Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations

Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations

By Tim GrovesMusicMusic Commentary
Download on the App Store

Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations episodes

  • 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

    50 min
  • 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

    46 min
  • 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:

    59 min
  • 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...)
    46 min
  • 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
    50 min
  • 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
    45 min
  • Episode 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

        55 min
      • 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


        38 min
      • 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

        48 min

      About Comfort & Joy: Christmas Conversations

      From the publisher's feed

      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.