Merry Christmas

I used to love Christmas music.

Then I worked in retail. (If you've ever worked at the mall over the holidays, you know what I mean.)

The minute Thanksgiving was over, we started up the holiday-themed CD corporate had provided for us to play in the store. I quickly noticed the distinct lack of any religious tunes in the playlist, which rules out at least half of all Christmas music.

For the next month I was subjected to hours of endless, endless renditions of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Let It Snow," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire." By the time Christmas finally arrived, if I heard MJ's shrill "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" one more time, I would have to destroy something. I can't even take the Beatles' lukewarm "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time," which is saying something because I love the Beatles.

(However, I do like "Santa Baby." Go figure.)

So after being force-fed saccarine, sickeningly heartwarming pop music for way too long, I've found myself attracted to the old-fashioned Christmas hymns such as "O Holy Night" more than ever. I especially like the 17th century hymn "Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light" is one of my favorites. The lyrics are profound, the harmonies were written by Bach, and the last two lines have the beautiful simplicity of a haiku. (Okay, yes, I know a haiku is three lines. Stop being so picky.)

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with a fright,
But hear the angel's warning:
This Child, now weak in infancy,
Our confidence and joy shall be!

The power of Satan breaking,
Our Peace Eternal making.

Merry Christmas everybody!