faithMile

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFxxQnhT5XQ[/youtube]

Silent Night – Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks has a voice like no other, so any song she makes will have a unique flair. This rendition of Silent Night is no exception. Stevie sings the traditional melody first by herself, then in harmony. She also adds a few changes in the end refrain. The keeping of tradition with just a few simple changes creates a beautiful mix. This is also unique in that she sings more than just the first verse of the song repeated.

According to Wikipedia, the original production was an uptempo dancing song which was later turned into the slow, melodic lullaby we associate the song with today.

Lyrics courtesy of Carols.org.uk :

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth ”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KKgWJB1HA0[/youtube]

The First Noel – Bebe and Cece Winans

Bebe and Cece Winans, the gospel brother-and-sister superduo, bring us this soulful take on a traditional English carol. It starts with the slow familiar melody and then bursts into an upbeat musical delight. The harmonies at the end are delicious.

Lyrics courtesy of Wikipedia:

The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep:

refrain

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They lookèd up and saw a star,
Shining in the east, beyond them far:
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night:

And by the light of that same star,
Three Wise Men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star whersoever it went:

This star drew nigh to the north-west;
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay:

Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Fell reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense:

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfYcMREC2eQ[/youtube]

A Joyous Song – Boyz II Men

Here is the second Boyz II Men entry from the 1983 LP, Christmas Interpretations. This song, like the rest of the LP, gives me that “by the fireplace on Christmas morning” feeling. It’s not traditional, but it should be a classic. Like Share Love, it combines the joy of being with family with the joy of humanity in a chorus that celebrates life and thanks God for it. It truly is a joyous song.

Lyrics courtesy of lyricsmania.com:

Love over flows around this season
Our hearts find pleasure in the simplest of things
It brings joy to a child
When he sees all the decorations hanging all around
The birthday of our king
We sing praises to you
People gather around to see a tree
Light up the sky for all of the world to see
Of all the holidays that exist
None makes more happier than this one

I see love all around this world
In every man, woman, boy, and girl
The time is so right and I’ll say
Thank you Lord
It’s so great to be alive
Because it’s all about love

As we sit around the fire place
Windows fill with snow as it flutters down and gives the ground a glow
I feel your kisses
Your warm embrace
Kneeling as we pray
To thank our Lord for what he’s done for us
Time stands so still
As I touch your hand it says things to me words never will

I feel it (it’s easy to feel) peace all the way inside
Joy from a stranger as he walks by and says
Hi, Merry Christmas to you and yours
May you receive everything you wish for and more
I see love

I see love all around this world
In every man, woman, boy, and girl
The time is so right and I’ll say
Thank you Lord
It’s so great to be alive
Because it’s all about love
(repeats five times)