After reading about Jessye Norman's rendition of "The Holy City," I wonder how after learning the song was written by Freemasons, and the doctrine of the Masonic, against the Last Judgement of Christians. Don't know if theologically it is apropos; too many of my friends would not accept such false doctrine.
It seems every year when we reach Christmas, the increasing hoofbeats of secularism have greatly increased. It becomes harder each year to find manger scene decorations, while decorations for winter celebrations continue to pilfer. As ESPN's Allen Bestwick wrote in regards to a Christmas memory, he was asked to cover the "Race of 1,000 Years" ACO-sanctioned sportscar event run in 2000 at Victoria Park in Adelaide, South Australia. The seasons flip in the Southern Hemisphere, and this year's temperature for Christmas will be a beautiful 86 degrees with a breezy 11 MPH wind for the summer this year. Mr. Bestwick noted the family went to Australia for the fun (and the summer temperatures) and probably spent a nice summer on the beach while preparing for his assignment for the 1,000km race which was never run again (the track was shortened by removing the Brabham Straight, and is used for V8 Supercars). Having a friend in Dee Why (New South Wales) , and another serving on missions in Zambia (100 degrees for Christmas) solidify my conviction that winter celebrations are flat-out wrong. It's all about the Christ Child and the Manger, and I find it tragic I cannot find a manger scene in a general store now. Why are we celebrating winter when you could play a winter song when it snows? This is about the Christ Child, so we have only one thing to celebrate -- his Advent.
Seems Fox broadcasters Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds, along with Eddie Gossage, the man who is giving IndyCar racing a return to the twin-features in 2011, have their Christmas priorities set straight.
Paul Marshall: Away in a Manger. (remembering Christians persecuted for their faith)
Jay Nordlinger: There They Go A-Caroling. This article is a must-read because you will understand about "White Christmas". It starts with Marilyn Horne being in sunny Palm Springs, and that sets the stage for Bing Crosby's dream. Sadly, this song, along with all of the snowmen, reindeer, and other fat men in a red outfit, has ripped Christmas away from the proper moorings. When you've heard both Luciano Pavarotti's and Wayne Watson's renditions of "Gesu Bambino" (a song I've sung at an informal recital), it's clear which one you prefer.
Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion! ◙
