Karen’s Opinion

When asked what gets me into the Christmas spirit, I had to stop and think. I love the huge decorations that the malls put up. I can remember, as a little girl, walking through the cosmetic department of a huge department store and feeling mesmerized by the huge, sparkling ornaments. These days, the ornaments don’t look nearly as big! Could it be that being so small made everything look big? I wonder how many employment recruitment agencies it took to hire people to decorate and then take everything down again? And to think, I dread putting it all away at my house!

I miss singing in the choir at our church, especially at this time of year. In the fall, the recruitment for choir members begins. I thought about joining again this year but remembered how my back ached after standing so long each Sunday. I miss singing in the annual cantata. Does your church have a choir? Do they sing a cantata? Our church teams up with two other churches to sing the cantata. That makes a huge choir that sounds amazing. I know how much practice goes into performing a choir and that causes me to sit in awe as I listen each year. This production involves many talented singers as well as instrumental accompaniment. Violins, flutes, and other instruments add a professional flair to the movements. Goosebumps? Yes, I get them.

My favorite Christmas song was written by Mark Lowry and is Mary Did You Know?

Many people are surprised when they find out that the song was written by Mark Lowry. He is a Christian comedian and a very funny one at that. He also has a beautiful voice. He sang with the Gaither Vocal Band for many years.

Here are the song lyrics written by Mark Lowry in 1984 and music written by Buddy Greene:

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Would someday walk on water?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the Great I Am

One of my all time favorite Christmas songs, Mary Did You Know?, is sung by Vance Perry. His songs are unbelievably awesome. His range is spectacular. I could go on and on. Listen. Enjoy.