My Top Christmas Songs and What They Mean to Me!

 Scene Dear Readers~

Wow, it's hard to believe there are only about 25 more days until Christmas; it seems just like yesterday my brother and sister-in-law and their kids were here celebrating. But I guess that's what happens as you get older - time flies and before you know it is gone! That being said, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite Christmas songs and why they are important to me.

Let's face it... We've all grown up hearing about Santa Claus- the jolly old man in a red suit who brings presents to those on the "nice list". If we are honest with ourselves, though, the impact of this story fades as we grow; as a result, we're left to view the innocence through the eyes of our relatives- younger nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters who we passed on the tradition too!

For that reason, every Christmas is different for me; I'm not saying that the "magic" is gone. I still enjoy watching my nieces unwrap their presents- their eyes glowing with excitement. But I realize what's most important during this season. It's the time you've spent with friends and family spreading God's love in their life. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season!

The following four songs help me remember what is most important during this Christmas season and remind me to do whatever I can to further God's kingdom because tomorrow is not promised. After all, as I've said many times before, we are God's representatives.

1. Grown-up Christmas List by Amy Grant- Although this song has many versions, this is one of my favorites. This song illustrates how growing up our view of the world changes and we begin to focus on others rather than just our own needs. If we grown-up believing in Jesus, we know that it is only he that can solve the world's problems. This song makes me realize the world is still a broken place and there is still work to be done
2. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by Celine Dion- This song makes me evaluate what I've done over the past year to share my faith with those around me. It also reminds me to not worry about the future because God has everything in the palm of his hand. It also gives me pause to think about those in war-torn countries, fighting for their lives as well as our safety and protection
3. Where are You Christmas? by Faith Hill- This song reminds me that Christmas isn't always easy for everyone... Relatives may have passed this year and so they might find this year very difficult. They may have forgotten the happiness of Christmas because they are so full of loss. Also, this song reminds me that Christmas isn't just for the holiday season, it should be felt every day. People need God's love and hope- that's the ultimate gift of Christmas!
4. Here Comes Santa Claus (the Christmas Carol version) by Unknown- I know this seems like a surprising choice considering the rest of my list... But hear me out, this version mentions the true meaning of Christmas in lines like this, ""He loves you just the same Santa Claus knows we're all Gods children That makes everything right So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight! " I admit this version is hard to find famous singers singing but it can be occasionally heard on the Delilah show on I Heart Radio.

Anyway, if I don't write any later on this month, I wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Debbie

"One Heart At a Time"-a candid look at what makes Radio Show Host Delilah who she is

Welcome Back Readers,

I'll be honest I haven't felt quite like myself the last few weeks. Although I've been rolling along trying my best to work on the blog and YouTube videos, my heart hasn't been really in it. Still, news of Delilah's new book and podcast gave me something to do and post about. As I've said in previous posts, I've been listening to her radio show for as long as I can remember on and off throughout the years. Except for her faith (which she shares candidly on the air to anyone she feels led to), I didn't know much about her. Sure, I knew she had a nonprofit foundation to help feed and provide for the needy in underdeveloped countries. But because I read her new book "One Heart at a time" I feel like I know her more like a friend. Let me preface this review by saying, I'm only halfway through the book but I just had to share what I've been touched by so far.

1. Delilah is a famous radio show host, yes, but she is also just a human with a broken heart- as with her radio show, Delilah is open and candid about her life and difficulty. In the very first chapter, she tackles the most recent tragedy that broke her heart- Zack's suicide. I admit this was a difficult chapter for me to read and listen to because I'm always used to hearing her positive attitude and spirit. But that's the truth, people are broken in this world and that's why they need to hear about the love of God.
2. Delilah always seems to know what to say to her listeners. Reading and listening to her show, I'm always amazed how she knows exactly what to say to her audience. She is not afraid to share the gospel and how she feels about any subject. As she puts it, she has "the gift of gab"
3. Delilah believes in Jesus and follows wherever he calls her. It's amazing to see how God works in other people's lives. Sometimes there as miraculous as receiving a email from a complete stranger that leads you to learn more about the difficulties in Liberia. That led to the greater purpose in her life- Point Hope
4. Delilah believes prayer is vital in this life- her stories of praying for miracles as a child touched my heart; in the prayer chapter she also points out that God has the ability and often does meet us where we are in life, we just need to pray. Are you doubting? That's okay. It's even normal. Ask him to show you his presence in a very unique way to you and I'm sure he will. But you must keep your heart open.
5. She is changing people's lives "one heart at a time". In her book, Delilah explains how she developed Point Hope with the express purpose of giving the homeless a hand up to restart their life. Over time, she realized they just had come to rely on that daily as their meal. It was then that she realized you have to get to know the person to really impact change.. Even with my blog and YouTube ministry, I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough. I am not making a difference. But as my dad puts it, "God is watching you and is very proud of you!" If I'm being honest, a lot of the times I don't feel that way; I don't see the impact. Not only that, having a disability has a tendency to get me down these days. I don't know why. I can't explain it.

In short, Delilah has been through a lot in her life; but she has chosen to use her circumstances to share God's love through actions, foundations, and kind words on a daily basis.I can only hope to make the kind of difference she has. God bless!

John Legend - Jesus Christ Superstar Review

Welcome Back Readers~

On the heels of such hits like “The Passion: New Orleans” and “The Sound Of Music Live” featuring Carrie Underwood, NBC tried to re-create the magic with their version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” With lyrics by Tim Rice, this 1970's rock opera follows Jesus' journey through Jerusalem on the
last seven days leading up to his crucifixion.

On the surface, this musical may seem like a nice introduction of Jesus to those who haven't heard the gospel; however, there are several biblical inconsistencies. 

1. Romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene- Despite the sub plot of the musical, there is no evidence that Mary Magdalene had anything other than platonic feelings for Jesus. In fact, little is known about Mary herself except that Jesus drove seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). After her healing, she becomes faithful follower of Jesus. After the crucifixion, she is the first to find the tomb is empty. What is so special about that? Women weren't typically believed when it  came to messages of importance in those days. Any romantic relationship was fabricated and even an inappropriate deviation from the Gospel. 
2. The Portrayal of a Confused Jesus- Throughout the concert, Jesus is portrayed as a confused man- which he is not. Despite being fully man, he is also fully God. Jesus is fully aware of God's plan to save us from our sin and his part in redemption. In a moment of weakness , he even asks God the Father if there is in the other way to accomplish this goal, saying "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39).
3. An Incomplete Crucifixion-Resurrection Scene - Although they had John Legend (playing Jesus) on the cross ascending into a blue background with light pouring down from above, this did not accurately portray the complete story. Jesus died on the cross and was physically resurrected to meet with his disciples - demonstrating to all of us the hope of our bodily resurrection. Only after that did Jesus ascend to heaven -physically and bodily. Without the resurrection and reuniting with his believing followers, the musical provides and incomplete Gospel.

I am pleased that the musical brought attention to Jesus at Easter time and that so many artists put their heart into the effort. I only wish that the story had more accurately portrayed the complete Gospel of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and His offer of forgiveness for our sin.