Monday, December 26, 2016

Meaning Of Christmas: Jesus Born In Bethlehem



Christmas has been so commercialised that many people associate it with Santa Claus, Jingle Bells, reindeer and snow. I'm hoping that with this short reading below, more people will understand the true meaning of Christmas. This process is a long and harduous task but I shall try.

My own Holy Bible has always been the King James version. The words in this version flow with poetic flavour. Give it a chance.

A Reading
King James Bible: Matthew 2: 1-14.

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen  his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,  And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
                                      Silent Night: Connie Francis

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.  

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt..."

A Peaceful Merry Christmas and New Year 2017 to all.
About the songs below, which are not the usual Christmas jingles we find, are filled with meaningful lyrics that tell about Christmas without the added frills.

When A Child Is Born - Sarah Brightman.

The original melody was  a tune from 1974 by Ciro Dammicco and based on  Le rose blu published in 1972. English  lyrics were written by Fred Jay (wrote hits for Boney M i.e. Rasputin and Ma Baker). 
No mention of Christmas but the theme of a looking forward to the birth of a particular child, suggests a reference to Jesus Christ's birth and a tiny star that lights up way up high may is the Star of Bethlehem
Sung by many artists, most successfully by Johnny Mathis in 1976. Also: Matt Monroe, Judy Collins, Boney M, Bing Crosby, Kamahl, Kenny Rogers, Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Moody Blues, Willie Nelson El Divo.
Silent Night, Holy Night - Connie Francis.
The song was first performed in 1818 at St Nicholas parish church in a village in present-day Austria. A young priest, Father Joseph Mohr had already written the lyrics of the song "Stille Nacht" in 1816.  The melody was composed by France Xavier Gruber, schoolmaster and organist in another nearby village.
In 1859, priest John Freeman Young, then serving at Trinity Church, New York City, published the English translation that is most frequently sung today. Both lyrics and melody are in the public domain.  The carol has been translated into about 140 languages and the most popular version is by Bing Crosby.

You Tube: Silent Night - Connie Francis: Video by Bine P.

Images: Google.
Songs Information Edited: Wiki.

21 comments:

ES said...

Blessed Christmas! May each Christmas bring a deeper knowledge and love for our Lord Jesus.

RANDY LEE KENG (THE STYLERS) said...

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New year

GEORGE CHEW (LEAD GUITAR: THE BURNS) said...

Merry Christmas

RC said...

Merry Christmas Andy!

JOEY KOH said...

Many thanks brother Andy Young. Christmas Greetings. May the Lord bring you and your family love, patience, faithfulness, goodness, peace, hope and joy. Happy Holidays.

M, said...

Dearest Andy,
A Happy Blessed Christmas Season and A New Year 2017. May you be blessed with good health, Joy and Prosperity.

Joycelyn said...

Wishing You A Blessed Christmas.

LAURENCE LIM said...

You must be commended for being the founder of your music blog. More than 1mil readers have benefitted from it.
Cheers.

MCS said...

Seasonal Greetings to you and family...

AUDIE NG (LEADER, BASSIST 'SILVER STRINGS') said...

Here's Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas.

OLIVER BALASINGAM (DRUMMER WITH SILVER STRINGS) said...

Merry Christmas. My Family To You.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

TWO SETS OF CHRISTMAS WISHES THIS YEAR. PLEASE CHECK THE OTHER CHRISTMAS POSTING FOR ANOTHER LOT.

THANK YOU.

RICKIE CHNG (LEAD GUITAR 'THE ESQUIRES') said...

Hi Andy

Thanks for the write-up. You can always expect everyone to have a good feeling at this time of the year with the Christmas mood and celebration all round that speak for itself. You really don't have to be a Christian to feel the same way.

This is a good time and good cause for celebration to also look forward to a coming new year 2017 with joy and good health.

Cheers

B said...

Thank you Andy! Merry Christmas and have a blessed holiday season!

chakap chakap said...

Matthew: 28: 1- 10 King James Version

"In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, 'Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.'

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. 'Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.'

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'All hail.' And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

Then said Jesus unto them, 'Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.'"

CYLIN (BLOG CONTRIBUTING WRITER) said...

Andy,

glad to read your post on the real meaning of Christmas - the reason for the season. Indeed with all that's going on in and around us, the message of the birth of Jesus is one of hope.

"Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing..."

A Blessed Xmas and a Joyous New Year to you and your Family.

JAMES SEAH said...

Hi Andy,

Best wishes for a Blessed Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2017!

JAMES KWOK said...

The presence of our
Heavenly Father remain
with you and all your beloved,
to bless you with the
love, joy and peace of Jesus Christ,
and the guidance and comfort of
His Holy Spirit,
throughout this
Christmas Season and
through every single moment of the
New Year.

MWN said...

Merry Christmas to you. I hope you are well and please take care. Happy holidays.

Best

RONNIE SEE of RONNIE AND THE BURNS said...

Dear Andy,
A belated Merry Christmas and may the dawning of the New Year be filled with lots of success, good health and happiness for you and the family.
Warmest Regards.

JD MANITOBA CANADA said...

Hello Andy,

I trust that you and your family had a very Merry Christmas and are enjoying the holiday season. We had a very happy time sharing dinner on Christmas Day.

Wishing you and your family every possible happiness and blessing in the New Year.