The Virtual Pew: Those Darned Christmas Carols

I often find myself torn between what style of music I listen to. I tend to be more of a Rock N Roll guy but find myself at times enjoying older styles of music. It is likely true for most of us to one extent or another to enjoy different styles of music. Of course, when it comes to church music we open up a can or worms. Truth is, most people simply don't like what is considered traditional church music. Or can they and just don't realize it?

I challenge that most of us, especially during this time of year are more flexible than we realize. My point is the acceptance of old Christmas tunes, which are nothing more than traditional church hymns. I have a number of friends who are not religious or practice any faith at all, some are Atheists. Yet, on this issue, I am surprised at how many Atheists and non religious friends I have who enjoy Christmas. Most, even go as far as tell me how much they enjoy Christmas Carols during the holiday season for the peaceful and loving message they give. We are all eclectic even if those tastes present something that does not always agree with us.

This Christmas, I challenge each person to listen to the words of the Christmas carols. While some were be written during a time they used language we don't understand, I challenge it is worth a little searching to discover the meaning of those songs, and the intent of their writers. Two years ago I did this for John Newton, the author of the song Amazing Grace. What I found out about his life was amazing and I can not help but think of his life when hearing Amazing Grace. I dedicated my wife's video of Amazing Grace to the memory of John Newton. I am certain we can find similar stories in the authors of the carols.

While some carols are done in a different way, with different arraignments, the words are still the same. O Come All Yea Faithful has the same intent if sung by Twisted Sister, or Johnny Cash. Their interpretation may vary but the words are consistent to praise the birth of Jesus, and the need to worship him.

While I will not be posting all of the carols on this blog, I will be posting a good number of them. Go back over the last days and weeks to find other carols on other blogs. Of course I will try to put all of the videos on one super blog in the next few days. Hopefully everyone has been enjoying the blogs and sharing them with your friends and family.

Now to the ads for The Virtual Pew; if you have seen these, feel free to scroll on down to the videos to enjoy. Of course we appreciate all of the support, and appreciate the time it takes to go through these; hopefully they bless you and help provide a more enjoyable Christmas season for you. Now on to the regular inputs regarding The Virtual Pew.

Now before we get to the videos today, hopefully everyone will remember to pass the blogs along to your friends. The Christmas Special blogs from TVP can help a lot of people. You can show them what we are doing by Clicking Here at this Link. They can see various topics and see about the ultimate video blog that will be posted later in the week, certainly prior to the first of next week. They can also get in the Christmas Spirit by Clicking Here and reading about The Virtual Pew and our Christmas giving options.

Now for those that don't know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew they will be on the right hand side of the page. If visiting MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there.

Now we also want to remind you that you can visit www.thevirtualpew.com and on the front page scroll down to the left hand side of the page where you sill see our store. Your purchases through our Amazon store provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you don't see something on the page to buy, you can click on the search engine for the store, (do not put anything in the search box at this time) and you will then be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully as you shop for Christmas you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew and/or at the very least shop our store. The items on the store page are highly recommended.

Now prior to checking out the videos for the day, here is that information, contact and contribution information regarding The Virtual Pew. Again, thanks for visiting, have a Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate. Just remember though, from The Virtual Pew, we wish you a Merry Christmas.

Contact Information:

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Or you van give on line via Pay Pal at: http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

To become a part of The Virtual Pew, visit, http://www.thevirtualpew.com/

To learn more about me visit http://www.furches.org/ I am also active on MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/mikefurches I have another blog at http://blog.myspace.com/mikefurches To visit the Hollywood Jesus group at MySpace with membership by numerous Hollywood Jesus reviewers visit: http://groups.myspace.com/hollywoodjesus For a more in depth weekly study and conversation you an visit: http://virtualpewsermon.blogspot.com/ where you can access deeper teaching and ultimately videos for viewing and teaching. You can also subscribe to the newsletter at www.thevirtualpew.com or see the newsletter on line at http://thevirtualpewnews.blogspot.com/ You can also sign up for the free newsletter from The Virtual Pew by visiting the main page for The Virtual Pew, or you can see the newsletters online by visiting this web site: http://thevirtualpewnews.blogspot.com/ You can contact me via email at mike@furches.org or mike@thevirtualpew.com For those interested in knowing more about my own story, contact me for a free e-copy of my book The Keystone Kid in pre-edit form.

The Slackers Little Drummer Boy presents a newer but enjoyable rendition.