I love Church music; I love making music; I love discovering and sharing music; and I love passing on music to the next generation.
I have been playing musical instruments since I was young. My main talent is in violin. I played violin since I was in fourth grade, and this took me all the way to earning a master’s in music.
Due to the shortage of organists in the world today, I learned the organ to better serve the Church.
Oftentimes, I secretly carry my violin around in my truck, starting at Thanksgiving until Christmas. If I drive past a musician on a street corner. I take the time to join them (if they want me to), just to bring Christmas to everyone possible.
“O Come All Ye Faithful” sets the tone for Christmas.
We know the angels, shepherds, and wise men were inspired to come and see the newborn king. That song always makes me feel like a part of that great moment in history. It’s also a very old but popular song that reaches many different people and generations.
“Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels” is a great lyric for setting the stage for Mass.
I am filled with wonder when I watch the community “come and adore Him” and join in the life of Jesus.
As a man, I don’t admit to crying very often, but this song reminds me that the Church is the bride of Christ.
When the church doors opened at my own wedding, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the beauty of my wife. I was so happy I couldn’t help but cry.
I hope when the music strikes up, Jesus looks at us, His people, and cries with joy in the same way.
The Power of Mary’s “Yes”
I think the Church has done such a good job teaching us at a young age about Jesus’ birth that we really attach to that hope in a very real way in our everyday lives. As a result, we hear Christmas music differently than we do everyday hymns. They have a timelessness.
But the message at Christmas is clear: Mary’s “yes” leads us to changing our attitudes, and that allows Jesus to enter our lives in a positive yet simple way.
A favorite Christmas hymn from my childhood is “Gesu Bambino.”
It is the first Christmas song I played at Mass with my older brother. I was terrified, but I learned of the love and support of the Catholic music community. Having support and lots of practice, the song became a beautiful treasure that I love.
Honorable mention: “O Christmas Tree,” specifically from the movie “Ernest Saves Christmas.” Like Ernest, sometimes we sing Christmas songs, and we don’t really know the words. It was meant to be a comedy, but it was very real!
My children’s choir loves “Silent Night.” Being a community of German ancestry, they love learning about their culture. It also helps that there are, to the English speaker, funny-sounding words. They enjoy it on so many levels, and it builds a sense of community and history.
Ask for Jesus!
I think we need to not be afraid to ask shopping centers to play hymns.
I know that in the general public, companies have a hard line to walk with religious songs. I generally don't hear what I think of as Christmas songs at the store. I hear songs about winter joy, or Santa Claus, or songs about what families do during Christmas.
I would love to hear the name of Jesus boldly sung while I shop.
I love knowing that Jesus was born to save us as our King. Handel's "Messiah" or other songs that are found in the hymnal would be welcome additions to playlists.