Christmas

A group of six talented young people gave their best Pentatonix impression as they performed a cappella cover of a beloved Christmas classic, “Mary, Did You Know?”

Jesus Christ is, without a doubt, the most important figure in the biblical Christmas story. God sent His one and only Son to Earth to save man from their sins. The newborn King had finally made his long-awaited and much-anticipated arrival. But there were other people who played a crucial part in bringing hope into a lost and broken world.

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was a humble, lowly woman. However, God selected her, a virgin, to give birth to the Savior of the world. What a monumental task and responsibility! 

Despite having an angel appear before her and inform her of God’s plan, when did she really know that her firstborn son was different from all the rest? It’s one thing to be told something is true, but it’s another to actually believe and know it.  In a clip posted on YouTube, six siblings – The Joyful 6 - perform a song that asks that very question and others of Mary.

“Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?”

Every one of the children, from the oldest to the youngest, turned in a stunning vocal performance, putting their massive talent on full display. Their voices are literal music to the ears. These children have all been blessed with angelic voices. 

One could easily listen to these immensely talented young people belt out these wonderfully inspiring and moving lyrics for hours. 

“Mary, Did You Know?” is far from their only performance. For those interested in hearing more from these young people, their YouTube channel is littered with videos. They have posted videos of them performing “Joy to the World,” “Carol of the Bells” and several others.

Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, ‘Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”

Two fathers and daughters combined their angelic voices, making for a beautiful and dazzling performance of a Christmas tune.

Christmas is a wonderful, and arguably, the best time of the entire year. It’s a season full of friends, family, fun and too much food. Part of those joyous celebrations often include annual traditions such as watching Christmas films and television specials or listening to holiday-themed songs. 

As everyone already knows, there is no shortage of Christmas songs. Those beloved tunes run the gamut and include everything from secular to religious, upbeat, fast-paced to slow and drawn out, and funny to serious and depressing. Regardless of your preference in music, there is bound to be a Christmas song or two that meets your standards and tastes.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Claire and Dave Crosby and Mat and Savanna Shaw sing a Christmas song, a classic from Nat King Cole – “The Christmas Song.”

The talented quartet, while sitting comfortably next to one another, belts out those lyrics, which many people can likely recite from memory. 

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos”

It’s simply a fantastic performance. Each group member gets plenty of time to shine and flex their impressive vocal muscles. In addition to singing, Dave also plays the guitar throughout the video.

The amount of talent in a video that is not even 4-minutes long is startling. There is not a missed note or anything. It’s as close to a perfect performance as you’re likely to find. 

Others commented on the YouTube video, mentioning how much they enjoyed the vocal performance.

“Wow…just wow. This was vocal perfection on so many levels. I’d love to have an entire holiday album of the four of them together like this. So amazing,” one person added.

“So sweet to see two father-daughter duets working together. Thank you, it was very nice,” a second individual posted. 

Psalm 95:1 “O come, let us make songs to the Lord; sending up glad voices to the Rock of our salvation.”

"O Holy Night" Just my cover of this Christmas Classic. Did it my way. I like my Intro better. Recorded by me, myself and some A.I.

"What Child Is This" It's my version of the Christmas song. It is simply me, doing it my way and keeping the lyrics to only the 1st verse & chorus. Just a few snap-shot pictures without any lyrics. Music is in a Vintage Rock kind of way.

Seventh movement in the symphony and graphic novel The Nativity of Jesus by Ralph Lecessi. Realizing he had been tricked, Herod orders to have all baby boys in Bethlehem killed. Joseph takes Mary and baby Jesus and flees to Egypt, where they stay until Herod is dead.

Eighth movement in the symphony and graphic novel The Nativity of Jesus by Ralph Lecessi. Christ is King of the Universe and we prepare for his Second Coming.

Sixth movement in the symphony and graphic novel The Nativity of Jesus by Ralph Lecessi. The Magi discover that the Christ child will be born and follow the star to Judea. Herod, wanting to protect his throne, asks them to report back to hime with Christ's location. The wise men find baby Jesus in Bethlehem, adore him, and return home by another route.

Fifth movement in the symphony and graphic novel The Nativity of Jesus by Ralph Lecessi. Shepherds tending their flocks are told by an angel that the Christ child has been born. They travel to Bethlehem, where they adore baby Jesus.

Fourth movement in the symphony and graphic novel The Nativity of Jesus by Ralph Lecessi. Joseph, after troubled dreams, takes Mary to Bethlehem. When Mary goes into labor, Joseph begs for someone to give them a place to stay. An innkeeper allows them to use his stable. Mary gives birth to baby Jesus, and places him in a manger.

Third movement in the symphony and graphic novel The Nativity of Jesus by Ralph Lecessi. Mary travels to the hills of Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Upon seeing Mary, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and praises Mary and her unborn child.

Second movement in the symphony and graphic novel The Nativity of Jesus by Ralph Lecessi. The angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will be the mother of the Christ child. Mary, initially concerned, unconditionally accepts God's Will.

Often, Joseph is not thought of. Song expresess his commitmen to "Protect & Provide" for God's son. Soloist MARTIN TUBRIDY, the original bass that Harry Chapin wrote of in his song, Mr. Tanner, brings this song to life.

A world-renowned musician and his talented young daughter turned in a moving and stunning performance on a popular British program, singing a beloved song from the late Leonard Cohen.

While long-running television programs like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The Voice and Dancing with the Stars remain popular despite their lengthy run, they still want to increase viewership. So, to accomplish this task, those shows often use gimmicks like theme nights and bring other, more widely recognized performers on to sing, dance and even guest judge. 

As it turns out, The United States of America isn’t the only country in the world where citizens tune in to watch other people ballroom dance. The Brits also apparently enjoy this type of television programming. But instead of Disney or Taylor Swift-themed nights, one British program went in a decidedly different and much better direction to try and increase viewership. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Italian musician Andrea Bocelli and his daughter Virginia appeared on an episode of Strictly Come Dancing – a show very much like Dancing with the Stars. 

The father-daughter duo appeared on the British program and performed the classic and beloved 1984 hit “Hallelujah.” As expected, it’s a lovely performance featuring two talented musicians. 

The duet begins with young Virginia singing the opening lyrics. Her world-famous father sits next to her, strumming along on the guitar. 

“Now, I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do you?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth”

After singing the opening verse herself, Andrea joins his daughter by singing the tune’s simple but memorable chorus. But the highlight of their entire performance is when Andrea begins singing in Italian about a minute into the clip. 

It's such an unexpected but welcomed twist, helping to make for a dazzling performance. The sound is beautiful despite likely not many in the audience or those watching at home understanding a word of Italian. 

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

Four supremely talented young men, Kings Return, turned in an utterly delightful and awe-inspiring Christmas-themed musical performance.

There are several Christmas-themed films and songs that are heard and watched every single year. For some families, listening to those songs or viewing those movies and television specials has basically morphed into an annual tradition. 

Some of those beloved Christmas songs come from the classic Nutcracker ballet. There are several tunes from that work that most are likely familiar with but do not realize it came from a ballet. In a clip posted on YouTube, the group Kings Return performs those memorable and classic tracks a cappella.

The nearly 4-and-a-half-minute video features four talented gentlemen displaying their God-given gift for sound. The sound the guys create is literal music to the ears. It’s so soothing, calming and pleasant. One could easily listen to these guys for hours without ever getting tired of their sound. 

Not only do the four guys sound terrific, but the video is also a sight to behold. Viewers get one shot after another of a stunningly beautiful restaurant decorated in Christmas décor and an apartment adorned with wreaths, lights and a Christmas tree. 

As viewers listen and watch the Christmas-themed clip, they’ll be immediately overwhelmed with the holiday spirit, feeling as if they are now fully ready for the Christmas season. Christmas and all the fun and excitement that typically accompany the holiday season and Christmas Day radiates from that video. 

Likely, while listening and watching Kings Return beautifully and masterfully perform the songs from The Nutcracker, a strong feeling of nostalgia will wash over you. Memories and images of Christmases long past will come rushing back. You’ll unexpectedly find yourself wanting to go back and relive and experience those special Christmas celebrations for just a few moments. 

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

A group of four musically gifted men, The Overtones, gave an upbeat and catchy performance, singing how they wished they could experience the joy and warmth of Christmas every single day of the year.

As everyone already knows, Christmas is, unfortunately, just one day out of the year. However, for many people, it’s likely the most anticipated day on the calendar. It’s a chance to spend time with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Christ, exchange gifts and eat too much food. What is there not to love about Dec. 25?

Given the abundance of joy and happiness present during a Christmas celebration, I’d venture to guess that most people wouldn’t mind if Christmas were extended a day or two. Who could ever be against that idea?

In a video posted on YouTube, the UK pop quartet The Overtones sings “Christmas Everyday,” a tune about experiencing Christmas all 365 days. That’s a desire most people can wholeheartedly agree with and understand. 

“Christmas Everyday” is a catchy, toe-tapping song about the best, most memorable aspects of the Christmas season. Because it is so upbeat and noticeably fast-paced, it’s a tune that is sure to get stuck in your head. You’ll probably find yourself singing it silently hours after that final listen. 

“Sidewalks covered up in snow
Lights up everywhere we go
Santa’s on his way
It’s Christmas every day”

In addition to the lyrics about Santa, Christmas trees and snow-covered surfaces, the video provides many perfect visual depictions of all things Christmas. 

The guys wear matching red suits and then don some of the ugliest Christmas sweaters you’ve ever seen while faux snow falls as the guys sing about wanting Christmas every single day. 

Later in the video, their families join the fun, sitting near an intricately decorated Christmas tree. 

Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Bing Crosby and company have turned in and delivered yet another memorable and iconic performance of a beloved Christmas tune.

Christmas is a season that has no shortage of festive tunes that help listeners get in the holiday spirit. Fans of Santa Claus, Rudolph the Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman will be pleasantly surprised. There are plenty of songs about those characters. There is one tune that even mentions the green, evil and conniving central character from the Dr. Suess tale “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”

But likely, as far as secular Christmas songs go, the most popular is “Jingle Bells.” By the end of the Christmas season, most people are likely sick and tired of that tune. Its many covers are in countless Christmas television specials, films and commercials. The song is often heard in several stores while customers peruse and complete their holiday shopping. 

However, no matter how much you may have heard “Jingle Bells,” there is still something special about hearing it sung by the legendary Bing Crosby. The late actor and singer could have opened a phonebook and belted out those names and numbers in a melodic fashion and turned it into a classic. 

In a short clip posted on YouTube, Bing is joined by several other people as they sing the often-heard but still beloved holiday track “Jingle Bells.”

“Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells”

Once again, in this short clip, Bing shows why his covers of Christmas songs are the versions heard annually. His soothing, calming and distinct voice creates a pleasant and enjoyable listening experience. 

Bing Crosby Christmas covers will, without a doubt, continue to be played for many more Christmas seasons to come.

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A group of talented vocalists put their immense talents to work by creating a thoroughly enjoyable medley of familiar tunes from the beloved Nutcracker ballet.

The human voice is a unique and versatile instrument. Musicians can and do use it to create a wide range of interesting sounds and captivating tones. Not only is the human voice capable of producing a wide variety of sounds, but it is the original instrument and the only one created by God himself. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, one group of vocalists, Voctave, created a stunning medley of music from the Nutcracker ballet. But instead of playing any conventional instruments to produce the familiar sound, they only use their voices. 

To say their final product is outstanding would be a severe understatement. Performing a cappella is dangerous because no instruments are present to cover up mistakes or slip-ups. If someone were to sing a wrong note or miss one entirely, the audience would probably be able to pick up on that mistake rather easily.

But instead of mistakes, Voctave’s performance is simply amazing. They produce high-quality sounds that all are likely more than familiar with, even if they don’t realize it.

Additionally, the group’s transitions between songs are absolutely flawless. There is no lag or confusion between the vocalists. Their timing is perfect, with no one missing a beat or a note throughout the 2-minute and 46-second clip.

Several others who commented on the group’s YouTube video also expressed their love and admiration for their Christmas-themed performance.

“I have one criticism. This wasn’t long enough!! I was left wanting more! This will most certainly end up on my “must listen” to Christmas music,” one person wrote.

“Epic! Such great rhythmic precision and control,” a second individual added.

“Great as always. Such an amazing harmony,” someone else mentioned. 

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Beloved Italian musician Andrea Bocelli is joined by his talented young daughter, Virginia, for a remarkable duet as they sing “Winter Wonderland.”

Many holiday and Christmas-themed songs paint a beautiful picture of the winter season, creating this fictional, magical wonderland full of snow-covered trees, mountaintops and meadows. But the often-freezing temperatures and bone-chilling wind chills are anything but a wonderland. Regardless of the reality of the winter season weather conditions, those songs about a “winter wonderland” are still beloved by many.

One of those tunes that has become a favorite of many over the decades is “Winter Wonderland.” In a clip posted on YouTube, Andrea Bocelli is joined by his daughter, Virginia Bocelli, for a memorable and stunning duet. 

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland”

It’s clear early on, as evidenced by this tune, that Andrea’s musical talent did not stop with him. His daughter, Virginia, also has quite the voice, able to belt out the lyrics as she sings with her world-famous father. 

This duet is a fantastic example of the immense musical skill and talent that Andrea and Virginia both possess. It’s a dazzling rendition of a classic Christmas song that is sure to become an iconic version, heard for many more Christmas seasons to come.

Others, in their written comments on the YouTube video, indicated that they wholeheartedly agreed with the assessment and loved the father-daughter duet.

“Absolutely fabulous! Virginia Bocelli has inherited her father’s great voice! This (is) a marvelous way to start off the Christmas season! Thank you,” one person posted.

“Absolutely amazing voices. Great duet Andrea and Virginia. Congratulations!!! Beautiful Christmas song,” a second person added.

“This is so beautifully performed. Andrea and Victoria are excellent together. I can see this becoming a classic being played regularly for future years. Well accomplished. Thank you so very much. Kindest regards from England,” a third individual wrote.

Psalms 95:1 “O come, let us make songs to the Lord; sending up glad voices to the Rock of our salvation.”

Legendary actor and musician Bing Crosby turned in another memorable and iconic performance of a classic Christmas song about the evening Jesus Christ was born.

The Christmas season does not suffer from a lack of Christmas-themed movies and songs. The classic Christmas tunes, and most of the movies, for that matter, cover many topics and characters. More secular songs cover characters like Rudolph the Reindeer, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. But it’s arguably the more religious songs like “Joy to the World” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” that are the most beloved.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Bing Crosby sings another of those more religious and cherished songs, “Silent Night.” It's a dazzling performance! 

“Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace”

Many of Bing Crosby’s Christmas covers are the versions consistently heard every Christmas season. Decades after his death, millions still hear his voice, even if they don’t realize it’s his. His Christmas covers are played on the radio, heard on television and in movies every year.

In the short but impactful clip, Bing makes it abundantly clear once again why that is the case. His voice is so smooth and soothing, helping to perfectly highlight and punctuate the meaning and significance of Christ’s entrance into the world on that most holy of nights. Christ, the newborn King, had arrived! 

Each time Bing sings, he makes it appear easy and effortless. There does not look to be any strain or really any trying at all on his part. He opens his mouth, and a voice that you could easily listen to for hours on end comes out. 

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

World-renowned musician Andrea Bocelli was joined by family members for an utterly delightful performance of a beloved Christmas tune, “Away in a Manger.”

The world was changed forever after Mary gave birth to that precious baby boy in a stable in Bethlehem all those years ago. Following word of the newborn King’s birth, several traveled, near and far, to get a glimpse of that child, wrapped up in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager. Christ’s birth was the moment that gave hope to the entire world. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Andrea Bocelli is joined by his children – Virginia and Matteo – for a lovely performance of “Away in the Manger.” Of course, it’s the classic Christmas hymn about the child born that evening. 

“Away in a manager
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head”

While “Away in a Manger” is a song that many are likely able to recite completely from memory, it does not and has not gotten old. The beautiful lyrics about the baby sent to Earth to save mankind from sin are full of love, painting a beautiful picture of the newborn King. “Away in a Manger” is always, and likely will continue to be a popular tune every Christmas season. 

In addition to the lovely lyrics, the video is also a sight to behold. Andrea plays the piano and shoulders singing responsibilities with his daughter, Virginia. The two of them sit at the piano with a dazzling display of bright, festively decorated Christmas trees resting behind them. Also, throughout the video, viewers are treated to a perfect, serene and breathtaking winter scene – snow-covered mountains and falling snow along the ocean. 

The Bocelli family rendition of “Away in a Manger” is one that is more than worth a few listens. 

Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”