days of Christmas may soon be over.  In a recent interview, Christian singer Chris Tomlin vowed he’d go to jail if celebrating Christmas ever became illegal.  For those who think, “that would never happen here,” don’t be so sure.  For whenever a nation curses Israel or harms their ability to remain free, God promises to curse those countries that don’t stand with God’s chosen people.  In the Silent Nights that remain, may the Holy Spirit touch your heart, persuading you to invite Jesus back into your home, neighborhood and perhaps local schools.  If not, Christmas will be another day for the homeless and orphans, waiting for a brighter day.

by Jay Mankus

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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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Turning 30…Not!

Posted on August 13, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Randy Stonehill wrote a song about his 30th birthday called Turning Thirty.  Over a decade ago, I loved hearing the lyrics to this song.  The song Turning Thirty allows you to reflect upon your life: where you have been, where you are currently and where you think you want to go.  Well, turning 30 has come and gone, with 40 now in my rear view mirror.

On Tuesday, I will turn the same age as the King’.  I am not talking about Jesus or Lebron James.  Rather, I mean the king of Nascar, Richard Petty.  I will be the same age of the number of his race car.  When I was young, time seemed to stand still, unless it was summer.  As an adult, time seems to be like a time warp at hyper speed, slowing down every now and then, yet constantly ticking.  Unless the Lord returns soon, the big 50 will be right around the corner.

As I think about what I want for my birthday, I keep thinking of one thing: memories not presents.  I can’t tell you the top 10 presents I have ever received.  However, what I can remember are the memories of a Christmas in the Bahamas’ and another skiing in the Rocky Mountains.  Family vacations to Maine, at the beach and in a timeshare for the week have all inspired me to spend time with my own family traveling.  Therefore, as I am about to celebrate another birthday, savor the fond memories with your family, friends and loved ones!

by Jay Mankus

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