Advent Calendar - Day 12

So the other day as my husband (the other M in this MnM equation) and I were talking about what makes Christmas christmasy to us, we discussed his love of snow.  He loves snow and skiing and the idea of warming up by a fire when it's cold outside.  So needless to say, he looks forward to going up north to see the snow.  Well this year he's distraught, as it has been rather warm up north, and he's very concerned that there won't be any snow when he arrives. 


So I heard this song the other day for the first time and have to dedicate it to him, because I think he would enjoy living in a snow globe. Love you hunnie!


Snow Globe by Matt Wertz

MnM

Advent Calendar - Day 11

One Christmas when I was in high school or college, as we were decorating our house, we always listened to a variety of Christmas tunes, and all of a sudden laughter breaks out in the living room.  I go upstairs to the living room to find my dad conducting Trans Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Eve/Saravejo to an imaginary orchestra.  We laughed hysterically and I think of my dad every time that song comes on.  We still encourage him to conduct the imaginary orchestra, but it doesn't happen too often.  


I love the way little things leave such wonderful memories.


Christmas Eve/Saravejo by the Trans Siberian Orchestra

MnM

Advent Calendar - Day 10

So I've heard Matthew West's One Last Christmas before the Christmas season, but heard his new song the Heart of Christmas just recently.  


Matthew tells the story of the Locke family here:

Dax actually lived through the calendar year and passed away early the next January.  You can see all the lights that neighbors, towns and people all around the world put up for Dax at the family's website.  You can also donate to the Dax Locke Foundation, visit their shop that supports the foundation, and donate to St. Jude's on the Locke's site.  


This year the Gospel Music Channel (GMC) made a movie out of the Locke's story.  You can find out about the movie and where to see it here: http://theheartofchristmasmovie.com/  And with the movie, Matthew West wrote a new song, a song about the message that the Locke family wants to share with everyone, to cherish every moment that you have with those you love, and let them know that you love them every day. 


The Heart of Christmas by Matthew West

MnM

Advent Calendar - Day 9

Today was a crazy day.  I had a bunch of extra work added to a project at work with a whole bunch of changes, stayed late and then got stuck in traffic going home.  So all I want to do it now is relax and forget about what's waiting for me on Monday morning. 


I loved this song when I first heard it and it's a nice chill song... something I needed today... Enjoy!


Winter Snow by Audrey Assad

MnM

Advent Calendar - Day 8

So I swear this year is the first time I've ever heard this song, but it must a couple years old because there are videos of it from past years.  I love Francesca Battistelli's songs usually and I love this one too.  It's a song from Mary's perspective and the following lines always catch me:


"Look at your hands, they're still so small.  Someday you're going to stretch them out and save us all."
"Someday you're gonna go home again, but you'll leave your spirit and flood the world with joy."


How exciting!  I just think it's a beautiful song with a great message and perspective.


"You could have left us on our own, but You're here...."


You're Here by Francesca Battistelli

MnM

Advent Calendar - Day 7

Five years ago today my cousin Chrissy was killed in a car crash.  I can still remember getting the call from my parents and every year it gives me pause during this time of joy and celebration.  I think of her frequently, but even more so today.  


In celebration of Chrissy's life and the friends we shared through dance, today's song is the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

MnM

Advent Calendar - Day 6

I was never a big fan of the song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.  Until I heard Mark Hall of Casting Crowns explain that the song came from a poem entitled Christmas Bells by Longfellow and how he wrote the poem in the deepest, darkest time of the civil war and after his wife had just died.  Check out the full explanation (he says it much better than me) here: http://web.thejoyfm.com/jr/casting2.mp3


And this is the song:


I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns

MnM