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Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations

Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations

By Tim Groves

The Holidays are a time when we feel rushed, stressed and often burned out. But, we invite you to take some time, slow down, and really dig into the stories for many of those familiar Christmas Carols.
And in small pockets of quiet this Holiday Season, you’ll discover profound hope and peace.
This is Comfort and Joy.
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Episode 3 - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations Nov 18, 2020

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54:55
Episode 9 - Joy to the World

Episode 9 - Joy to the World

We've made it to the end of our Christmas Journey for this season of Comfort and Joy! And what better song to end with than "Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come"?
But what if I told you this carol really had NOTHING to do with Christmas?
What if I told you, it's melody was STOLEN from a great composer? 

Let's take a deep dive into one of the most famous Christmas Carols of all time! 

Don't forget to check out meadowsbaptist.org for our live stream services every Sunday at 9am and 11am

Notes, preparation and quotes from:

Peterson, William J. and Randy Petersen. The One Year Book of Hymns. Edited and Compiled by Robert K. Brown and Mark R. Norton. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1995.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496428269/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_j0HQFbNWAJKFZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Phillips, Kenneth H. Directing the Choral Music Program. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2004.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019NEOGLW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YZHQFb5MK5AD2

Reynolds, William Jensen Reynolds.  Hymns of Our Faith: A Handbook for the Baptist Hymnal. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1964.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JJM2DK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_sZHQFbC38MFEZ

www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-joy-to-the-world

Sources to reference:

Moody, Valerie. The Feats of Adonai: Why Christians Should Look at Biblical Feasts. Gibbora Productions, 2009.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982433573/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HYHQFb2XK9FA8

Joy to the World by Nat King Cole

https://open.spotify.com/track/1VuAamHM7P3VQQEXYGG3Uu?si=2xad4DCSRmOL80alCjGRew

Messiah, HWV 56 : Part II: Lift up your heads, O ye gates (Chorus)

https://open.spotify.com/track/6YhkhEJsUszpUdKfde2mqc?si=3lx00OS-T9KIAWmqmRjqog

Messiah, HWV 56 : Part I: Accompanied: Comfort ye, my people (Tenor)

https://open.spotify.com/track/5ad8xYHMymySV6bDLEGiS9?si=JFobKTlPQuafI-9DWHG6Hg

Joy to the World (arr. J. Rutter) - Lowell Mason, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter

https://open.spotify.com/track/0tKQ3h7CemmhpoLFVrv9Px?si=NINd-KjZTbisjqJDfQvFZQ

Joy to the World (arr. J. Wachner for choir and orchestra ) - Lowell Mason, Julian Wachner, Choir of Trinity Wall Street

https://open.spotify.com/track/0sWlU6yuGJr0RpPbLeJxW7?si=EV4axIXMQWCwQnhwXaB8-g

Joy to the World - Steve Morse

https://music.apple.com/us/album/merry-axemas-a-guitar-christmas/197986461

Joy to the World - Whitney Houston with the Georgia Mass Choir

https://open.spotify.com/track/0sKAxwRubZuqKadRspVY96?si=dQGK7SpfQ0W_3_pZBpOMHQ

Dec 30, 202049:29
Episode 7 - O Holy Night
Dec 16, 202058:22
Episode 6 - Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Episode 6 - Hark The Herald Angels Sing

What do you do when the Christmas season actually zaps your joy? How can you navigate a time of year that feels pressured, compressed and overcommitted?
In today's episode, we really explore that struggle with a guest who, at first glance, doesn't seem like much of a Christmas fan, but upon deeper conversation, actually understands the real meaning of Christmas better than most - Jessica Jones (and no, not the Marvel Superhero...)
Dec 09, 202045:34
Episode 5 - O Little Town of Bethlehem

Episode 5 - O Little Town of Bethlehem

Have you ever found yourself so burned out you needed to get away for a while? So did the author of today's Christmas carol. And he found replenishment in the most unlikely of places. In fact, there were those around him who told him not to go - because it was too dangerous! Join us today with special guest Dr. Scott Fenton as we explore the history and geography of another favorite Christmas carol.

Show Notes:
Please join us for Sunday worship online at 9am and 11am
www.meadowsbaptist.org
To see more of Dig It with Dr. Scott: click here!
Sources:
Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotional by Kenneth W. Osbeck
www.amazon.com/dp/0825438993/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_zGfMFbKXFTH8V
The Story of Our Hymns: The Handbook to the Hymnal of the Anglican and Reformed Church by Armin Haeussler
www.amazon.com/dp/B0007DPJ4M/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_mHfMFbQBP20BA
Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the Worlds Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan
Learn more: www.amazon.com/dp/0785249397/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_nJfMFbVY5KGV8
Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins
www.amazon.com/dp/0310239265/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4JfMFbQWBPHQV
The Gospel in Hymns by Albert E. Bailey
www.amazon.com/dp/9110007121/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_LKfMFbXXNSVM8
O Little Town of Bethlehem by Burl Ives
open.spotify.com/track/02Q0dNnWv0RPWdrYIlbTNg?si=3GackXs4QraZxIAUDt3yTA
O Little Town of Bethlehem by Elvis Presley
open.spotify.com/track/6Ai7PiAjnb4eIiC05By0i4?si=PGH9CjONT-SVNIyHwFawsA
Little Town by Amy Grant
open.spotify.com/track/4Q2gA7EtyFfCVGilwxLspc?si=tQm8m927Tcud_GafXxZM-g
Dec 02, 202049:40
Episode 4 - What Child Is This

Episode 4 - What Child Is This

Do you find yourself questioning the logic of the traditional Christmas Story? A king was born in a manger? Or Angels delivering a message to stinky, outcasts called Shepherds? Astrologers following a star to find an infant with gifts to bring?  So did the author of our song today.  Join me as I welcome our guest Megan McKenzie a Dallas area pianist, vocalist, and worship leader as we unpack those questions and much more!  Show notes:  Please check out our live streaming services Sundays at 9am and 11am at meadowsbaptist.org What Child Is this by The Cathedral Singers https://www.amazon.com/What-Child-Is-This/dp/B01LW75LSC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=What+Child+is+This+The+Cathedral+Singers&qid=1602607622&sr=8-1# What Child Is this by Vince Guaraldi https://www.amazon.com/What-Child-Is-This/dp/B009GQ2O44/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=What+Child+Is+This+Vince&qid=1602615258&sr=8-1 What Child Is This by Kristin Chenoweth https://www.amazon.com/What-Child-Is-This/dp/B001HDYFMS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=What+Child+Is+This+Chenoweth&qid=1602615376&s=dmusic&sr=1-1 Carol of the Bells/What Child Is This by Point of Grace https://music.apple.com/us/album/carol-of-the-bells-what-child-is-this-lp-version/1163641666?i=1163641686 What Child Is This by Seabird https://music.apple.com/us/album/what-child-is-this/716280225?i=716280708 Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotional by Kenneth W. Osbeck https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825438993/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_zGfMFbKXFTH8V The Story of Our Hymns: The Handbook to the Hymnal of the Anglican and Reformed Church by Armin Haeussler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007DPJ4M/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_mHfMFbQBP20BA Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the Worlds Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785249397/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_nJfMFbVY5KGV8 Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310239265/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4JfMFbQWBPHQV The Gospel in Hymns by Albert E. Bailey https://www.amazon.com/dp/9110007121/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_LKfMFbXXNSVM8 Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy: https://www.patreon.com/dennislambertpianist/posts
Nov 25, 202044:03
Episode 3 - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Episode 3 - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

2020 has been some kind of year...

Elections...

Pandemics...

Racial Tension..

Division and unrest...

Where is God in all of this?

Where is "Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men"?

We're going to grapple with that question today with our guest, Trey Groves, a local worship leader, and pastor.

If you want to know more about this hope, email at tim@meadowsbaptist.org

Show Notes for Today's Show:

https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/heard-the-bells-christmas-day-hope-surfaces-despair/

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/the-story-of-pain-and-hope-behind-i-heard-the-bells-on-christmas-day/

https://www.staugustine.com/living-religion/2016-12-16/story-behind-song-i-heard-bells-christmas-day

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/finding-praise-through-pain-in-i-heard-the-bells-on-christmas-day.html

http://www.hopeinthehealing.com/2016/12/05/the-sad-story-behind-i-heard-the-bells-on-christmas-day/

  • Scriptures Referenced:
    • Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
    • All Others ESV
    • Romans 1:16
    • Matthew 28:18-20
    • Mark 16:15
    • 1 Cor 1:18
    • Matthew 11:28-30
    • Isaiah 40:8
    • Matthew 24:4-13
    • 1 Cor 15:55-57

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Bing Crosby https://open.spotify.com/track/2fa3AnV5pAkfwHLJT4B7kT?si=EUvIkSF9TayKjRukGqTW5w

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Mercy Me

https://open.spotify.com/track/2bOlwax8hs6ga8SPm3Vke5?si=WEAruQVoSz2AkPrXc5iWrw

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns

https://open.spotify.com/track/6ZvGIWs3Vt4cmVkuycJaFM?si=O7zsY0rgSpSjAomQ5ZuXDQ

Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy:

https://www.patreon.com/dennislambertpianist/posts

Nov 18, 202054:55
Episode 2 - The Holly and the Ivy

Episode 2 - The Holly and the Ivy

Today, on our second episode of Comfort and Joy, our guest, Dr. Sandra Glahn guides us through a lesser known Christmas Carol with profound impact. How can we take the simple every day, sometimes mundane experiences and find true meaning and comfort? Check out today's conversation to find out! 

Please join us at www.meadowsbaptist.org at either 9am or 11am for our Live Stream worship services! 

Show Notes: 

What Child Is This/The Holly and the Ivy - Bing Crosby

https://open.spotify.com/track/6OJdXv1Q5OdLgYolFEunJ4?si=MmdxeJcORa-F67nKrL1tQw

The Holly and the Ivy - Mannheim Steamroller

https://open.spotify.com/track/3NpBryUBoqjbRlWpZ8kz2e?si=WXUiUgu9RA2hXTUnXYP4Vw

The Holly and the Ivy - Choir of King's College, Cambridge

https://open.spotify.com/track/6FHRwUok0DKeA2VON2pRme?si=dwOp9QuBRVae8YnxrqbgGA

The Holly and the Ivy - Remastered - Stan Kenton

https://open.spotify.com/track/4BT2ndAGbzS1lS6CA7zsJj?si=0K0X0CmsT3S6ROyMPFkzLw

The Holly and the Ivy - Andrew Peterson

https://open.spotify.com/track/03rdoSqq5wYXMjMBlw0wv1?si=8bLUkVBkS2qLPHKC2Iy5OA

Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible

Edited by Dr. Sandra Glahn

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825444136/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_.qhOFbJJB2BX7

Follow Dr. Glahn On Twitter: @sandraglahn

Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy:

https://www.patreon.com/dennislambertpianist/posts


Nov 11, 202037:08
Episode 1 - Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Episode 1 - Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

CHRISTMAS TIME IS COMING! 

Welcome to the first episode of Comfort and Joy! 

What is Advent? How does it usher in the Christmas season and why is it important?

We unpack these questions with our guest, Sara Lynn, a worship leader in the Methodist Church today.

Please check out http://meadowsbaptist.org at 9am and 11am every Sunday for our live streaming services!

Today's Musical Sources and Show Notes:

Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotional by Kenneth W. Osbeck

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825438993/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_zGfMFbKXFTH8V

The Story of Our Hymns: The Handbook to the Hymnal of the Anglican and Reformed Church by Armin Haeussler

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007DPJ4M/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_mHfMFbQBP20BA

Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the Worlds Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan

Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785249397/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_nJfMFbVY5KGV8

Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310239265/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4JfMFbQWBPHQV

The Gospel in Hymns by Albert E. Bailey

https://www.amazon.com/dp/9110007121/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_LKfMFbXXNSVM8

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - Chris Tomlin & Christy Nockels

https://open.spotify.com/track/772u0BD76oq8c4JqCLxpUH?si=PERReRohQl6vlE2UpacO3w

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - Meredith Andrews

https://open.spotify.com/track/177jEwUqgmdmw6uccm6SfJ?si=PC2Gyt4sTRWx5MX5xBIzGQ

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - The Scottish Festival Singers

https://open.spotify.com/track/6oEqXjjOak3u3K0l9fZK5U?si=WL6EVybnQ1W7x18fcfCtdg

https://archive.spurgeon.org/sermons/0057.php

Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy:

https://www.patreon.com/dennislambertpianist/posts

Nov 04, 202047:59