Twelve Songs of Christmas, Day 12: All I need for Christmas

When I first saw the title of this song, I thought of the song that says "All I need for Christmas is you" and almost skipped it. I'm glad I didn't!

If you haven't heard this song - take a moment now to listen to it: All I Need for Christmas

For me, it's particularly poignant now that my family is here with me for Christmas.

There's no silver or gold

That could ever come close

To what this means to me

I got all I need for Christmas

Singin' joy to the world

Sweeter than diamonds or pearls

If I'm with family

I got all I need

All I need for Christmas

Christmas has always been a time where I'm reminded to focus on who and what matters most to me.

Every song reminds us why

Love came wrapped up as a child

More than a holiday

It’s the birth of a Savior

When I take time to reflect on the Savior - on His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection I am so grateful.

Got so many reasons

To be thankful in this season

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Full Lyrics

Tobymac All I Need for Christmas Lyrics

[TobyMac]

This goes out to you an' yours

Got my family gathered 'round

Old friends comin' back in town

Snow fallin' on the ground

Sweet sounds of December (Sounds of December)

Somethin' 'bout this time of year

All the good times and the cheer

All I need is right here

Look around and remember (Look around and remember)

Got so many reasons

To be thankful in this season

[TobyMac; TERRIAN]

There's no silver or gold

That could ever come close

To what this means to me

I got all I need for Christmas

Singin' joy to the world

Sweeter than diamonds or pearls

If I'm with family

I got all I need

All I need for Christmas (Ah)

[TERRIAN; TobyMac]

There’s no better place to be

Than rockin' 'round that Christmas tree (Yes, sir)

On the stereo

The sweet sounds of December

[TERRIAN; TobyMac, TERRIAN]

Every song reminds us why

Love came wrapped up as a child

More than a holiday

It’s the birth of a Savior

[TERRIAN]

Got so many reasons

To be thankful in this season

[TobyMac & TERRIAN, TERRIAN]

There's no silver or gold

That could ever come close

To what this means to me

I got all I need for Christmas

Singin' joy to the world (Ah ah)

Sweeter than diamonds or pearls

If I’m with family (Yeah-eah-eah)

I got all I need

All I need for Christmas (Ah)

[TobyMac, TobyMac & TERRIAN]

So, everybody, everybody, gather around

It's only once a year that we're all in town

And I don't wanna miss this moment

I don't wanna miss it

We could sing together, we could sing it loud

We can reminisce in what it's all about

And I don't wanna miss this moment

I don't wanna miss it, hey

[TobyMac & TERRIAN, TERRIAN]

There's no silver or gold (No, no)

That could ever come close (Ever come close)

To what this means to me (To what this means to me, oh)

I got all I need for Christmas (Ayy ayy)

Singin' joy to the world (Joy to the world)

Sweeter than diamonds or pearls

If I'm with family (If I'm with family)

I got all I need

All I need for Christmas (Oh oh woah ah oh)

[TobyMac, TERRIAN, & TobyMac & TERRIAN]

Do do do do do do do do do

I got all I need for Christmas

I got all I need

All I need for Christmas

Tobymac All I Need for Christmas Lyrics
[TobyMac]
This goes out to you an' yours
 
Got my family gathered 'round
Old friends comin' back in town
Snow fallin' on the ground
Sweet sounds of December (Sounds of December)

Source: https://songtexte.co/en/tobymac-all-i-need-for-christmas-lyrics-f2eed1

Tobymac All I Need for Christmas Lyrics
[TobyMac]
This goes out to you an' yours
 
Got my family gathered 'round
Old friends comin' back in town
Snow fallin' on the ground
Sweet sounds of December (Sounds of December)

Source: https://songtexte.co/en/tobymac-all-i-need-for-christmas-lyrics-f2eed1

Twelve Songs of Christmas, Day 11: A Christmas To Believe In

Tonight my brother and his family is finishing driving to spend Christmas with me. I've been tracking their progress and loving images of my nieces seeking to entertain themselves on the long drive.

I'm looking forward to "a house full of noise 'casue the family's all in town" a Christmas "Where the moments turn to memories"

On Christmas day we'll enjoy "grandpa's Bible opened up to Luke Chapter 2" as we read about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

My prayer, as I enjoy this beautiful season, is that I remember "There's a world that needs our help, may compassion come and find us" Just as Jesus Christ made His way into the world over 2000 years ago, let Him find His way into my heart now.

Boy am I grateful for this new (to me) Christmas song that found it's way onto my playlist this season.

Wishing you all A Christmas To Believe In

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Full Lyrics:

A Christmas To Believe In

It's a house full of noise ‘cause the family's all in town
It's an attic full of toys so the kids won't find out
The smell of cookies in the oven, it's a slow dance in the kitchen
Oh, ain't it somethin', it's a Christmas to believe in

It's in the snow making angels, it's a mistletoe kiss
It's an empty seat at the table to remember who we miss
It's a candle light carol, it's a grateful choir singin'
Oh Hark! The Herald, it's a Christmas to believe in

More than just a Merry Christmas
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Where the moments turn to memories
And years from now you'll close your eyes and see them
More than just another busy season
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in

It's a blanket by the fire watching all our favorite movies
“It's A Wonderful Life” in black and white just like it should be
It's Salvation Army bells, hear them ringing to remind us
There's a world that needs our help, may compassion come and find us

Hallelujah, we believe in Christmas

It's grandpa's Bible opened up to Luke Chapter 2
It's the greatest gift of love being born for me and you
It's a heart returning home to the One who is the reason
Every Christmas is a Christmas to believe in
May your Christmas be a Christmas to believe in

Twelve Songs of Christmas, Day 10: For Unto Us A Child Is Born

Watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional each year is one of the highlights of the Christmas season for me.

I listened to it again as I got ready for Church this morning.

These words from Isaiah always stir my soul! Read the words, or listen to the Tabernacle Choir sing these beautiful words:

For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,
the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.

Twelve Songs of Christmas Day 9: Shepherd's Chorus

One of my friends got a group together to go see the Boston Pops Holiday Concert this year. It was incredible!

They played and sang music from Amahl and the Night Visitors, and I was grateful for the introduction to this gem!

My mind has been drawn back to one of the lines from Shepherd's Chorus over and over again:

"...this is all we shepherds can offer you"

The response?

"Thank you, thank you, thank you kindly"

It is all too easy to feel like we have little to offer.

Feeling that way can make us hesitant to share - either afraid that it will not be well received or sufficient for the needs of the receiver, or for fear that there will not be enough to go around (and that we'll be the one left lacking).

Another song's lyrics come to mind:

When all you've got is nothing
There's a lot to go around

-Through Heaven's Eyes 

My goal: Share what I have, and receive what I'm given, whatever that may be, with thanks. 

Twelve Songs of Christmas Day 8: Joseph's Lullaby

This is a song I had not heard before Sunday. I've been thinking about it a lot, so I'm sharing some of those thoughts here.

In the narration before this song in the concert, the following sentiment was conveyed:

"We know so little about Joseph but what little is written about him speaks volumes about his love of God and faith."

This is something I've pondered again and again - what would it be like to be Joseph? What an incredible man to agree to marry Mary and to raise the son of God.

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
But Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Like Joseph in this song, I too wonder when did Jesus know what was going to be required of him?

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Or does the Father guard Your heart for now

I am so grateful to Mary AND Joseph for being the parents they were to Jesus Christ. And I am so, so grateful that Jesus Christ did come and save the day.

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Full Lyrics: Joseph's Lullaby

Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before You
Rest Your little head

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Or does the Father guard Your heart for now
So You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase Your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment
Go and sleep in peace

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
But Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close Your eyes
Soon enough You'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine
Oh my Jesus, Sleep tight

Twelve Songs of Christmas, Day 7: We Need A Little Christmas

While at work at a drop-in craft store, I was rushing around and heard these words floating around in the background:

“…we need a little Christmas, right this very minute…”

What a beautiful thought.

I’m grateful for the joy of Christmas time, even if it is sometimes hiding between crazy, busy, stressful moments (or days on end?).

Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
It hasn't snowed a single flurry
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry

And I need a little angel
Sitting on my shoulder
I need a little Christmas now

Perhaps I am in too much of a hurry through much of Christmas – so I’ll ask for and try to listen to an angel sitting on my shoulder!

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Full Lyrics:

We Need A Little Christmas

Haul out the holly
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again
Fill up the stocking
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now

For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
Candles in the window
Carols at the spinet

Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
It hasn't snowed a single flurry
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry

So climb down the chimney
Turn on the brightest string of light I've ever seen
Slice up the fruitcake
It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough

For I've grown a little leaner
Grown a little colder
Grown a little sadder
Grown a little older

And I need a little angel
Sitting on my shoulder
I need a little Christmas now

Haul out the holly
Well, once I taught you all to live each living day
Fill up the stocking
But auntie Mame, it's one week past Thanksgiving Day now

But we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
Candles in the window
Carols at the spinet

And we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
It hasn't snowed a single flurry
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry

So climb down the chimney
It's been a long time since I felt good, neighborly
Slice up the fruitcake
It's time we hung some tinsel on that mayberry bough

For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
Candles in the window
Carols at the spinet

And we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute
We need a little Christmas now

We need a little Christmas now
We need a little Christmas now

Twelve Songs of Christmas, Day 6: Where are you Christmas?

Over a decade ago (probably when the movie came out…) I bought the sheet music for this song. Each year around November I think, “This is the year! I’m going to learn to play it!”

This year I have the music with me AND a (really old, really out of tune, not all the keys work) piano in my house. So, I’ve been working on it.

I can tell I’ve spent time on the first few lines before because I can kind of play them. But I still rarely make it past the first couple of pages.

It makes me think of an analogy I heard in October:

Discipleship is like learning to play the piano. Perhaps all you can do at first is play a barely recognizable rendition of “Chopsticks.” But if you continue practicing, the simple tunes will one day give way to wondrous sonatas, rhapsodies, and concertos.

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Your Great Adventure

These days I feel pretty confident that my version of chopsticks would be recognized, but I certainly haven’t progressed “to wondrous sonatas, rhapsodies, and concertos.”

Thankfully, there was a follow up to that statement:

Now, that day may not come during this life, but it will come. All God asks is that you consciously keep striving.

So, all I have to keep striving and hoping.

In the meantime, I can still appreciate and enjoy the beautiful message in the lyrics of the song I have yet to be able to play:

My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too
…

Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh

If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time

Oh, I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away, oh
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love

Goal: Fill my heart with love, at Christmas and all the time.

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Faith Hill singing Where Are You Christmas? 

Oh, hmm
Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play

My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too

Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go

Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh

If there is love in your heart and your mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time

Oh, I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away, oh
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love

Where are you Christmas
Fill your heart with love