music (#792 - 804 of 1000 gifts)

There shall be music, sweet and clear,

Calling the reverent worshipers near,

Telling the story in notes and in rhyme

Of the Child who was born at Christmastime.

There shall be music, soft and light,

A lullaby sung on a crisp winter night,

Sweetly angelic like the voices that told

Of the birth of a king to the shepherds of old.

There shall be music, deep and strong,

Filling the air with melodious song,

Resonant sounds of gladness that tend

To lift every heart to a grateful amen!

- Alice Leedy Mason (Christmas Ideals - 1978)

As I always do at this time of year, I've hauled out the Christmas albums and am giving them some play time. Some of my favorites are the 2003 Michael W. Smith Christmas album and some CDs released by Our Daily Bread that contain beautiful classical songs. I have yet to play two golden oldies that we have only as records—a Nana Mouskouri Christmas album and one by Roger Whittaker. There's nothing nicer than a house filled with the warmth of a fireplace, the twinkle of lights, and the gorgeous songs of Christmas. That's number 792 on my list of 1000 gifts.

And ...

793. A hawk sighting.

794. Much shopping and other Christmas preparation done this week.

795. The way frost transforms, outlining ...

796. ... sugar-frosting ...

797. ... glazing ... 

798. ... and exposing.

799. Discovering a new worship album. The Journey by Stuart Townend has a lively Celtic flavour. Love it! (From some notes on Mr. Townend's website: "This album may signal that it’s time to turn the guitar amps down from 11, time to dust off the violin and flute, get out the accordion and the banjo, and lead God’s people in worship along slightly different musical paths to the ones we’ve got use to in recent years – and, in my humble opinion, that’s no bad thing…" - I'd say AMEN to that!)

800. A visit with my sis.

801. An inspiring church Christmas production.

802. A Christmas party with one of those wild gift exchanges where you get to steal someone else's gift. I came home with some Starbucks!


803. Plans for Christmas Day finalized. They'll be home!

804. A beautiful Sunday walk in the fog.

Fort Langley Bridge over the Bedford Channel

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