It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
It’s the MOST… wonderful tiiiiiiiiiime… of the year!
Ah. Much better. 🙂
Last year was pretty rough around here, so I’m determined to make this holiday season a happy one. There will still be a few (or more than a few!) tears, but there will also be lots of good stuff that warms our hearts and keeps the diet industry in business. The holidays add an extra measure of perspective, and that’s a very, very good thing.
I’ve added two new Christmas songs this time, and the title above is (obviously) not one of them.
The first is called “Holy One.” There are any number of existing songs with that title, so I figured I’d add to the number. (If you write enough Christmas music, it becomes difficult to find unique titles. 😛 )
There are four different versions of this one: Solo w/C instrument, SATB, SSA (the SII is optional), and alto/baritone duet. Here’s the solo version, with vocals by James Loynes, and flute by a newcomer to the site–Brenda Lord. (She’s Rebecca’s mom… what a talented family!)
The second of the new songs is called “Christ the Lord is Born.” This one is solo only, and just piano accompaniment–mostly because I’ve run out of time and energy. Here’s a recording with vocals by Rebecca Lord:
There are a few new recordings of existing songs as well: Rebecca’s renditions of “Lying In a Manger” (with mom Brenda on flute), and “He Shall Feed His Flock/Come Unto Him” (with sister Alice Hallstrom on violin); and James singing “In a Manger Bed” (with Rebecca on viola) from a newly-added solo score.
Aren’t they all amazing?
In honor of the American Thanksgiving holiday, I’m counting my blessings this week. They are legion, but every list of the blessings I count begins and ends with Jesus Christ, my Savior. I love Him, and I’m so thankful He came.
Count your blessings–count Him first, last, and always.
Eat pie. Be thankful. Love one another.
Happy holidays!!!
Links to material in this post
New songs:
Holy One
Christ the Lord is Born
New recordings:
Lying In a Manger
He Shall Feed His Flock/Come Unto Him
In a Manger Bed
Please make an arrangement of He is Born, the Divine Christ Child with the church’s new lyrics. Thank you so much. I would also love more 4 hand piano/Congregation hymns.
Christ the Lord is Born is truly lovely!! Thank you for all your wonderful music and being so generous to share with all who desire it!
Love your music! Thanks for sharing it makes my heart happy.
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful music.
Love your music. I don’t know what trials with which you have been faced, but your music is more beautiful than ever.
Glorious music, as always. I’m grateful for you and the music you so generously share.
Your excellent arrangements remind me of Cindy Berry and her fine style of arranging and composing.
Recently we were both included in the “Daughters of Music” arrangement collection.
I would like to send you several of my published works I believe you will enjoy — I now own the copyright and they will be free to you.
I would consider it an honor to share them with you! Thanx Kristeen
Sally, you are so very talented and always give God the glory! I love your original compositions as well as your arrangements. God bless your music ministry. Thank you so much for providing your music free of charge.
Amy Potter, https://www.free-scores.com/Download-PDF-Sheet-Music-amylupotter.htm
I am not famiilar with what you have been going through but I wish you God’s grace and peace in your heart and soul this Christmas. We are doing a Longest Night service for those who have a heavy heart and much on their minds. Perhaps you can find such a service near you and spend some time in quiet contemplation.
I think I have found my Introit for Christmas morning wtih “Christ the Lord is Born.” Also, I am doing a bunch of your carol arrangements for December 31 prelude and postlude!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful music so freely. You are a blessing to us church musicians.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful music.
Thank you for your beautiful work and your generous heart to share it with all of us.
I wish I were a wordsmith so I could more closely approach the gratitude and inspiration I just felt listening to “Holy One”. I heard on a podcast recently the term “truth tears”. Those came to me while listening. Tears of joy and deep appreciation of the reality of our precious Lord. Sally – your music and lyrics will bless the world for decades to come. I love you sister. In the midst of your own sorrow and pain, you produce pure pearls. Thank you for consecrating your gift for the benefit of all of us.
Thankyou again Sister Sally for sharing your talents with us. You add something extra to this special time of the year.
I wish I had these a couple of months ago when I was putting together our Christmas concert. I will use them next year. If you have new songs for Easter will you let me know. I like to add new songs each you for both my youth choir and church choir.
Thank you for your beautiful songs
Barbara Kment