The Road to Bethlehem – Silver Bells

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

This song is a Christmas classic.  It is light, airy, and invokes that feeling that so many understand who live in cities like New York or Chicago.  I did not get it until I lived in the Chicago area for a bit. 

My job in Chicago had me traveling between a downtown office and suburb office near my home twice a week.  I was heading for the train back to home from downtown in early December.  It was already dark and a light snow was falling. 

Traffic was thin and cold wind stung my face.  It had been a hard day.  Then I heard it; the distinct sound of a bell ringing through the crisp air.  I looked for it.  I knew what I would find.  There she was a few blocks up from where I would turn for the train. 

I made my way up the street, folding a couple of bills carefully as I did.  I met the smile of a young woman in a Salvation Army uniform.  I thanked her for braving the cold and her service to the cause as I slipped the properly folded bills into the narrow kettle slot. 

When I turned to make my way back to the train the song, Silver Bells came to mind and I began to sing it.  In the dark, the cold, and the snow that song meant something more for the first time.

Every year since I spend some time in December as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer.   You should give it a try Dear Reader.  They do so much good with so little.  It is so rewarding and it gives life to the song and to so many other things.  It may be Santa’s big scene but the silver bells remind us of what the season is for for all of us.

Silver Bells – Martina McBride

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing, people passing

Meeting smile after smile

And on every street corner you hear

Silver bells, (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling)

Hear them ring, (hear them ring)

Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights, even stoplights

Blink a bright red and green

As the shoppers rush home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch

This is Santa's big day

And above all this bustle you hear

Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling) hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Come on Ring Those Bells – Sleigh Ride

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

I have been on a real sleigh ride.  One should have it on one’s “bucket list”.   It was fun but not romantic in any way.  It was a long ride in falling snow to a destination.   The conversation and hot chocolate (with brandy) were memorable. 

During the time of the ride we crossed a field of untouched snow.  The beauty of this vast area covered in the untouched white left me speechless.  The only path through the drifts was the snow covered road we were on.

Pulling the sleigh was one of the largest Percherons I have ever seen.  He pulled the sleigh with ease and great puffs of frosty breath issued from his nostrils like a living steam train. The horse did know the way and the driver held the reins only as a precaution.  The rhythm of the bells as we road was hypnotic.  My mind pondered how amazing the Father is to provide so much grandeur in the world.

This is my first Christmas without snow in many years.  I am reminded how much I love it.  I am also reminded not to complain.   Since I believe that God never gets the weather wrong I am determined not to second guess his choice for us this year.  Perhaps it will make me more thankful when the snow returns. 

For now I will remember that sleigh ride on that winter’s eve some years ago.  I will remember that people and joy and beauty.  After all one of the multitude of things I  have to be grateful for is the pleasant memories of the Father’s past provisions.

Sleigh Ride – Amy Grant

Just hear those sleigh bells jing-a-ling

Ring ting ting-a-ting too

C'mon it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

Outside the snow is falling

And friends are calling you hoo

C'mon it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together

Giddy-up giddy-up giddy-up let's go

Let's look at the show

We're riding in a wonderland of snow

Giddy-up giddy-up giddy-up it's grand

Just holding your hand

We're riding along with a song

Of a wintery fairyland

Our cheeks are nice and rosy

And comfy cozy are we

We snuggle close together

Like two birds of a feather would be

Let's take that road before us

And sing a [Chorus] or two

C'mon it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

There's a birthday party

At the home of Farmer Grey

It'll be the perfect ending

Of a perfect day

We'll be singing the songs we love to sing

Without a single stop

At the fireplace where

We'll watch the chestnuts pop

Pop pop pop

There's a happy feeling

Nothing in this world can buy

When they pass around

The coffee and the pumpkin pie

It'll nearly be like

A picture print by Currier & lives

These wonderful things

Are the things

We remember all through our lives

These wonderful things

Are the things

We remember all through our lives

Sleigh bells jing-a-ling

Ring ting ting-a-ting too

C'mon it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

Outside the snow is falling

And friends are calling you hoo

C'mon it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together

Giddy-up giddy-up giddy-up let's go

Let's look at the show

We're riding in a wonderland of snow

Giddy-up giddy-up giddy-up it's grand

Just holding your hand

We're riding along with a song

Of a wintery fairyland

Nice and rosy

And comfy cozy are we

We snuggle close together

Like two birds of a feather would be

Let's take that road before us

And sing a [Chorus] or two

C'mon it's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

It's lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

Lovely weather

For a sleigh ride together with you

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come on Ring Those Bells – Carol of the Bells

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

I was in the mall a couple of days ago.  This is a rare occurrence for me.  I could hear the Salvation Army bells above the din of crowds and bustle.  I also love how the Christmas bells of London are so significant in the video versions of A Christmas Carol. 

It is fitting that Christmas bells get the attention they call for relative to Christ.  Even though the song Carol of the Bells does not mention the birth of Christ it fits the celebration of it.  I find it aids in unfettering my joy.

Sometimes Dear Reader that is what we need.  We must at times let our joy run free.  People may think us mad or inappropriate but there are times when holding back is the wrong thing.  I find deep joy in the birth of Christ.

 There are a couple of good versions of this song out there.  I like the funny one from A Claymation Christmas.   I also enjoy Barlow Girl’s version greatly.  This helps unleash my joy in a way that moves me forward with mirth and hope.

There are things that clamor for my energy and optimism during this time of year.  I dispense them with a focus on the music and its impact on my spirit.  Enjoy these renditions of a great song.  Perhaps it can enhance your joy as well.

Carol of the Bells – Pentatonix

Ding, ding, ding, dong

Ding, ding, ding, dong

Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells

All seem to say: “throw cares away

Christmas is here bringing good cheer

To young and old, meek and the bold"

Ding, ding, ding, dong, that is their song

With joyful ring all caroling

One seems to hear words of good cheer

From everywhere filling the air

Oh, how they pound, raising the sound

O'er hill and dale, telling their tale

Gaily they ring while people sing

Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

On, on they send, on without end

Their joyful tone to every home

Ding, ding, ding, dong

Ding, ding, ding, dong

Ding, ding, ding, dong

Oh, how they pound, raising the sound

O'er hill and dale, telling their tale

Ding, dong, joy to every home

Ding, ding, ding, dong

Ding, ding, ding, dong

Ding, ding, ding, dong

Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells

All seem to say, throw cares away

Christmas is here bringing good cheer

To young and old, meek and the bold

Ding, ding, ding, dong, that is their song

With joyful ring all caroling

One seems to hear words of good cheer

From everywhere filling the air

Oh, how they pound, raising the sound

O'er hill and dale, telling their tale

Gaily they ring while people sing

Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

On, on they send, on without end

Their joyful tone to every home

Ding, dong, ding, dong

Joy to every home

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come on Ring Those Bells – Silver Bells

Greetings Dear Reader,

I love the song Silver Bells.  Every time I hear it I sing along.  My favorite rendition is an older one but each year I look for a new version of it. This song reminds me of those in need.  It reminds me that I need to listen for the distant ringing of the bells.

Every year my family volunteers to ring bells for the Salvation Army.   That link will take you to their web page.  It is still not to find a kettle shift in your area.  It is in this that there is much good.  My family sings, we have fun, and we go out for breakfast after an early shift.

Everything about this is beautiful.  The organization really uses the funds collected to help others.  They have one of the lowest overheads of any charitable organization.  It is time work the effort and with benefit.  It is easy and enjoyable.

Also there is the aspect of watching how people respond.  There are those who are thrilled and thankful to see bell ringers.  Some parents and grandparents use the opportunity to teach wee ones about giving.   There are those who avoid the kettle.

One of the things that happened this past weekend was a family that was headed toward our door had several reactions.  The three elementary aged boys were visibly excited to see and hear my family.  The dad waved and began digging in his pockets.  The mum dragged them all to another store entrance.

There are also those who avoid the gaze of the bell ringers.   Please know that whether you give anything or not we are happy to see you.   We care as much about spreading a little cheer as we do about the money.  We want to lighten your day and give you a moment of calm in the chaos.

I hope that when you hear the bells or the song you are reminded that there are those in need.   I hope you drop a little change in the bucket.  One of my Christmas promises is to do so every time I pass one.  Even if you do not, greet the bell ringers and give them some encouragement. 

For now, enjoy the song you hear every year and remember that those bells in the song are the Salvation Army bells.  They remind us how blessed we are and that we have an opportunity to share our blessings with others.

Silver Bells – She and Him

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks.

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas

(Children laughing,

People passing,

Meeting smile after smile)

And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells, (Silver bells) Silver bells, (silver bells)

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling),

Hear them ring (hear them ring)

Soon it will be Christmas day.

(Strings of streetlights

Even stop lights

Blink a bright red and green

As the shoppers rush

Home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch

See the kids rush

This is Santa's big day

And above all this bustle you'll hear

Silver bells) the corner Santa Claus,

(Silver bells), it's busy now because

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, (it fills the winter air)

Hear them ring (you'll hear it everywhere)

Soon it will be Christmas day.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Why I love Christmas – Bell Ringing

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I have spoken of this often over the last two months.  Today is the last opportunity I have to participate in the joyous event this season.  Even though I am not in full health today I will not forgo this precious time.

For just a couple hours of my time I get such great return.  I get to see the smiles of those who get it concerning giving to those in need as they drop pennies or dollars into the kettle.  I am enriched by those who stop to comment on the value of the Salvation Army.  I find true joy in knowing the good that will be done by the money collected.

At the center of my joy is a portion of redemption by inches.  Before she was safe someone associated with the Salvation Army did great harm to Christmas.  Each year I have seen her heal and grow to understand that this wicked man was not the sum of the face of the Salvation Army.  She has met a friend who works there and see how the organization helps those in need.

As with all things done by humans this organization has its flaws.  Overall, however, I consider it great joy and blessing to spend some time aiding in this cause.  So I will ring again this morning and pray for those in need as I do.  I will then put away my silver bell until the next opportunity.  I will not put away my thoughts and compassion for those in need.  It is a part of Christmas I carry with me always. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store." 

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