Elizabeth and Rebekah have been ill for a while now, which is why the book club stopped for a bit. Elizabeth and Rebekah are much better now.
As normal Tia picks up Rebekah, they go and pick up Lawrence. Lawrence enjoyed it so, so much he even told Lydia. Lydia was already at the chapel with Pete, Louise and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth had time off college to get better, she got bored so ended up preparing for today session and asked everyone to research their favourite song. It had to be a Christmas carols. Join in if you want.
I wonder what songs we are signing today. Don't you? Read on.
"First of all let's sign our first song today", said Elizabeth.
Angles we have heard on high
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Refrain
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Refrain
See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
Refrain
"O.K. what is the hymn story Elizabeth," said Rebekah
Lydia has a question, "What does the carol tell us?"
Elizabeth answers Lydia question "The beautiful carol tells the story of Christ's birth, when the angel choir told the good news to nearby shepherds. The chorus, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," reflects the chorus of the angel choir that long-ago Christmas night."
Pete had an interesting fact and wanted to share it. "Many years ago shepherds in the hills of southern France had a Christmas Eve custom of calling to one another, singing "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," each from his own hillside. The traditional tune that the shepherds used may have been from a late Medieval Latin chorale. It became the magnificent chorus of "Angels We Have Heard on High."
Rebekah also had another interesting fact "The carol seems to be of eighteenth-century origin, since it was known in England by 1816. At that time James Montgomery wrote his carol "Angels From the Realms of Glory", originally basing it on the tune of "Les anges dans nos campagnes." "Angels From the Realms of Glory" was sung to the French tune until Henry Tomas Smart wrote a new tune for it in 1967."
Elizabeth said, "Since I had time on my hands, I am available to give you a sermon but more reflecting on the carol."
"Sheep scattered around, the shepherds settled in for another quiet night, probably swapping stories as they watched the flocks. Then, in a divine moment, God burst into the night. Angels appeared, singing songs and speaking of the Savior's birth. And suddenly, the shepherds' ordinary lives were transformed-becoming part of a story that's lived for thousands of years.
Angels We Have Heard on High" reminds us of this amazing night. In the beautiful strains of its chorus, this carol helps us experience a taste of what that angel chorus might have sounded like as it proclaimed the "good news."
Christ's birth certainly was good news to those simple shepherds. The Savior changed their lives forever. And God still loves to speak to ordinary people and transform their lives into something extraordinary through his grace.
As we sing of the angels' great announcement, let's remember that God still wants to announce the "good news" today, using people like you and me. Helping a family in need, sharing the gospel story with a prisoner, encouraging a friend who's going through tough times-in these and countless other ways we can announce Jesus' birth to the "shepherds" of our day.
Through our words and actions, we can show that Jesus still lives in the hearts of man. So in this Christmas season, and all through the coming year, let's continue the angel song. Let's tell the world all about Jesus, and how he's changed our lives forever."
Now this is Rebekah favourite song, which she researched on. Of course it had to be the first noel.
Rebekah said, "I would like you all to sing the first noel after that I will give you some information on that song.
The First Noel
The First Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay;
In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought
"The First Noel" portrays in vivid narrative style the story of the birth of Christ. All six stanzas are needed to complete the entire event when the hymn is sung. The sixth stanza urges us to join together to sing praises to God for the marvels of His creation and for the salvation provided through Christ's shed blood. The repetition of the joyous "noel" in the refrain is equivalent to our singing out "happy birthday" to someone.
It is interesting to observe that the "King of Israel" was first announced to "certain poor shepherds" only, but in the final stanza the phrases "let us all" and "mankind hath brought" remind us that Christ came to redeem the whole world.
The first noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay-in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
And by the light of that same star, three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.
This star drew nigh to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.
Then entered in those wise men three, full rev'rently upon their knee, and offered there, in His presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav'nly Lord, that hath made heav'n and earth of naught, and with His blood mankind hath bought.
Chorus: Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel!
By the way the information I have is not in my own words is from a Website, I'm up to ears with assignments. (here is the website)"
Do You Know What I Know?
During this Christmas season there will be ample opportunities for believers to share the reason for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the reason He came to earth. We can lovingly show our friends and family members that they can not only receive eternal life, but receive God’s spiritual gifts and live in abundant life right now.Many of you may know the following Christmas song. let us sing Do you hear what I hear, then I will continue on to the commentary!" Said Elizabeth
“DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?”
Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song high above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty King
Do you know what I know?
In your palace wall mighty King
Do you know what I know?
A child, a child shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Said the King to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say!
The child, the child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
God is seeing things and hearing things and speaking things this Christmas season. He wants to speak things through you for others to hear. Let Him lead you to help others this Christmas and you will have your own special Christmas story to tell….
Do you see what I see?
Maybe God is going to ask you to stop and help someone on the side of the road who has car trouble. Perhaps your tendency would be to drive on by to avoid the delay and the bother. Likewise, you may have a friend or family member who needs help. If you are listening for God’s quiet voice, He may be prompting you to reach out to that person in love.
Do you hear what I hear?
Someone you know, like a co-worker or a friend, may need someone to listen to them. God may be asking you to phone that person to let them know you care and to simply listen. Whether or not they feel free to open up about their problem, you can ask to pray for them. Sometimes we have not because we ask not.
Do you know what I know?
There are situations where we struggle and we can’t seem to fully understand what is happening. But God sees and knows everything. Ask Him to help you to understand and He will reveal to you what you need to know. He wants you to have His peace as you walk through the trial. He may even give you understanding concerning another person’s situation so that you can help the person and they can know God’s peace too.
Listen to what I say!
We know that God’s Word, the holy Bible, is full of God’s truth, and it contains the answers to all of our questions and struggles. There are scriptures to help us with any issue: salvation, redemption, healing, deliverance, peace, renewing the mind, family, sin, Jesus and His life and ministry, compassion, love…. A concordance or online scripture search website makes it easy to find scriptures that relate our situations and struggles. Write them on a card or note as a personal reminder or to share with a friend who needs encouragement.
Twelve days of Christmas
This is Lydia and Lawrence favorite song and it was their song which they researched about together. Before they started to talk everyone started singing. Join in!
On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
12 Drummers Drumming
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
12 Drummers Drumming
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
Lydia started off saying "Although the Christmas ‘season’ starts with Advent and ends with the Baptism of Jesus (or even until the feast of the Presentation, on 2nd February), the Christmas ‘Twelve Days of celebration’ commences with the Nativity of Our Blessed Lord on 25th December, and ends on the feast of the Epiphany on 6th January."
Lawrence carriers on from what Lydia is saying, "The carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, dates back to the 16th century. Even though its precise author is unknown, it is generally assumed to have been written by the English Jesuits as a catechetical device during the persecution of Catholics in the dreadful Penal Times. Convents and monasteries were closed and looted; priests were exiled and forbidden under pain of death from returning or performing the sacraments. But many brave priests did return, and in hidden secret meeting places the Sacraments were celebrated, and the people were taught the One True Faith. This carol, appearing as a merry tune with amusing lyrics, was in reality a song of instruction with hidden meanings to transmit the basic teachings of the Faith during this desperate terrifying time."
Everyone sang, "On the 1st day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"
" A Partridge in a Pear Tree," Lydia repeated.
"The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . .” (Luke 13:34) The pear tree is the symbol of the Cross." Said Lydia
Everyone sang, "On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"
"Two Turtle Doves, repeated Lawrence
"These represent the two natures in Jesus: human and divine. They can also represent the two Testaments, Old and New." Said Lawrence
Everyone sang, "On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"
Three French Hens, repeated Lydia
"The “three French hens” are the Three Persons in One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; or the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity (1 Corinthians 13:13)" Said Lydia
Everyone sang, "On the 4th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"
" Four Calling Birds," Lawrence repeated
"These are the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, that bring the Good News of our salvation through Jesus Christ, the Word of God." Said Lawrence.
Eveyone sange, "On the 5th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"
"Five Gold Rings," Lydia repeated.
"The “five golden rings” are the first five books of the Old Testament called the Torah or the Pentateuch (and generally considered the most sacred and important of all the Old Testament): 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity’s sinful failure and God’s response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world." Lydia said.
Everyone sang, "On the 6th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"
"Six Geese A-laying," Lawrence repeated.
"These are the six days of Creation (Genesis 1); or the six Precepts of the Church: 1. To respectfully and devoutly assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on all Sundays and Holidays of Obligation, 2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed, 3. To go to Confession at least once a year during the Easter Season, 4. To receive the Sacrament of the the Most Holy Eucharist at least once a year during the Easter Season, 5. To contribute financially to the support of the Catholic Church, 6. To never violate the laws concerning the Sacrament of Matrimony." Said Lawrence.
Everyone sang, "On the 7th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"
"Seven Swans A-swimming," Lydia repeated.
"These are the seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick." Said Lydia.
Everyone sang, "On the 8th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"
"Eight Maids A-milking," Lawrence repeated.
"The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)" Said Lawrence.
Everyone sang, "On the 9th day of Christmas my true love sent to me..."
" Nine Ladies Dancing," Lydia repeated
"The nine choirs of angels; or the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)" Said Lydia
Everyone sang, "On the 10th day of Christmas my true love sent to me……"
"Ten Lords A-Leaping," Lawrence repeated.
The Ten Commandments: 1) I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me; 2) You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; 3) Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day; 4) Honour your father and mother; 5) You shall not kill; 6) You shall not commit adultery; 7) You shall not steal; 8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour; 9) You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife; 10) You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods. (Exodus 20:1-17)
Everyone sang, "On the 11th day of Christmas my true love sent to me……"
"Eleven Pipers Piping ," Lydia repeated
"The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James the Greater, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8 ) Thomas, 9) James the Less, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Jude (sometimes known as “Thaddaeus”). (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus." Said Lydia.
Everyone sang "On the 12th day of Christmas my true love sent to me……"
"Twelve Drummers Drumming," Lawrence repeated.
"These are the twelve basic beliefs of the Catholic Church as outlined in the Apostles Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; 2) And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; 3) Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, 4) Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. 5) He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; 6) He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; 7) From thence He shall come again to judge the living and the dead. 8 ) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 9) the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting."
"Elizabeth ended the book club, since signing is such good fun. We should sign the Christmas carols again"
And that is how the book club ended.
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