Mamalang is our hostess for fun Monday this week and here is her assignment!
It's the Christmas season, and I want you to tell us what are your three favorite Christmas Carols and a picture of your favorite Christmas "thing". It could be a Christmas tree, or your mantle, or a church, you in a Santa hat.
At first I thought this would be easy, but when I started looking at all the Christmas carols, it was very hard to choose just three. There are so many beautiful Carols and I love them all. The same goes for the favorite picture of a Christmas "thing", so much to choose from! Here is what I came up with.
Angels, From the Realms of Glory (click on to listen)
The author of Angels From the Realms of Glory was an Irishman called James Montgomery. He came from a religious family background and sadly his parents, who were missionaries died following their vocation. Angels From the Realms of Glory was written in 1816. The music for Angels From the Realms of Glory was composed by Henry Smart.
Joy to the World
The words and lyrics of the old Christmas carol 'Joy to the World' were written in 1719 by Isaac Watts (1674-1748). The father of John Watts was a Non-conformist and so extreme were his views that he was imprisoned twice. His father's influence over Isaac was demonstrated when he choose to attend Nonconformist Academy at Stoke Newington in preference to a University. Watts was ordained as a Pastor of an Independent congregation. He wrote many hymns and Carols and was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree by the the University of Edinburgh in 1728. The music to the carol is by George Frederick Handel (1685-1759).
The Holly and the Ivy
The Holly and the Ivy is thought to have Pagan origins and could therefore date back over 1000 years. It is most unusual for a carol like the Holly and the Ivy to have survived over the years especially during the stern protestant period of the 17th century. The Holly and the Ivy have always been taken indoors during the winter the hope being that the occupants would survive difficult conditions just like the hardy Holly and the Ivy. The colours of the Holly and Ivy, green and red are traditionally associated with Christmas. The author and composer of the Holly and the Ivy are unknown.
It's the Christmas season, and I want you to tell us what are your three favorite Christmas Carols and a picture of your favorite Christmas "thing". It could be a Christmas tree, or your mantle, or a church, you in a Santa hat.
At first I thought this would be easy, but when I started looking at all the Christmas carols, it was very hard to choose just three. There are so many beautiful Carols and I love them all. The same goes for the favorite picture of a Christmas "thing", so much to choose from! Here is what I came up with.
Angels, From the Realms of Glory (click on to listen)
The author of Angels From the Realms of Glory was an Irishman called James Montgomery. He came from a religious family background and sadly his parents, who were missionaries died following their vocation. Angels From the Realms of Glory was written in 1816. The music for Angels From the Realms of Glory was composed by Henry Smart.
Joy to the World
The words and lyrics of the old Christmas carol 'Joy to the World' were written in 1719 by Isaac Watts (1674-1748). The father of John Watts was a Non-conformist and so extreme were his views that he was imprisoned twice. His father's influence over Isaac was demonstrated when he choose to attend Nonconformist Academy at Stoke Newington in preference to a University. Watts was ordained as a Pastor of an Independent congregation. He wrote many hymns and Carols and was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree by the the University of Edinburgh in 1728. The music to the carol is by George Frederick Handel (1685-1759).
The Holly and the Ivy
The Holly and the Ivy is thought to have Pagan origins and could therefore date back over 1000 years. It is most unusual for a carol like the Holly and the Ivy to have survived over the years especially during the stern protestant period of the 17th century. The Holly and the Ivy have always been taken indoors during the winter the hope being that the occupants would survive difficult conditions just like the hardy Holly and the Ivy. The colours of the Holly and Ivy, green and red are traditionally associated with Christmas. The author and composer of the Holly and the Ivy are unknown.
One of my favorite things at Christmas for the past 20 years has been the movie "A Christmas story." I watch it every year at this time, it is a classic!
To see more of Fun Monday (click here ) Thanks for hosting Mamalang!
10 comments:
Great song choices and history lesson. It's amazing how long ago some of these carols were written and are still popular today. I too enjoy the Christmas Story. It is one of my favs. I also enjoy Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase - makes me LOL every time~!
I LOVE the Christmas Story! The best holiday movie ever made. I love the scene where they get a flat tire!
Oh, no! The only thing worse, imo, than Christmas music is Christmas movies!
I'll shut up now, she says in a small voice.
I love the info about the songs. Our pastor often includes that kind of information when giving us song instructions, and it always makes me appreciate the music so much more.
Nutta-finga!!! A Christmas Story is my favorite, too!
I love all Christmas carols, but unfortunately sometimes they start to play them in shopping malls already in November and then at Christmas you get an overdose, lol !
Love Holly and Ivy!
My parents are A CHRISTMAS STORY fans. They had a VHS tape that I borrowed and didn't give back. Then they got rid of their VHS machine. So last year, I bought them a DVD of it. They were thrilled to have Ralphie back in their house!
Those are great songs. My favorite Christmas movie is Christmas Vacation. Even my kids watch it and laugh.
traditional music choices! ones I've enjoyed over the years.
That is one of the few Christmas movies I've never seen. where have I been?
I love the holiday movies too...recently [like the last couple of years] I've made a point of watching Polar Express, I do so love it.
Happy Fun Monday and thanks for stopping by.
I love "A Christmas Story"! I bought the special edition set this year so I have the cookie cutters and apron now too. YAY!
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