Christmas Music

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It’s now the end of the second week of Advent, and I am in full “Christmas Music” mode. I have quite a few Christmas CD’s that I now carry with me in the car. I just love to sing along to the tunes on my way here and there. Yes, I am one of those weirdo’s who you see singing away at the stoplight.

Fortunately for everyone, the windows are closed in the cold weather, so no one has to suffer.

I also have music loaded onto my desktop computer. Our Christmas tree is in the same room as the computer, so I can sit by the tree and listen to the quiet music of the season. I thought I’d share with you some of my favorites.




James Taylor could sing the phone book and I’d hang on every word. But I just love this Christmas collection. It came out almost ten years ago, but I never get tired of it. “Go Tell It On the Mountain” was my mother’s favorite Christmas song, and he sings it so beautifully. When we sing this song in church, it’s sung loud and raucously. Mr. Taylor sings it so quietly; it becomes very reflective.



Here’s another phone book singer I would love. Amy Grant has multiple Christmas CD’s, and I have several of them. I chose ‘Home For Christmas’ as a favorite because it includes the song “Breath of Heaven.” Have you ever heard that one?

The song was co-written by Amy Grant, and describes the feelings of a young Mary, now pregnant with the Son of God. Every time I hear it, I get a little teary. It’s a beautiful study on a young, confused new mother.

I love it too because of my daughter. She learned the sign language to this song as a part of a Christmas concert in college. When she came home for the holiday, she signed it while the choir sang at Midnight Mass that year. That image of her up in the sanctuary signing away to this touching song makes me tear up too.





Well, what recommendation would be complete without including Handel’s Messiah? I have several CD’s of this too; there seem to be a lot of orchestras who record the music. I really enjoy all of the songs, all based on Scripture describing the coming of Christ.
Of course, I love the Hallelujah Chorus. I sang it years ago with my high school choir. I can still remember some of the second soprano parts, so I’m known to break into song while decorating the tree. No windows in the middle of our family room though.

My husband is a saint.


Your turn. What are you listening to this time of year?

84 thoughts on “ Christmas Music ”

  1. Ceil, now you’ve really confused me. I clicked and clicked on the three photos but no sound came out from my computer. I checked the speakers. No sound. Checked the computer itself. No sound. Hit the computer on the side (this is often done to TVs when they don’t work). Still nothing.

    I love your choice of music though. Have you heard any of the Cliff Richard songs. He is famous here in the UK – not so much in the US. Here’s a song he made famous in 1999 to welcome the new Millenium: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1cG-4YSyhQ

    God bless.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Dayle! You are a real Christmas music lover, aren’t you! I didn’t know about Mercy Me’s CD, I’ll have to go to youtube and have a listen. And who doesn’t love James Taylor? When I pull out his Christmas music, the season has officially begun for me.

      Thank you for your visit today! Happy Friday :)
      Ceil

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  3. Hi Ceil
    Oh yes, we would have been so much poorer without Handel’s Messiah! I also love singing and especially when I am cooking and alone. I once took singing lessons and was practicing Sara Brightmann’s songs whenever I was busy doing housework. My husband and boys would always beg me to go practice in the garage!! Obviously, they don’t like opera as much as I do.
    Blessings XX
    Mia

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mia! I think Sara Brightmann is brilliant, and what fun to take singing lessons! Aren’t boys supportive? LOL. I think it’s wonderful that you were working on sharpening a gift. And being musical really is a gift, not everyone can sing or play and instrument.
      I used to be able to sing pretty well. But then I developed GERD, and my voice is pretty much gone. That happened to my Mom too. So enjoy it! (Whether you are in the garage or not!)

      Happy Friday :)
      Ceil

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    • Hi Beth! It is hard to pick out just one song…I like a lot of them! I saw that video, it was posted on another blogsite, and it was amazing. I had never heard of this group before.
      It’s a very busy time of year Beth, no worries. I am always happy to see you when you can stop by.
      Have a great Friday :)
      Ceil

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  6. I love Christmas music! James Taylor, Michael Buble, Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin. But my favorite is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I’ll have to check the title as the CD is in my car. I play it on my way to work and back and find I push repeat for many of the songs. I have a praise time as I’m driving. I don’t know what the drivers next to me think but …I don’t care. I just love this music and causes my heart to worship.

    Merry Christmas!

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  7. I really liked “hearing” about your Christmas music. I’m a car singer, too. Breath of Heaven is such a beautiful song. The story of your daughter made me smile. How very sweet. Have a wonderful weekend, Ceil. (and maybe noise reduction headphones would make a good gift idea for your husband this year :) *wink* )

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Kathleen! All car-singers UNITE! We’d have quite a chorus wouldn’t we?
      I have earphones for my husband to use when the TV is up too loud. (I think he’s a little hard of hearing) Maybe that would work? Especially when I start with Breath of Heaven. I just love that one.

      Happy Friday, my friend!
      Ceil

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  8. I also love Christmas music..My fav is Little Drummer Boy & Hark the Angels..I just cry when I hear those. I am also when of those people who sing in the car. Last night, while waiting for the boy, Hallelujah came on the radio..here I go..hubby was laughing..so can’t help myself. I am also soprano. ANYWAYS–Presently singing Oh the Weather outside is frightful…why? Cause it is! (lol)–anyways..have a blessed day. I so enjoy reading your blog, thank you for making me smile.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! Isn’t it wonderful how music can touch our souls so beautifully? You just go on ahead and sing your lungs out, you know your husband want to, he just doesn’t know the words :) I think we need to start a car chorus. Kathleen wants ‘in’ I’m sure!

      Thank you for your kind comment about the blog, Linda. I really am always happy to see you as well. You are a born encourager. Such a beautiful Spiritual gift.
      Have a happy Friday!
      Ceil

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  9. What would this beautiful season be without music, right my friend?
    We listen to Pandora on the television…
    I have a classic Christmas station that I play softly during the day, even while the kids are working in school work.
    With the Christmas lights on and the music playing softly, it just creates such a sense of peace…
    Thanks for such wonderful reads, my friend! : )

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Billie Jo! I agree, music just adds to my enjoyment of the Christmas season. I don’t have Pandora on the TV, but I do have it on my computer…like right now!
      Your house sounds wonderful with the Christmas lights and music. It would give a sense of peace!
      Thank you for your lovely comments, Billie Jo. I really appreciate them.
      Happy Friday!
      Ceil

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  10. I hook up to Pandora.com, type in Jim Brickman Holiday and I am set! Love the commercial free, hour after hour gentle sounds wafting from my laptop. Home or at the counseling office, its soothing melodies cradle me in peaceful Christmas arms …

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! I use Pandora too. I’ll have to check out Jim Brickman, I always love learning about new musicians. I bet it makes your office a haven of peace. Perfect for counseling, I would love that. ‘Peaceful Christmas arms’…I could just melt into those words.

      Blessings to you this winter day,
      Ceil

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  11. I love Christmas music too. I have lots of CD’s including that Amy Grant one. I also like Michael W Smith’s Christmas CD’s. A new one this year is Duck the Halls, from the Duck Dynasty folk. I wouldn’t have thought I’d like it but I kept hearing how good it was. They sing very well, and the last thing on the CD is a testimony of what Christmas is all about and a prayer. Last, but not least is this online Christian radio station that is playing a great mix of Christmas music. Here’s the link if you want to check it out:
    http://www.christiannetcast.com/listen/player.asp?station=rrr

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mari! Oooh, I would really like Michael W Smith’s. I have a few of his regular CD’s.
      My husband and I both watch Duck Dynasty, it’s such fun. I haven’t heard any of the music from this CD, so it’s nice to hear that it doesn’t disappoint.
      Thank you for the address for the on-line music site. Sounds great! I’ll check it out :)
      Happy Friday!
      Ceil

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  12. I just now put the Christmas CDs in and put them on shuffle. I have Jackie Evancho’s Christmas CD, Kenny G, Chris Botti (my favorite), and Josh Groban. I also put on my iPod or the TV and listen to the Christian channel’s holiday music. I just love Christmas music. I’m sure your voice is lovely, Ceil!

    Blessings to you.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Kim! I have a Josh Groban CD too, he has such a great voice. He seems like such a nice guy.
      I have an iPOD, but I didn’t load any Christmas stuff on it, that’s a great idea! Mari told me about the Christian channel music site, I’ve got to try it out, now it has two ‘nods’!
      My voice used to be pretty good. Now I don’t have one. I developed GERD, so goodbye voice. I miss it!
      Blessings to you too. Have a wonderful weekend!
      Ceil

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  13. I loved reading about your Christmas music and I got a chuckle out of imagining you singing as you drive, something I used to do a lot. We, too, have lots of Christmas music CDs, in fact, I was missing an oldie-but-goody from many years ago, so I tracked one down on Amazon. It is from Maranatha Music called “Long Play Christmas” and it is nice to have back on our “playlist”. When our daughters were growing up, we had the Amy Grant “A Christmas Album” and one of our daughters also played the music on the piano. The 3 of us would harmonize to “Heirloom,” a song that still brings tears to my eyes. Oh, you have gotten me going down Memory Lane this morning, Ceil!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Laurie! How nice to see you!!
      I have to tell you, I got a little misty eyed when I read about you and your family harmonizing while the piano played. What a beautiful sight that was I’m sure. My daughter took piano lessons, and I loved to hear her practice.
      Amy Grant just has an uncomplicated and ‘easy to sing to’ voice. My sisters and I used to sing Christmas Lullaby for my Mom. She loved that.

      So good to see you again! Have a lovely weekend :)
      Ceil

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    • Hi Marja! Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I had no idea it wasn’t working! I did report it, and I hope it will be fixed soon.
      I’m listening to Christmas music via Pandora right now! Love it :)
      Have a good evening,
      Ceil

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    • Hi Angel! It was good to see a post from you today! It’s so wonderful how different singers affect us. You really like Martina McBride, and I don’t have any of her music. This is another singer I need to try out. Thank you :)
      Ceil

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  16. I love it!! I also sing in the car and luckily my children aren’t old enough yet to know that my voice really isn’t all that great. LOL!! I love Go Tell it on the Mountain and O’ Little Town of Bethlehem. I also enjoy playing carols on my violin this time of year. My favorite CD is the Sounds of Blackness CD called, “Night Before Christmas.” When I was little in Minnesota, my Mom used to take me to a big gospel concert each Christmas at a local church. This is before they were famous. Anyway, they were always there and we listened to their music at home all the time. I used to dance around the living room to it and praise the Lord until I finally just fell down laughing on the floor in exhaustion. Lol! So, I like to listen to it now and watch my children do the same. :-)

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Anne! What a fun history of the group Sounds of Blackness! I’ll have to check them out. I am getting such great suggestions today! What a fun thing to watch your children do what you did as a child. Isn’t that fun?

      And what a great way to introduce praise music, and make it so fun. Love it!
      Keep warm Anne, it’s going to be a cold weekend!
      Ceil

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  17. Ceil, typically by this time of year I would have pulled out my Christmas CDs but I haven’t even dug them out yet. The Christmas songs I heard these days are the ones playing on the radio station when I’m listening in the car.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Wanda! It’s been a busy holiday time for you Wanda, I know that. Some radio stations play Christmas music 24/7 now. That means you won’t miss any tunes while driving!

      Thank you for taking the time to visit today, it’s always so good to see your smiling face :)
      Ceil

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  18. I like your choices! Breath of Heaven is a beautiful song and holds a memory for me too. When I hear it, I think of when my son played Joseph and sang it with Mary in a church Christmas program. I tend to listen to a mixed variety of Christmas music, old and new but love it all. I’ve been known to listen to it at other times of the year too. Ha! This morning I was listening to one of my favorites by Todd Agnew, “Did You Know?, A Song for Jesus” I hope you’re enjoying the season, and congratulations on the new grandchild. What could be better than that?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Peggy! I was so touched by your description of your son singing in the Christmas program! It just means so much to carry down the faith to the next generation, doesn’t it?
      Good for you for listening to Christmas songs all year. Jesus comes to our hearts every moment, so it’s like Christmas all the time. I like your idea!
      Thank you for your congrats on the newest addition. As a Grandma, I know you understand how exciting and fun it feels. Having a new baby under the tree is pretty cool :)
      Have a good evening!
      Ceil

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    • Hi Patty! The Pandora mix I have has some Bing Crosby songs. His voice is so reassuring, isn’t it? Reminds me of the old movies he was in too (you are not going to believe this, but he’s on NOW! “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”) Have you ever seen Holiday Inn? or White Christmas? I love those, they are classics.

      Music is a way to joy for me, thank you! After all, my name is Cecilia :)
      Ceil

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  20. I actually wish I could listen to you!! Really!

    I have to say, of all the songs that make me think of heaven, the “Hallelujah Chorus” is my favorite. It thrills me every time I hear it, and I try to imagine a chorus of angels and believers joining together in song. GLORY!

    GOD BLESS!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Sharon! No you don’t! I sing like a frog now. I used to be pretty good, but GERD has taken away my vocal cords. Bummer.
      It would be amazing to hear that music in heaven, wouldn’t it? All those joyful voices, no mistakes, glorious harmonies…What a beautiful picture!

      Have a good evening :)
      Ceil

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    • Hi Lizzie! I have never heard either one of those, thank you! It’s great to learn about some great Christmas CD’s. Of course, I have heard of both of these artists, I just didn’t know they had Christmas songs too :)

      Thanks for your visit today! I’m sorry for any difficulty you may be having joining this site. The Google Friend Connect seems to be misfiring today. I have reported it.
      Blessings!
      Ceil

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  22. My favorite Christmas album is “Repeat the Sounding Joy.” It’s a Crystal Sea recording, arranged by Tom Fettke. It’s all wonderful, but my favorite song on the album is “How Should a King Come?”. I featured it on my blog last Christmas. If you’re interested, you could listen to it there. Or I’m sure you could find it on the internet.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Linda! What a clever title (Repeat the Sounding Joy). I’ll be sure to check this one out. I have quite a new list going! This is really eye-opening. It’s so nice to learn about other music that I’m not familiar with, thank you for adding to it :)
      Have a good evening my friend!
      Ceil

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    • Hi Susan! I really like Chris Tomlin, so I am sure I would enjoy his Christmas CD. Isn’t it fun to find an artist that really speaks to you? Just hearing them start humming just makes you so happy :)

      Good to see you and your flower here today!
      Ceil

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  24. Mmm James Taylor and Amy Grant – two of my favorites too : ) I love many contemporaray Christian artists (like Steven Curtis Chapman and Natalie Grant) Christmas recordings as well as the classics like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mindy! I do just love Steven Curtis Chapman, good suggestion! Right now Nat King Cole is singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” on Pandora. What a smooth voice! and what a coincidence :)

      We’ll order up that music at the Olive Garden!!
      Peace,
      Ceil

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  25. I love the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Fresh Aire Christmas. They are both fabulous in my books. All time favorite song – O Holy Night. Moves me to tears with love for the Savior every time.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Deb! So nice to see you! I have never heard of Fresh Aire, so I’m adding that to my bulging new list of music I need to hear. I really like O Holy Night, it’s so reflective. It’s just amazing how music moves us, isn’t it? It can get us up and dancing, or quietly bring to tears. Such a gift.

      Have a good evening Deb :)
      Ceil

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    • Hi Patty! I love to sing too, even though I do it so badly. Susan Boyle has an amazing voice, doesn’t she? I remember seeing her audition tape on youtube. Just blows you away. What a talent!

      Hugs right back to you :)
      Ceil

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  27. Hello Dear Ceil!! Merry Christmas! I just love to say that!! I also love to listen to Christmas music, I have had the Sirus radio station on. And I have chosen the Old classic and tradition songs. Some of them just make me cry….
    I am so thankful to know you! I feel like I will know you forever, It is so special to have a connection, that you know is from God!
    Have a wonderful and Joyous time!!
    HO HO HO, Roxy

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Roxy! Isn’t it fun that you can program in what you want to hear? My daughter put in some artists for me on Pandora. I have heard Andy Williams, Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. So fun! I love all those old Christmas movies too. We used to watch White Christmas every year! Love Danny Kaye.

      I am thankful to know you too, Roxy. You were one of my first blog-friends! I wish you a very Merry Christmas :) Enjoy the grandchildren and all the joy the holiday brings. Thank you for your kind comments too! Getting to know other Christian bloggers is so much fun. I learn so much about the power of faith from blog writers…like you!
      Blessings,
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

    • Hi Dawn! How nice to see you here today :)
      I forgot about that Charlie Brown theme…I have been hearing it on the radio, and on my Pandora station too. I can just see all those kids dancing all over the stage when the music starts!
      You like all kinds of music genres, good for you! It’s so fun to hear what touches people in this holy season.
      Thank you for your visit today :)
      Ceil

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  29. Hello my lovely Ceil! I had a delightful card come in the mail today and do you know who sent me such a wonderful Christmas card? Why, it was you, dear Friend :) I was pleasantly surprised, Ceil – thank you so much for thinking of me!

    Thank you for sharing your list of Christmas music. I, too, love the ‘Hallelujah Chorus.’ It’s definitely one of my favorites! And how neat that you sang this beautiful song – I would have loved to hear you :) As for Christmas music, I enjoy the oldies like Bing Crosby and Dean Martin….I could listen to them croon away all year long. I also enjoy instrumental Christmas music done by the Orchestra.

    Have a super weekend, sweet lady! You are a blessing :)

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Stephanie! I’m glad you got it! I wasn’t sure if you would due to the move.
      I like Bing Crosby too, he comes up on my Pandora mix! Dean Martin comes up rarely, but he’s in there too. Their voices are really mellow and smooth, aren’t they?

      You have a good weekend too! It’s snowing now, about 4″ so far,
      Ceil

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  31. Thanks so much for sharing these! We had a death in the family, the funeral is over, details taken care of, guests have departed, and now I am trying to figure out how to turn my heart toward Christmas. Music, and the music you like, sounds like a great place to start!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Paula! So nice to see you again! Please accept my condolences on losing one of your family members. I’m so sorry. I lost my Mom three years ago yesterday…it really does confuse the first Christmas, that’s for sure. My prayers are with you.

      Nothing like music to soothe and bring joy. I hope it will begin to do that for you. Have a good weekend, my friend.
      Ceil

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    • Hi Karen! Whatever brings us joy is the best thing, that’s what I think. How wonderful that you have found something that never fails to inspire. That is a blessing.

      Happy weekend to you too!
      Ceil

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  34. I love Breath of Heaven! I am especially blessed this Christmas season, because my husband and I were called to serve in a local church where I am singing specials every week! So I have a great reason to be immersed in all the beautiful songs of Christmas! I also wrote Christian lyrics to a well known secular song and call it “Mary Wonders,” about what Mary might be thinking as she held the Messiah on her lap, watched His earthly ministry unfold, and realized the sacrifice He would make to save us. May you continue to worship Him in song — I know He hears it as a sweet sacrifice of praise! God bless,
    Laurie

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Laurie! I bet I would love that song that you wrote about Mary. What an inspirational story of faith Mary is. I bet you really enjoy your singing gigs, I wish I could hear you. I’ll keep singing in my heart. My voice is pretty much gone now. GERD took it. I really miss it….but I can still enjoy hearing others make a joyful noise.

      Blessings to you!
      Ceil

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  35. Oh, Breath of Heaven is one of my favorite songs!! The words are so powerful and true. Thanks for the reminder, I have not heard that one yet this year, I’ll have to look for it on itunes…

    I love the music of the season too, I sing and dance in the kitchen!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jaime Jo! You just keep on dancing! Music has a way of passing along joy, doesn’t it? I have a Pandora Christmas mix on now, and Amy Grant is singing. Love that! (not Breath of Heaven tho…)

      You go girl :)
      Ceil

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  37. Hi, Ceil. I love Breath of Heaven, too. And did you know that Amy Grant’s husband, Vince Gil, sings a stunning version of it from Joseph’s point of view? Vince’s Chrstmas album is one of my favorites, along with Burl Ives, and Nicole C. Mullen, a talented Christian pop artist who wrote “On My Knees.”

    Blessed Christmas to you and The Saint!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jeanette! I had no idea about Vince Gill’s song! I tried to ‘google’ it with no luck. If you come back and read this, would you leave me the title of the song? I’d love to hear it.

      Burl Ives…there’s a blast from the past. I think of Rudolph when his name comes up. He’s great!
      LOL! I’ll tell ‘the saint’ you send your greetings!
      Ceil

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  38. Hi Ceil! Every year I like to do an assortment of music (assemble a playlist) so I listen to all sort of things. I share a mutual friend with a talented group of musicians and every year, for the past three years, they put out a worship album (Merry Christmas, Goodnight) on Noisetrade that can be downloaded free of charge. Their music is so spirit-filled! So needless to say, I’m kind of hooked on that too.

    Wishing you a lovely day my friend!
    xoxo

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jennifer! How fun! And I’ll have to check the group out, especially if it’s free. Isn’t it amazing how music can fill us with the Spirit and with so much joy? It transports me out of the every-day, that’s for sure.

      Thank you for sharing your music connection! And for reading/commenting on two posts today. You are such a wonderful blog-friend :)
      Ceil

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  39. I enjoy the vintage Christmas music from the 40’s and 50’s and choirs….my friend Sue and I on Friday drove around looking at Christmas lights and played Christmas music and sang along as we did.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Dee! That sounds like a lot of fun! What a great thing to do with a friend, I love it. Those choirs were amazing weren’t they? And such a unique sound too.

      Thank you for your visit today :)
      Ceil

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  40. Go tell it on the Mountain was one of my mom’s favorites as well. I love Amy Grant’s music, but I’m not sure I’ve heard Breath of Heaven. I’ll look for a video of it on Youtube to get a listen. Thanks for the recommendations.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Marilyn! I hope you do check out Amy Grant’s Breath of Heaven. I think you’ll love it. Its fun to hear about new music ideas for Christmas.

      Thank you for reading several posts and commenting too. I appreciate your blog-friendship :)
      Ceil

      Reply ↓

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