Joy to the World - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Away In A Manger - Celtic Woman (And a Surprise Visitor)

And here's our surprise visitor!

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Casting Crowns

What Child Is This - Moody Blues

Did you know the Moody Blues did a Christmas album? Neither did I until I discovered this.

Mary Did You Know - Donny Osmond

O Little Town of Bethlehem - Sarah McLachlan

O Holy Night - Celine Dion

Let It Be Christmas - Alan Jackson

Little Drummer Boy

When I really thought about the lyrics of this song, it seemed so profound. The little drummer boy didn't think he had anything worth giving to a king, because he didn't have anything of great monetary value. All he had to give was his talent, and that was what pleased the Baby Jesus. All of us have some sort of a talent, and if we use it in service to the Lord, he will be pleased.

A Baby Changes Everything - Faith Hill

It's a universal truth, known to mothers everywhere. A baby will change your life. Hallelujah!

Breathe of Heaven

The first time I heard this song, at a community Christmas concert a few years ago, it took my breath away. What a huge burden of responsibility Mary must have felt, to carry the Christ child. Surely she must have needed the comfort and reassurance of the Spirit constantly. I'm sure she had guardian angles around her at all times.

I believe we all have times when the burdens we have to bear seem too much. What I love about this song is the message of reaching out to God to help us do what we have to do, and even just to exist from day to day. "Help me be strong. Help me be. Help me." We have heavenly help available to us too, if only we will ask.

The Wexford Carol - Alison Krauss and Yo Yo Ma

Just when I think I've found the most beautiful version of the Wexford Carol (last year), I find another even more lovely and haunting. Alison Krause has such a pure, lilting quality to her voice, and Yo Yo Ma is . . . Yo Yo Ma.

I Need a Silent Night

Do you ever feel like you just need to step away from all the holiday rush and take a breath?

O, Come All Ye Faithful - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Christmas Lights - Trans Siberian Orchestra

I'm really feeling lazy on this Saturday morning, and I have a "Too Much To Do List." Usually, I can get in gear with the right music. In December, that means Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Give This Christmas Away - Operation Christmas Child

Here's an opportunity to teach your children (and yourself) how wonderful it feels to share with those who are less fortunate. Operation Christmas Child is a project run by the Samaritan's Purse ministries to deliver Christmas gifts to needy children overseas. It's a simple thing to fill a shoebox with gifts to delight a child. Watch the video. You'll get the general idea. Then you can follow the link above to find instructions, gift suggestions, and dropoff locations.

Pat-A-Pan (David Archulet and Orla Fallon)

Who would have thought to pair up Celtic Woman and David Archuleta? Okay, so this not exactly Celtic Woman. Orla Fallon (she's the one with the flaming red hair) who used to be a member of Celtic Woman had her own Christmas special this year and David Archuleta was one of her guests. This is the same arrangement of Pat-a-Pan that was on David's Christmas album last year. Orla is the backup singer prominently displayed over by the grand piano.

(Last December I posted a fan-made video for David's Pat-a-Pan that is one of the best I've ever seen. You can find it here.)

One Last Christmas

This video will probably make you cry. Have your tissues handy, and don't say I didn't warn you.

Pearl Harbor Day

Somehow, I never really made the connection until now that the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred in December, so close to Christmas. It somehow makes it a little more poignant to think of all the servicemen who lost their lives, and their families back home who were probably getting Christmas packages ready to send before they heard the news.


For all those who have served or are currently serving in the military, thank you for all you are doing.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Where's the line to see Jesus?

A friend of mine sent me a link to this video and I planned to post it some time this week. Then I thought, wait a minute. This is the whole point. We've turned Christmas into the world's biggest birthday bash, and it is a lot of fun. But Christ is the reason we have Christmas. Maybe we should think about what he would like for his birthday. Here's a clue. Pull out your Bible. Read John 14:15. If you're not sure where to start, read John 21:15-17.

You can help spread the message, too. Wherever you are, there are probably radio stations playing Christmas music. Give them a call and request "Where's the Line to See Jesus" by Becky Kelly. It's on iTunes.

Silent Night - Jackie Evancho and Katherine Jenkins

Every time I hear Jackie Evancho sing, I am astonished at the huge mezzo-soprano voice that comes out of this little 10-year-old girl. In this performance of Silent Night, Jackie and Katherine Jenkins' voices are so well matched they sound almost like the same person singing both parts.

Christmas Lights - Coldplay

I just found this brand new Christmas video by Coldplay (the Viva la Vida guys). What do you think? A new Christmas classic? Okay, maybe not classic, but better than a lot of stuff I've been hearing on the radio.

(Oh, and sorry about the pop-up ad. It's a YouTube Vevo thing. Just close it.)

Hallelujah in the Mall

When I first saw the video of this flash mob in a mall, I thought it must be the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on a lunch break. But no, it is the members of Chorus Niagara at the Welland Seaway Mall in Ontario, Canada. They're really good! I would love to do something like this.

Mary's Boy Child - Bony M

This is my husband's favorite Christmas song, so I like to include it every year. This year I found a different video, from a television appearance in Germany (I assume, since the host is speaking German). Keep watching for the short bonus at the end.

Christmas is Coming - and I'm Not Ready!

December just snuck up on me this year. And look at this blog, still all decorated for fall and Thanksgiving. I guess I've got a little work to do, to turn this into my Musical Advent Calendar again this year.

Let's get things started with the Muppets!