My favourite song for Christmas time has always been Grown Up Christmas List ever since I heard Amy Grant sang it years ago. She was the original singer even though you could find many artistes covering it now (Michael Buble, Kelly Clarkson and Natalie Cole, to name a few). The song was composed by David Foster and Linda Thompson Jenner. At a time when we are busy buying and receiving presents, or maybe take it as an opportunity to drink too much, we get lost in all the merriment. Its the birthday of Jesus, does anybody know what he wants for his birthday?
Too often the church and fellow Christians fail to share the message of Christmas, we get all caught up in the theology. While we trumpet the need to be "saved", the underlying message is to bring mankind together and lookout for each other. We try to hate the sin but love the sinner ... but at times I wonder "where is the love"? When we judge others' lifestyles, sexual preferences, ... how we treat our fellow human beings though their occupation may be maids, labourers or beggers ... where is the love that you say you possess??? .... when we burn buildings, trigger off bombs in the name religion ... where is the love that you say you possess??? I think God when he appears, might say to all: "That's NOT what I meant!!!"
In the end, its human frailty that needs attention. I loved Amy Grant's version but the recent one by Charice (though I regard her singing as a bit precocious at times) was very good as well.
Do you remember me I sat upon your knee I wrote to you With childhood fantasies
Well, I'm all grown up now And still need help somehow I'm not a child But my heart still can dream
So here's my lifelong wish My grown up christmas list Not for myself But for a world in need
No more lives torn apart That wars would never start and wars would never start And time would heal all hearts And everyone would have a friend And right would always win And love would never end This is my grown up christmas list
As children we believed The grandest sight to see Was something lovely Wrapped beneath our tree
Well heaven only knows That packages and bows Can never heal A hurting human soul
What is this illusion called the innocence of youth Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
p/s some of you may say, its not just Christianity that wants all that ... so true, so true ... maybe its time for you to find out where's the difference.
Well, as they say, its easy to love the world, but its hard to deal with my cantankerous neighbour ... supporting big issues/causes is easy, loving someone or dealing with a difficult friend is hard. First of all, don't be "that difficult friend".
Anyway, I digress. No better time to get to write this, before my readers all fall off their chairs, ... my all time fav Christian album. Hymns used to drown me to sleep when I attended church as a kid every now and then with my aunt. Even in a progressive church setting, singing hymns was not a welcomed thing. When I got hold of this album some 20 years ago, it was so inspiring and fun to listen. Sandi's voice was exceptional, the arrangement was brilliant, the pacing was improved for many songs. In my mind hymns are exceptional pieces of music because they are theologically correct. The ones in her album are all gems. Get it if you can, its unbelievably good.
Sandi Patty Hymns Just For You Album Track Listing
1.
It Is Well With My Soul
2.
Fairest Lord Jesus/I'd Rather Have Jesus: Fairest Lord Jesus / I'd Rather Have Jesus
3.
How Great Thou Art
4.
In the Garden/Just a Closer Walk With Thee/What a Friend We Have in J: In The Garden / Just A Closer Walk With Thee / What A Friend We Have In Jesus
5.
Old Rugged Cross, The
6.
Lord's Prayer, The
7.
Amazing Grace
8.
To God Be the Glory/Holy, Holy, Holy/Blessed Assurance/Great Is Thy: To God Be The Glory / Holy, Holy, Holy / Blessed Assurance / Great Is Thy Faithfulness
9.
Might Fortress Is Our God/Rock of Ages/Victory in Jesus/Because He Li: A Mighty Fortress / Rock Of Ages / Victory In Jesus / Because He Lives
10.
Sweet Hour of Prayer/I Need Thee Every Hour/Just as I Am/Turn Your Ey: Sweet Hour Of Prayer / I Need Thee Every Hour / Just As I Am / Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
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