23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28!

Ooops...did I fall off the face of the Earth? Nope, I traveled across NYS to visit my in-laws for Christmas. And the idea of blogging from my android phone was not very appealing.
So here are my Christmas music selections for the past 6 days:
23 - "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"
My favorite verse is below...I LOVE the imagery!
Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

24 - "Ding Dong Merrily On High"
This seems like a silly song that kids giggle listening to, but I love when the "glorias" intersect in harmony. Celtic Woman's version is spectacular!

25 - "I Saw Three Ships"
I absolutely love to sing this song ON Christmas Day. In the morning. Really! Sting's version of this song is very cool. And how beautiful are the last few verses:
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

26 - "We Three Kings"
I have loved this song my whole life, but it became a favorite when I was in about 10 years old. I played this song on the clarinet and the harmony lines were SO beautiful! Now I can't sing this song without hearing the harmony in my head.
Here is my favorite verse:
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

27 - "Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground" by Chris Tomlin)
This is a newer song, certainly not an ancient hymn, but both the lyrics and the music are beautiful!
What hope we hold this starlit night
A King is born in Bethlehem
Our journey long, we seek the light
That leads to the hallowed manger ground

What fear we felt in the silent age
Four-hundred years can He be found
But broken by a baby's cry
Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate, here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His name Emmanuel

The son of God, here born to bleed
A crown of thorns would pierce His brow
And we beheld this offering
Exalted now the King of kings
Praise God for the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate, here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His name Emmanuel

Oh, praise His name Emmanuel
Oh, praise His name Emmanuel

28 - "How Many Kings" by downhere
If you've read my recent facebook updates, you've seen that I've FALLEN IN LOVE with this song! A friend posted it last week and after I heard it just one time, I knew I'd found a real gem. The melody, the harmonies, the lyrics...all amazing! Lyrics are below, but I urge you to go find the live studio version on youtube!!!
Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -
Just a child -
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

All for me...
All for you...