If this Christmas you could be instantly transported to London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral to hear any one musical work of composition, what would you most want to hear? (It needn’t have a Christmas theme.)
I think I have to say Serenade for Strings by Tchaikovsky.
This is one of my most favorite Christmas carols.
When the right time came God sent His son to buy freedom for us. Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child and everything he has belongs to you.
-Galatians 4:4-5, 7
Today I have a story for you. Benjamin Bear opens a door on his Advent calendar to find a new picture each day. His mother tells him a story each day about a little bear who follows a shining star to Bethlehem to see the Christ Child.
Benjamin opened the next door and found a rosebush.
That night the snowflakes fell like gigantic stars. With tremendous effort, the little bear fought his way through the deep snow. His fur was wet, and he shivered. The little bear sank deeper and deeper into the snow. In front of him lay a little clearing. He squinted and saw something sparkling just ahead. The little bear bent down. He could hardly believe his eyes. In the middle of winter a rose was blooming! The ice crystals sparkled and glistened on its leaves.
It is so beautiful, thought the little bear. I will dig it out and bring it to the Child! His little paws scraped away the snow. He dug his claws into the frost-hardened earth until they were dull. Finally he was able to pull out the rosebush by its roots. He pressed the rosebush, stiff with frost, against his chest and warmed it.
Just then, a flock of birds flew by and began to sing. And, as if it were already spring, the rose released its sweet scent into the woods.
“A rose blowing in winter! That must have been wonderful to see,” said Benjamin.
Mother Bear nodded. “Always remember,” she said,” God’s love can warm and brighten the coldest, darkest night.”
-Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas by Antonie Schneider
I would choose to hear Handel's Messiah--the WHOLE thing--in St. Paul's! Nothing sings the gospel to me like the Messiah!
ReplyDeleteLo, How a Rose is a favorite--it always reminds me of Dad, as this is one of his all-time favorite carols.
I love the Advent Storybook--it is new to me this year. Thanks for sharing a leg of Little Bear's journey.
Boy, S. Paul's at Christmas - guess I would have to say the Messiah also. But Berloiz' Symphonie Fantastique could be a close second.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've always loved this carol, ever since hearing it played in four parts on recorder when we were newly married. Beautiful harmony and sentiment.
Mother Bear is very wise.
Oh I have to agree with the Messiah. Nothing compares.
ReplyDelete"The Wheels on the Bus"!
ReplyDeleteThe Messiah is so long. I need a couch with a pillow if I'm going to hear the whole thing. If St. Pauls's could provide that, then the Messiah is fine. Otherwise, maybe the first few verses of Wheels on the Bus, with time left over for the local pub. Come to think of it, Bruce Springsteen at St. Paul's would be pretty cool, with lots of lights and pyrotechnics. Either that, or Mary Love's Symphony No. 1 in E flat minor (The Belmont Fantastique).
ReplyDelete