The Christmas Story

Found this after Christmas and just HAD to share it!

What a cute take on an old story.  LOVE this!  Enjoy this version of the Christmas Story as told by the children of St. Paul's Church, New Zealand!

Merry Christmas! Christ the Savior is born!

Sugar Plum Fairy - Tchaikovsky

Glass Harp playing Sugar Plum Fairy

So we all love to hear the Sugar Plum Fairy song by Tchaikovsky...it has become synonymous with Christmas and The Nutcracker ballet but I bet you haven't heard it played on glasses!

This "glass duo" is from Poland and were playing at the Chamber Music Festival in Bologna, Italy in June of 2010.

Both of these musicians were trained on traditional instruments, the violin and the trumpet.  The Glass Duo was founded by Anna and Arkadiusz Szafraniec. They are the only glass music group in Poland, one of few professional ensembles worldwide. They have brought their glass music to the stages of many renowned concert halls.

Here is some further information about the Glass Duo.


What is the range of your instrument?

It is now nearly five octaves, which, as far as we know, makes their instrument the biggest glass harp in the world.

What is the origin of the term "glass harp"?

The term was coined by Bruno Hoffman, the greatest promoter of glass music in 20th century. He created the term because of its resemblance to the aeolian harp. It is controversial, whether or not using such a term is justified. Nevertheless, it has become popular among other performers, so that is why they also use it. The Glass Duo personally like the term coined by Richard Pockridge, who called the set of "singing wine glasses" The Angelic Organ.

How many musicians perform on glass instruments nowadays?
The Glass harp is quite rare today and only few musicians maintain its tradition throughout the world. In Poland there is only one professional group - The Glass Duo. More popular is the glass harmonica. Although it is more comfortable for the performer, in the Duo's opinion, it is not as inspiring, not as expressive as the glass harp.

Where does their repertoire come from?
There are many original works composed especially for glass instrument, for example by such masters as Mozart or Beethoven.  They have several such works in their repertoire, but they try to promote glass music not only with original literature, but rather with their favorite pieces of music. They play mostly their own arrangements, but also works composed especially for them by other composers.

That's My King - Dr. S.M. Lockridge

This is one of those messages that you will want to bookmark.  Since I have found this message, about a month ago I have listened to it at least 5 times.  It is a message that will stir you up, encourage you and help you refocus!  He is amazing this KING we serve!  Join with me and listen to Dr. S.M. Lockridge as he teaches, That's My King!  Thank you Lord!

This post is hitting on December 24th because tomorrow we celebrate the coming of this GREAT KING!  Do you know Him?

This is a great day to ask Him to cover your life and take your sin.  He is amazing, this Jesus!  May your Christmas have NEW meaning this year.  May the reason for this season be REAL to you!  I wonder if ya know Him?  I pray you do!

 That's My King! the original transcript

The late Dr. S.M. Lockeridge, a preacher from San Diego, California proclaimed the greatness of our God and King in this sermon in Detroit in 1976.

My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King.

Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King.

He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.

He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King.

Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.

His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . .but He's indescribable. He's indescribable. That's my King.

He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King.

He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King!

Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the 'ever's, then . . .Amen.

If Mary and Joseph Used Facebook

Cute and well thought out message here, If Mary and Joseph Used Facebook.  With ALL the Christmas hype and commercialism, wouldn't it be good to REALLY remember what the season is all about?

Anyway, very creative video.  ENJOY and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Charlie Brown Christmas

Even a guy like Charlie Brown needed to know what Christmas was all about.   He cries out and asks, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

So when you need to know something, you need to be like Charlie Brown and ask the question.

Linus steps up to inform Charlie Brown with what the meaning of Christmas is all about.  Sit back and listen...even a child can get this.  Love it...enjoy!

Garden - Need To Breathe

Need To Breathe

This is a group I haven't heard before but I can tell you if all Need To Breathe writes is this good, I will want to hear them more and more.

This song is about Jesus and his struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane....hence the title, Garden.

Let the songs that I sing bring joy to you.  Let the words I say confess my love.  Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune.  Father let my heart be after you.  LOVE THIS!  They were trying to achieve a simple song with a great sound. Yep, this would be that.

This is a sit back and relax type of tune so why don't you do this during our CRAZY Christmas season.  Sit back and breathe.  ENJOY!

GARDEN

Won't you take this cup from me
Cause fear has stolen all my sleep
If tomorrow means my death
Pray you'll save their souls with it

Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

In this hour of doubt I see
Who I am is not just me
So give me strength to die myself
So love can live to tell the tale

Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

Father let my heart be
For you
For you
For you
For you


Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you

Father let my heart be after you

Handel's Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus

How can we celebrate the season without remembering and singing one of the most famous pieces of music in history, from Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus.

Here is an incredible piece played LIVE from Radio City Music Hall in New York City by Andre Rieu's.  A masterpiece and it never grows old sung in its original version.  By the way, if you are ever in an audience when this great piece is sung, it is customary to STAND during declaration!  Hallelujah!

Merry Christmas one and all!  He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  And He Shall REIGN Forever and Ever!  Hallelujah!  Come Lord Jesus!

I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day - Casting Crowns

Love the group Casting Crowns and I love the song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. This season take a minute to enjoy the beauty and the Majesty of the season. Merry Christmas.

Let It Rain - Jesus Culture

Woke up tonight and found myself praying for many things; my husband, my family, my friends, and for my country.  I would move from this ones need to that ones healing and then back to the firsts issues again.  I am asking for MORE Lord.  More of your goodness.  More of mercy.  More of your grace.  MORE LORD!  I  just am waiting for the Lord to break through and touch all these needs.

Then I remembered this song and loved this version too, so I had to cue it up and listen again.  Let It Rain by Jesus Culture is such a powerful song and SO what I needed tonight.  I am wanting the Lord to open the flood gates of heaven and let it rain!  Send your Spirit, Lord Jesus to saturate our dry and thirsty souls.  Pour out your Spirit Lord to the point that we won't have room enough to contain it.  We want more, Lord!  We NEED more, Lord.  We want to KNOW you, Lord.  Show us your Glory, Lord.  Let it rain!

The Ancient War Cry - Eric Ludy

Rak Chazak

Bravehearted...incredible teaching of the Ancient War Cry by Eric Ludy here and great revelation.  Be ready to get your game-face on and listen carefully!

There has been an ancient war cry throughout all the generations of the Hebrew....Rak Chazak (pronounced rock cra-zock).

Chazak is the rock-like "oomph" of the spiritually zealous heart, the game face of a mighty man, tenacity of soul, the gritting of the teeth of the spirit inspired warrior and the bearing of those teeth to the enemy. It is possessing a resolute and growling resolve for the glory of God, a flush of spiritual fervor, a tensing of all a soldier's muscles.  Do you have this spiritually?  We should have this -- as EVERYTHING WE NEED for LIFE and GODLINESS has been awarded to us already!  This is Chazak.  But what about Rak Chazak?

It came from Chazak Amats in the bible.  The other word that goes with it is Amats.  What is Amats?

Amats is heavenly audacity, it's rushing headlong into the most hazardous and impossible battles without pausing to consider the impossibilities.  It's a confidence in victory even before the field is taken.  It's lambs moving with liquid ferocity straight into the lion's lair.  It means swift footed, all-believing, super-conquering, prevailing faith in the Lord of Battles.

Who had Amats in the bible?  David against Goliath (I Samuel 17:1-58).   How about the three who overheard him in the cave of Adullam... for a cup of cool water from the well of Bethlehem. (2 Samuel 2:23)

Chazak and Amats is what came into the disciples after Pentecost - the Spirit of God.  Moses' last gasp, his great speech before the promised land (which he did not get to enter).  He is laying out the ground rules for the kingdom that is to be established across that Jordan river.  Be strong and of good courage - Chazak Amats....for the Lord thy God, He it is that does go with thee!  He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.  And Moses called unto Joshua in the sight of all Israel, Chazak!  Amats!  Be strong and of good courage!

We obey - God Wins!

Be strong and of good courage...Rak Chazak!

Tim Tebow and His Faith...

Tim Tebow

So this past Sunday, the rookie quarterback, Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to their seventh win.  Big deal, right?  Well, there is a bit more to this story.  He is now 7-1 with six in a row.  Ok so, so this still hardly makes him news worthy...hmmm.  So another tid-bit to be noted is that some of these wins he has pulled out in the last minutes of the game while down by 10 or more points.  Last Sunday, for example playing the Chicago Bears, he was down by 10 points with 2 minutes to go; pulling out another win.  Final score 10-13 in which the Broncos win by a field-goal.  Second only to Eli Manning, he has more 4th quarter comebacks than any other quarterback this season.

So all of this still hardly makes him a topic for me to blog about...well, that is the part of the story I love the best.  The history on Tim goes back to his conception.  His parents share the testimony (part One) of Tim's life and the testimony (part Two).  There was even a Focus on the Family ad that ran during the 2011 Super Bowl that caused a lot of uproar because it was a pro-life message as Tim's mother Pam share their story for life.  Tim's parent were told that their "baby" was just a blob, not even a fetas and even one doctor called the"blob", affectionally known now as Tim Tebow, a tumor. MIRACULOUS story!

Be encouraged in your faith!  Our God is Big and STRONG and MIGHTY.  What a powerful testimony as they walked through their tests.  There were days of doubt and struggle I am sure, but they persevered and the world is a better place for it!

LOVE!

On a side note, according to the Global Language Monitor, “tebowing” is now a part of the English language.  The website’s definition says that “tebowing” is “to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.” Pretty cool!  I think I will have NO problem encouraging my sons to follow the role-modeling of Tim Tebow!  What a man with an awesome love of his God!

So here is what the world has to say about this incredibly athlete and Bob Costas has a clip regarding it.  The world just don't know quite what to think of him!

To God be the Glory!

P.S. added on January 17, 2012....Well, the Broncos are out of the Super Bowl race but I had to follow up with one more incredible tribute to Tim Tebow.  Every week, Tebow picks out someone who is suffering, or who is dying, or who is injured that he is made aware of.  He flies them and their families to the Broncos game, rents them a car, puts them up in a nice hotel, buys them dinner (usually at a Dave and Buster's) get them and their families pre game passes, visits with them just before kickoff, gets them 30-yard line tickets down low, visits with them after the game (sometimes for an hour), has them walk with him to his car and sends them off with a basket full of gifts.  How can anyone not like this guy?  We need more Tim Tebows in the world!

By the way, he does this at home and on the road, win or loose, every game!

Advent - God With Us

Here is a modern look at Advent through an interesting song.  Really a fresh take on a very old practice.  This is about 5 minutes long but really kind of neat.  ENJOY!

Christmas With a Capital "C"

I heard this song, Christmas With a Capital "C" and so agree with the lyrics.  It's called Christmas...not Happy Holidays.  This song unashamedly speaks that Christmas is about the birth of Christ and we should not back down from that.  I totally agree.  Other events have "their" day and we are expected to just let them take Christmas away because it is offensive to some.  So what!  It's Christmas - the celebration of Christ's birth!  I am SO into that!

Freedom Reigns - Jesus Culture

Sometimes we just need a reminder of what God is up to.  I love Jesus Culture and this song, Freedom Reigns ALWAYS minsters life to me when I need it.  Wether we feel it or not, Jesus Reigns yesterday, today and forever and ONE day ALL of the earth will declare it.  Amazing God!  Amazing!

There is FREEDOM in Jesus. My prayer is that you will walk in that freedom - there is NOTHING like it!  Jesus Reign in my heart, in my city, in my world.  Amazing!

I Pray On Christmas - Harry Connick, Jr.

To get into the Christmas season, let's join Harry Connick, Jr. with Kim Burrell as they sing, I Pray on Christmas.  Incredible voices as they call on the Lord and join together in an incredible music duet.  I simply LOVE Kim's voice.  The women has soul and a voice too.  Enjoy and don't forget to pray - not only on Christmas, but everyday!  AWESOME!

For the Honor - Elevation Worship

A friend living in Minnesota told me about this group, Elevation and so I listened. The more I listened to this song, the more I really enjoyed it.  I say that because I want you to give it a chance when you hear it by listening a couple of times over a couple of days.  Their music is a bit different than some Christian Worship Music but it has a good feel and a great message.  For The Honor has such powerful images and is full of much truth but in our busyness of life, sometimes we miss the point found in this message; Honor!

What is honor?
Noun (a person, place or thing): High respect; esteem.
Verb (an action word): Regard with great respect.

Synonyms (words that mean the same thing):

noun.  honour - credit - respect - homage - dignity - glory

verb.  honour - respect - esteem - venerate - revere - dignify

Because this is a worship song, you need to listen to it when you have a heart of worship.  If I could suggest, at the end of a long day, curl up on a comfortable chair, grab a blanket, a cup of tea, light a candle or dim the lights and then listen.  Hear the message; completely.  HEAR what the Spirit is saying to the churches.  We need to be FULL of His Word and FULL of His Spirit...we NEED to be READY for those days when all we will do is worship!  ENJOY!

Hallelujah Chorus by the Philadelphia Opera Company

Found this last year but didn't get around to posting it so I thought I would be the first of the season for this year!  This incredibly fun event in a food court was staged by the Philadelphia Opera Company singing the Hallelujah Chorus on Saturday, October 30, 2010. There were over 650 choristers who met at Macy's Center City in Philadelphia.

There was another event like the one above that was hosted on November 13, 2010, in a food court at the Well and Seaway Mall by the Niagara Chorus.  Here is their version of the Hallelujah Chorus.

INCREDIBLE!  Do people stop to listen to the words as they sing this song?  One day ALL of mankind WILL get it!  Blessings and a Merry Christmas to you all!