Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations

By Tim Groves

The Holidays are a time when we feel rushed, stressed and often burned out. But, we invite you to take some time, slow down, and really dig into the stories for many of those familiar Christmas Carols... more

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FAQs about Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations:

How many episodes does Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations have?

The podcast currently has 9 episodes available.

Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations episodes:

December 30, 2020 Episode 9 - Joy to the World
We've made it to the end of our Christmas Journey for this season of Comfort and Joy! And what better song to end with than "Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come"?
But what if I told you this carol really had NOTHING to do with Christmas?
What if I told you, it's melody was STOLEN from a great composer?
Let's take a deep dive into one of the most famous Christmas Carols of all time!
Don't forget to check out meadowsbaptist.org for our live stream services every Sunday at 9am and 11am
Notes, preparation and quotes from:
Peterson, William J. and Randy Petersen. The One Year Book of Hymns. Edited and Compiled by Robert K. Brown and Mark R. Norton. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1995.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496428269/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_j0HQFbNWAJKFZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Phillips, Kenneth H. Directing the Choral Music Program. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2004.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019NEOGLW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YZHQFb5MK5AD2
Reynolds, William Jensen Reynolds. Hymns of Our Faith: A Handbook for the Baptist Hymnal. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1964.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JJM2DK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_sZHQFbC38MFEZ
www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-joy-to-the-world
Sources to reference:
Moody, Valerie. The Feats of Adonai: Why Christians Should Look at Biblical Feasts. Gibbora Productions, 2009.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982433573/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HYHQFb2XK9FA8
Joy to the World by Nat King Cole
https://open.spotify.com/track/1VuAamHM7P3VQQEXYGG3Uu?si=2xad4DCSRmOL80alCjGRew
Messiah, HWV 56 : Part II: Lift up your heads, O ye gates (Chorus)
https://open.spotify.com/track/6YhkhEJsUszpUdKfde2mqc?si=3lx00OS-T9KIAWmqmRjqog
Messiah, HWV 56 : Part I: Accompanied: Comfort ye, my people (Tenor)
https://open.spotify.com/track/5ad8xYHMymySV6bDLEGiS9?si=JFobKTlPQuafI-9DWHG6Hg
Joy to the World (arr. J. Rutter) - Lowell Mason, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia, John Rutter
https://open.spotify.com/track/0tKQ3h7CemmhpoLFVrv9Px?si=NINd-KjZTbisjqJDfQvFZQ
Joy to the World (arr. J. Wachner for choir and orchestra ) - Lowell Mason, Julian Wachner, Choir of Trinity Wall Street
https://open.spotify.com/track/0sWlU6yuGJr0RpPbLeJxW7?si=EV4axIXMQWCwQnhwXaB8-g
Joy to the World - Steve Morse
https://music.apple.com/us/album/merry-axemas-a-guitar-christmas/197986461
Joy to the World - Whitney Houston with the Georgia Mass Choir
https://open.spotify.com/track/0sKAxwRubZuqKadRspVY96?si=dQGK7SpfQ0W_3_pZBpOMHQ
...more
50min
December 23, 2020 Episode 8 - Silent Night, Holy Night
What do you do when your plans fall through?
Do you panic? Do you get angry? Do you find a way to power through?
Did you know one of the most famous Christmas Carols of all time was written under these circumstances?
Join us today, as we welcome best selling author and master storyteller, Ace Collins for a very special episode!
Pick up Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas on Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310115906/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_-KpOFbH8S2T6J
Follow Ace on Twitter: @AceCollins
Support Dennis Lambert Pianist https://patreon.com/dennislambertpianist?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=creatorshare
...more
46min
December 16, 2020 Episode 7 - O Holy Night
How do a non-church-going-wine-salesman-poet, a Jewish composer and a civil-war abolitionist tie together to create one of the most beloved Christmas Carols sung around the world every Christmas Eve?
Join me today with my guest, Justin James (justinjames.org) as we discuss how God can take anything and use it to draw people to His story of hope!
Can anyone or anything be used by God? If so, the implications are PROFOUND!
Join us for today's episode of Comfort and Joy!
Episode Notes:
Be sure to check out Meadows Church for our weekly streaming services Sundays at 9am and 11am Meadowsbaptist.org
Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins
The Justin James Show
O Holy Night by John Williams
O Holy Night by Andrea Bocelli
O Holy Night by Harry Connick Jr.
Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy:
...more
59min
December 09, 2020 Episode 6 - Hark The Herald Angels Sing
What do you do when the Christmas season actually zaps your joy? How can you navigate a time of year that feels pressured, compressed and overcommitted?
In today's episode, we really explore that struggle with a guest who, at first glance, doesn't seem like much of a Christmas fan, but upon deeper conversation, actually understands the real meaning of Christmas better than most - Jessica Jones (and no, not the Marvel Superhero...)
...more
46min
December 02, 2020 Episode 5 - O Little Town of Bethlehem
Have you ever found yourself so burned out you needed to get away for a while? So did the author of today's Christmas carol. And he found replenishment in the most unlikely of places. In fact, there were those around him who told him not to go - because it was too dangerous! Join us today with special guest Dr. Scott Fenton as we explore the history and geography of another favorite Christmas carol.
Show Notes:
Please join us for Sunday worship online at 9am and 11am https://www.meadowsbaptist.org
To see more of Dig It with Dr. Scott: click here!
Sources:
Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotional by Kenneth W. Osbeck
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825438993/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_zGfMFbKXFTH8V
The Story of Our Hymns: The Handbook to the Hymnal of the Anglican and Reformed Church by Armin Haeussler
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007DPJ4M/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_mHfMFbQBP20BA
Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the Worlds Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785249397/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_nJfMFbVY5KGV8
Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310239265/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4JfMFbQWBPHQV
The Gospel in Hymns by Albert E. Bailey
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9110007121/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_LKfMFbXXNSVM8
O Little Town of Bethlehem by Burl Ives
https://open.spotify.com/track/02Q0dNnWv0RPWdrYIlbTNg?si=3GackXs4QraZxIAUDt3yTA
O Little Town of Bethlehem by Elvis Presley
https://open.spotify.com/track/6Ai7PiAjnb4eIiC05By0i4?si=PGH9CjONT-SVNIyHwFawsA
Little Town by Amy Grant
https://open.spotify.com/track/4Q2gA7EtyFfCVGilwxLspc?si=tQm8m927Tcud_GafXxZM-g
...more
50min
November 25, 2020 Episode 4 - What Child Is This
Do you find yourself questioning the logic of the traditional Christmas Story?
A king was born in a manger?
Or Angels delivering a message to stinky, outcasts called Shepherds?
Astrologers following a star to find an infant with gifts to bring?
So did the author of our song today.
Join me as I welcome our guest Megan McKenzie a Dallas area pianist, vocalist, and worship leader as we unpack those questions and much more!
Show notes:
Please check out our live streaming services Sundays at 9am and 11am at meadowsbaptist.org
What Child Is this by The Cathedral Singers
https://www.amazon.com/What-Child-Is-This/dp/B01LW75LSC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=What+Child+is+This+The+Cathedral+Singers&qid=1602607622&sr=8-1#
What Child Is this by Vince Guaraldi
https://www.amazon.com/What-Child-Is-This/dp/B009GQ2O44/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=What+Child+Is+This+Vince&qid=1602615258&sr=8-1
What Child Is This by Kristin Chenoweth
https://www.amazon.com/What-Child-Is-This/dp/B001HDYFMS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=What+Child+Is+This+Chenoweth&qid=1602615376&s=dmusic&sr=1-1
Carol of the Bells/What Child Is This by Point of Grace
https://music.apple.com/us/album/carol-of-the-bells-what-child-is-this-lp-version/1163641666?i=1163641686
What Child Is This by Seabird
https://music.apple.com/us/album/what-child-is-this/716280225?i=716280708
Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotional by Kenneth W. Osbeck
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825438993/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_zGfMFbKXFTH8V
The Story of Our Hymns: The Handbook to the Hymnal of the Anglican and Reformed Church by Armin Haeussler
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007DPJ4M/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_mHfMFbQBP20BA
Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the Worlds Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785249397/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_nJfMFbVY5KGV8
Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310239265/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4JfMFbQWBPHQV
The Gospel in Hymns by Albert E. Bailey
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9110007121/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_LKfMFbXXNSVM8
Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy:
https://www.patreon.com/dennislambertpianist/posts
...more
45min
November 18, 2020Episode 3 - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
2020 has been some kind of year...
Elections...
Pandemics...
Racial Tension..
Division and unrest...
Where is God in all of this?
Where is "Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men"?
We're going to grapple with that question today with our guest, Trey Groves, a local worship leader, and pastor.
If you want to know more about this hope, email at [email protected]
Show Notes for Today's Show:
https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/heard-the-bells-christmas-day-hope-surfaces-despair/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/the-story-of-pain-and-hope-behind-i-heard-the-bells-on-christmas-day/
https://www.staugustine.com/living-religion/2016-12-16/story-behind-song-i-heard-bells-christmas-day
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/finding-praise-through-pain-in-i-heard-the-bells-on-christmas-day.html
http://www.hopeinthehealing.com/2016/12/05/the-sad-story-behind-i-heard-the-bells-on-christmas-day/
Scriptures Referenced:
Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)

All Others ESV

Romans 1:16

Matthew 28:18-20

Mark 16:15

1 Cor 1:18

Matthew 11:28-30

Isaiah 40:8

Matthew 24:4-13

1 Cor 15:55-57

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Bing Crosby https://open.spotify.com/track/2fa3AnV5pAkfwHLJT4B7kT?si=EUvIkSF9TayKjRukGqTW5w
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Mercy Me
https://open.spotify.com/track/2bOlwax8hs6ga8SPm3Vke5?si=WEAruQVoSz2AkPrXc5iWrw
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns
https://open.spotify.com/track/6ZvGIWs3Vt4cmVkuycJaFM?si=O7zsY0rgSpSjAomQ5ZuXDQ
Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy:
https://www.patreon.com/dennislambertpianist/posts
...more
55min
November 11, 2020 Episode 2 - The Holly and the Ivy
Today, on our second episode of Comfort and Joy, our guest, Dr. Sandra Glahn guides us through a lesser known Christmas Carol with profound impact. How can we take the simple every day, sometimes mundane experiences and find true meaning and comfort? Check out today's conversation to find out!
Please join us at www.meadowsbaptist.org at either 9am or 11am for our Live Stream worship services!
Show Notes:
What Child Is This/The Holly and the Ivy - Bing Crosby
https://open.spotify.com/track/6OJdXv1Q5OdLgYolFEunJ4?si=MmdxeJcORa-F67nKrL1tQw
The Holly and the Ivy - Mannheim Steamroller
https://open.spotify.com/track/3NpBryUBoqjbRlWpZ8kz2e?si=WXUiUgu9RA2hXTUnXYP4Vw
The Holly and the Ivy - Choir of King's College, Cambridge
https://open.spotify.com/track/6FHRwUok0DKeA2VON2pRme?si=dwOp9QuBRVae8YnxrqbgGA
The Holly and the Ivy - Remastered - Stan Kenton
https://open.spotify.com/track/4BT2ndAGbzS1lS6CA7zsJj?si=0K0X0CmsT3S6ROyMPFkzLw
The Holly and the Ivy - Andrew Peterson
https://open.spotify.com/track/03rdoSqq5wYXMjMBlw0wv1?si=8bLUkVBkS2qLPHKC2Iy5OA
Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible
Edited by Dr. Sandra Glahn
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825444136/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_.qhOFbJJB2BX7
Follow Dr. Glahn On Twitter: @sandraglahn
Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy:
https://www.patreon.com/dennislambertpianist/posts

...more
38min
November 04, 2020 Episode 1 - Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
CHRISTMAS TIME IS COMING!
Welcome to the first episode of Comfort and Joy!
What is Advent? How does it usher in the Christmas season and why is it important?
We unpack these questions with our guest, Sara Lynn, a worship leader in the Methodist Church today.
Please check out http://meadowsbaptist.org at 9am and 11am every Sunday for our live streaming services!
Today's Musical Sources and Show Notes:
Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotional by Kenneth W. Osbeck
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825438993/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_zGfMFbKXFTH8V
The Story of Our Hymns: The Handbook to the Hymnal of the Anglican and Reformed Church by Armin Haeussler
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007DPJ4M/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_mHfMFbQBP20BA
Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the Worlds Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785249397/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_nJfMFbVY5KGV8
Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310239265/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_4JfMFbQWBPHQV
The Gospel in Hymns by Albert E. Bailey
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9110007121/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_LKfMFbXXNSVM8
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - Chris Tomlin & Christy Nockels
https://open.spotify.com/track/772u0BD76oq8c4JqCLxpUH?si=PERReRohQl6vlE2UpacO3w
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - Meredith Andrews
https://open.spotify.com/track/177jEwUqgmdmw6uccm6SfJ?si=PC2Gyt4sTRWx5MX5xBIzGQ
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - The Scottish Festival Singers
https://open.spotify.com/track/6oEqXjjOak3u3K0l9fZK5U?si=WL6EVybnQ1W7x18fcfCtdg
https://archive.spurgeon.org/sermons/0057.php
Support Dennis Lambert, Composer of the theme for Comfort and Joy:
https://www.patreon.com/dennislambertpianist/posts
...more
48min

FAQs about Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations:

How many episodes does Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations have?

The podcast currently has 9 episodes available.