by Jason Joyner | Dec 13, 2011 | bad use of tinsel, Blog, Christmas, culture wars, holiday trees
|
| Some traditions need changed |
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Perhaps.
To some people.
During the holiday season, we hear accusations of “culture wars” or “Christmas wars.” There are various stories of people complaining that some politician is calling the city’s decorations a “Holiday Tree” instead of a Christmas tree. Elementary students can’t sing traditional Christmas carols like “Angels We Have Heard On High,” only songs like “Jingle Bells.”
Christians get worked up over the scrubbing of Christ from Christmas. Secular people state that not everyone is celebrating the same thing.
On a similar note, my family enjoyed The Sing Off on NBC. The singers they bring in are so amazing. They had a Christmas special on December 5th, and it brought some of the most popular groups from the 3 seasons to perform. It was a very enjoyable performance, but I realized after a while that all of the songs were focused at the secular side of Christmas. I didn’t listen to every performance, so I may have missed something, but even though it was billed as Christmas and inspirational, there were no Christmas hymns. The groups may not be Christians, but some amazing songs come from the Christmas hymn tradition and would be great for acapella groups to tackle.
I am not here to throw another punch for the culture wars. I still enjoyed this special. It is still disappointing to listen to two hours of music without any classic hymns. It is sad to miss out on Christ in Christmas.
Secular people may point to the facts that Christianity superceded other pagan holidays or traditions over time to draw people to Church celebrations. Point taken! Guilty as charged.
I can’t change that fact. Still, we have hundreds of years of tradition for Christmas. Even though some traditions are relatively new, there is still background that has changed rapidly in the last several years.
I’m willing to share. I don’t care if a Christmas album has “Jingle Bells” or “White Christmas” on it. But I don’t want to see “O Holy Night” or “Go Tell It On The Mountain” relegated to church only though. Why can’t we all have time in December? How does that sound?
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by Jason Joyner | Dec 13, 2011 | bad use of tinsel, Blog, Christmas, culture wars, holiday trees
|
| Some traditions need changed |
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Perhaps.
To some people.
During the holiday season, we hear accusations of “culture wars” or “Christmas wars.” There are various stories of people complaining that some politician is calling the city’s decorations a “Holiday Tree” instead of a Christmas tree. Elementary students can’t sing traditional Christmas carols like “Angels We Have Heard On High,” only songs like “Jingle Bells.”
Christians get worked up over the scrubbing of Christ from Christmas. Secular people state that not everyone is celebrating the same thing.
On a similar note, my family enjoyed The Sing Off on NBC. The singers they bring in are so amazing. They had a Christmas special on December 5th, and it brought some of the most popular groups from the 3 seasons to perform. It was a very enjoyable performance, but I realized after a while that all of the songs were focused at the secular side of Christmas. I didn’t listen to every performance, so I may have missed something, but even though it was billed as Christmas and inspirational, there were no Christmas hymns. The groups may not be Christians, but some amazing songs come from the Christmas hymn tradition and would be great for acapella groups to tackle.
I am not here to throw another punch for the culture wars. I still enjoyed this special. It is still disappointing to listen to two hours of music without any classic hymns. It is sad to miss out on Christ in Christmas.
Secular people may point to the facts that Christianity superceded other pagan holidays or traditions over time to draw people to Church celebrations. Point taken! Guilty as charged.
I can’t change that fact. Still, we have hundreds of years of tradition for Christmas. Even though some traditions are relatively new, there is still background that has changed rapidly in the last several years.
I’m willing to share. I don’t care if a Christmas album has “Jingle Bells” or “White Christmas” on it. But I don’t want to see “O Holy Night” or “Go Tell It On The Mountain” relegated to church only though. Why can’t we all have time in December? How does that sound?
—
by Jason Joyner | Dec 25, 2009 | Blog, Christmas
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
by Jason Joyner | Dec 25, 2009 | Blog, Christmas
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
by Jason Joyner | Dec 14, 2009 | Blog, Christmas, giving, social justice
I’d like to provide the Spoiled for the Ordinary 2nd annual Alternative Gift Giving Guide. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect something for a loved one, maybe it is because they don’t need anything!
Instead of buying another unwanted trinket, consider donating on behalf of others and benefit those who really need it.
International Justice Mission – an organization providing justice, rescue, and rehabilitation for victims of the slave trade and sex trafficking.
World Vision – providing food and medical care around the world for years. One of the most respected charities out there.
Wonderfully Made Jewelry – do double duty! Find a beautiful jewelry piece for someone, made by rescued victims of trafficking. The jewelry may seem a little expensive, but it is not coming at the expense of sweat-shop labor.
Angel Tree by Prison Fellowship – Angel Tree provides presents to the children of prisoners, and is a way of showing hope to both the prisoner (who often feels guilty about not being able to provied for their kids) and the family left at home. Prison Fellowship offers many outreaches and services to prisoners all year.
Mercy Ships – these ships travel the world to offer medical, dental, and community development services to some of the poorest of all.
There are other worthy organizations out there, but most of these I’ve had experience with, and I know there is good return on your investment.
Be a blessing this Christmas season, and God bless you!
—
by Jason Joyner | Dec 14, 2009 | Blog, Christmas, giving, social justice
I’d like to provide the Spoiled for the Ordinary 2nd annual Alternative Gift Giving Guide. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect something for a loved one, maybe it is because they don’t need anything!
Instead of buying another unwanted trinket, consider donating on behalf of others and benefit those who really need it.
International Justice Mission – an organization providing justice, rescue, and rehabilitation for victims of the slave trade and sex trafficking.
World Vision – providing food and medical care around the world for years. One of the most respected charities out there.
Wonderfully Made Jewelry – do double duty! Find a beautiful jewelry piece for someone, made by rescued victims of trafficking. The jewelry may seem a little expensive, but it is not coming at the expense of sweat-shop labor.
Angel Tree by Prison Fellowship – Angel Tree provides presents to the children of prisoners, and is a way of showing hope to both the prisoner (who often feels guilty about not being able to provied for their kids) and the family left at home. Prison Fellowship offers many outreaches and services to prisoners all year.
Mercy Ships – these ships travel the world to offer medical, dental, and community development services to some of the poorest of all.
There are other worthy organizations out there, but most of these I’ve had experience with, and I know there is good return on your investment.
Be a blessing this Christmas season, and God bless you!
—
