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