I have a tendency to envision Christmas as a time of quiet joy, peaceful awe, hushed delight–the snow, the candlelight, the embers on the hearth, the distant stars, the bells and choirs reverberating into silence, the baby in the manger who “no crying makes.” Very New England, very northern European, very medieval, very traditional.
But you know…why should I leave the celebratory side of the holiday to what happens around the tree? Isn’t this the day we honor the moment when the good news actually begins? Darn straight it is! So let’s make a joyful noise people–it’s Christmas! Next time you’re looking for new holiday song to add to your repertoire, track down this little ditty by Kirby Shaw, “Jamaican Noel.” And remember to sing it loud!
Tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
(He’s a) tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
(he’s a) tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
Pull on the rope, let the church bells ring!
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
Oh hear the heav’nly angels sing!
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
Shout from the rooftop loud and clear:
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
“Mary’s little boychild now is here!”
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
Tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
(He’s a) tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
(he’s a) tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
The devil’s been workin’ since the dawn of time
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
to win your heart and steal your mind.
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
But Mary’s little baby boy
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
will make you stomp on the devil and dance for joy!
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
Tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
(He’s a) tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
(he’s a) tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
Now pull in the net, row the boat ashore,
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
go into the closet and shut the door.
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
The little voice you hear inside,
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
if you be smart, it be your guide!
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
Tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
(He’s a) tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
(he’s a) tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
Now sound the trumpet, beat on the drum!
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
The wondrous holy night has come!
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
Pluck all the harp strings you can find
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
‘cuz this tiny little baby gonna save mankind!
(Tiny little baby born in Bethlehem)
Tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
(What wondrous love sent from Heav’n above!)
tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
He’s a tiny little baby, tiny little baby,
(See the love shine down, spread is all around!)
tiny little baby born in Bethlehem!
And HALLELUJAH! Praise the Lord!
Merry Christmas to ALL.
Merry Christmas to all!
Tiny little baby…
Sweet condescension.
He’s ours! :’)
My apologies for deleting your comments, M. Godek and Richard O.; while I appreciate the seriousness of your views on, respectively, Western civilization’s impending demographic collapse and the horror which is abortion, I really didn’t feel as though their attachment to a celebratory post on Christ’s birth was appropriate, despite both of your valiant attempts to make them relevant to the topic. I’m sure there will be many other posts in the future where discussions of abortion and birth rates and their relationship to our society’s failure to respect religious truth will fit in perfectly, so hold onto them until then. Thanks. (And, Mike–hope you and Marj had a wonderful Christmas! Give everyone our love.)
No problem Russell…I’ll be sure to make comments and posts more fitting for the subject. It was just a thought that I had in connection with your original post, in how birth is such a great thing. You gotta admit, that the demographic collapse of our society is a wicked subject to discuss. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Russ.