Ring Out, Wild Bells!

All in favor of ringing out 2009, raise your hands -- it's unanimous!

There have certainly been many worse years in human history, and even some in living memory, but I wouldn't want to repeat any of them, 2009 included. This past year was like watching the Fall of the Roman Empire, in fast motion. I don't subscribe to the 2012 end-of-the-world scenario -- "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (1 Thess. 5:2) -- but the direction and pace of recent events is enough to make one just a little uneasy that it might be true. The worst thing we could do, though, would be to surrender to the notion of imminent destruction, without a fight to reclaim our country and the world from the forces of darkness. As has often been observed (and misattributed to Edmund Burke), "all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." So we don "the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." (1 Thess. 5:8) We keep holding the torch of liberty and truth aloft, no matter how stiff or painful the resistance. And we pray unceasingly, rejoice always, and in all circumstances, give thanks (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

Speaking of 1 Thessalonians 5, how's this for a commentary on Year One of the Era of Hope and Change? "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." (1 Thess. 5:3) Was St. Paul prescient, or what?

Thank God for faith in better things to come, no matter how dark it may be now! Not a transformation through some irresistible march of "progress," not through human ingenuity or government power, but through God's love poured into receptive hearts and driving redoubled efforts to do better ourselves and to do more for our fellow beings. I think this hope is expressed perfectly in a remarkable poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, published in 1850, called Ring Out, Wild Bells. Read and ponder the text below--has Tennyson left out any of the world's woes? And in the last line, has he not truly identified the answer to them all?

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out thy mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Set to music, Ring Out, Wild Bells is also a very moving hymn. I couldn't find a good video rendition, but you can click here to download and play a lovely audio version of three stanzas.

MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas to All!--and Especially Our Troops

I would like to wish a blessed and merry Christmas to everyone! No soul should be lonely or forgotten on this holiday--and indeed, none is, because we all have a God who remembers and loves every last man, woman, and child on this earth, every moment of every day of the year. But in the midst of life's challenges we don't always realize it, and it's especially hard for men and women far from family and home at military installations here in the United States, or at bases or in the field in faraway lands. We can imagine Santa visiting them, as in the amusing drawing below by Thomas Nast of Santa distributing packages to Union troops during the Civil War, which appeared on the cover of Harper's Weekly on January 3, 1863 (if you were a soldier would you rather get socks or a jack-in-the-box?--believe me, you'd want the former!):

But as adults we know that Santa won't "really" be there, and that there's nothing our service men and women want more at times like this than to be at home, surrounded by family and friends. Would that we didn't need soldiers and sailors, armies and navies! But until the Messiah returns, we always will. And one thing we can do for them is pray unceasingly for their welfare, their success, and their safe and speedy return home. To that end, I'd like to reprint a marvelous "Christmas Prayer for our Troops & their Families" that appeared on the excellent web site Free Republic one year ago tomorrow:

Lord God, there is no other God but You. You alone are Savior. You alone are Redeemer. When we trust in You, when we fear You alone, there You are, by our sides, protecting, providing in Your ever-perfect Way….especially when we do not understand.

Lord God, You came on that first Christmas as the Prince of Peace – not the Prince of peace as the world defines it but the peace which You bring to tortured souls, the peace which surpasses understanding and the peace between Jew and Gentile that anyone, yes, anyone who proclaims belief in You as Savior and bows to You as Lord may enter into the supreme goodness of eternity with You.

Lord God, You are God, therefore Your ways are not our own. Yours are higher, better. They must be or You are not God. Lord God, the world wants peace, but the peace it seeks is not to be found so long as we are on this earth. When Adam and Eve chose to obey their own wills instead of Yours, they set themselves under the dominion of the evil one, who is greater than we and less, less, less than You!!! This adversary roams the world, looking to destroy, looking to conquer.

Lord God, so long as we are on earth, though we do not want war, times will come and come again where we must stand and fight. Lord God, every generation has paid this high price for freedom in some way and now it is our turn. Lord God, bless each and every military member and family who so valiantly serve this nation and the world, drawing the line and saying no more to those who would exact terror on the rest of us and force us to submit to their way of life or be killed.

Lord God, draw each and every troop and their families closer to You this Christmas. Give them greater understanding of who You are and the mission they serve – for our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. Lord God, show Yourself to them, help them understand how You protect, how You provide and how they can trust in You.

Lord God, be with the families. Send Your angels not only to those on the battlefields, but every family at home this Christmas who has someone they love deployed and especially be with our Gold Star families.. Stand by them and be their comfort this Christmas as they journey through the loneliness of grief. Lord God only You can reach deep inside where the hurt is and slowly, slowly bring the healing. Give each of them a purpose from You which helps them keep going, though often it is the hardest thing they have ever had to do.

And Lord God, be with each of our wounded warriors. Heal them spiritually, emotionally, as well as physically. Give their doctors great wisdom and give them comrades beside them so they may encourage one another. Bless also each of our veterans and let them feel Your love around them this Christmas.

Lord God, provide now the way for victory in this war. The adversary may be more clever than we are, but You are Sovereign and You are Supreme. Therefore we bow to You and ask You to give our Generals, Admirals and Leaders Your strategy to make progress to victory. Lord God, we can’t do this without You. By Your Holy Spirit speak to them. Guide and direct them and bring them all home safely. We are so grateful for their service. In Jesus’ precious and mighty name, Amen

Amen indeed . . . and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!

The Visitation

One of the most beautiful stories associated with the birth of Christ relates to an event that happened many months before: the Visitation of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, who was carrying John the Baptist at the same time that Mary was carrying Christ in her womb. What a miracle that meeting was, and how much it portended for all mankind!

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Mary left Nazareth at the end of March before Christ's birth and went over the mountains to the home of Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias in Hebron, south of Jerusalem. Upon their meeting, the two mothers and the blessed children they carried embraced each other in joy! Nothing else ever written has better captured the love, faith, and rejoicing of that moment--or of God's infinite mercy and love toward us--than the telling of that story in the Gospel of Luke:

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb. And whence [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy [is] his name. And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation. (Luke 1:39-50)

Although the Feast of the Visitation is officially set in the Roman Catholic Church at the end of May, this blessed event should be remembered and celebrated at Christmas time as well. Let us resolve to receive our family, friends, and all whom we meet in the same spirit as did Mary and Elizabeth--this Christmas and every day of the year!

Hallelujah Chorus

One of the most thrilling moments in any Christmas season is hearing the Hallelujah Chorus from the oratorio Messiah by George Frideric Handel. The text is drawn from three passages in the New Testament book of Revelation:

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Revelation 19:6)

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)

It has become traditional for the audience to stand during a performance of the Hallelujah Chorus. According to legend, this practice began when King George II of Great Britain was so moved by his first hearing of the Chorus that he rose to his feet--which, thanks to royal protocol, required everyone in his presence, including the audience and even the orchestra, to stand also. However this tradition began, it is marvelously fitting for one of the most powerful pieces of music ever composed!

One of the more amazing things about the Hallelujah Chorus is how it inspires every generation down through the centuries, and how remarkably adaptable it is to different styles of performance, without losing its meaning or its power. To see what I mean, enjoy both of the following videos. The first is a traditional performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus. The second is a rousing "gospel"-style performance by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I guarantee you'll be on your feet and clapping your hands over your head in no time! And it's just as meaningful and inspiring as the original. I think Mr. Handel (that's him at the beginning of this paragraph) would be pleased.

(Text of the Chorus follows the second video).





Hallelujah Chorus
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!

The Sarah Palin Derangement Survey

Her whirlwind book-signing tour of the United States now concluded, I've been reflecting on some aspects of Sarah Palin's soaring profile--and popularity. Despite all of the calumny heaped upon her since her Vice-Presidential nomination 16 months ago, some by high-ranking members of her own party, Mrs. Palin is now approved of by nearly as large (and perhaps, even larger) a segment of the American population as is President Obama himself, and by a much larger percentage of Americans than is Congress. Her book, Going Rogue: An American Life, has sold more than a million copies. And Democrat front organizations, characterizing Mrs. Palin as "dangerous," are pleading with their supporters for money to fight the "threat" she poses. That's heavyweight treatment for someone whom they've so long roundly dismissed as a ridiculous flyweight.

Which raises the question: why can't they let go of this obsession with her, and get a real life? What is it about Sarah Palin, non-entity that she supposedly is, that still sends so many people (now mostly diehard liberals and establishment/elite media-academic types) into waves of apoplexy? I've tried to isolate several factors that might contribute to what some have dubbed "Palin Derangement Syndrome," but I'm not sure how they interplay and how much weight each carries in relation to the others. If my liberal friends would help with some of the answers, we might gain enough knowledge to find a cure someday--or better, the formula for an invigorating tonic to distribute to aspiring political leaders.

So, just what is it that gets their knickers in such a hopeless twist?

Is it her down-home, breezy, wink-and-you-betcha, non-intellectual way of connecting with people? Do you assume that that's all a put-on and that she's really a snob like other public figures (except the ones you like, of course), or are you appalled that she really IS like that and that millions of people seem to like it? Would she bother you less if she had a style and charisma level more akin to, say, John McCain's (plain-vanilla, Wonder-Bread, human sleeping-pill)? If that's the case, wouldn't the solution be for those upon whom she grates just to tune her out and ignore her? There are legions of REALLY annoying people out there of all political stripes--what is it about her style, more than others', that provokes such visceral dislike?

Is it her supposed ignorance? As we know, America is choked with ignorant people, and many occupy high positions in government and other walks of life (we won't name names, but the current line of Presidential succession comes to mind). What is it about Sarah Palin's ignorance that's so much more objectionable than theirs? Is it because hers isn't dressed up in Ivy League clothes?

Is it her assumed ambition to high office? Again, you can't swing a dead cat around your head these days without hitting someone who's preening him- or her-self for the Presidency. What is it about Sarah Palin that makes her ambition a matter of special concern? Would you relax if you knew for a fact that she wasn't seeking the Presidency?

Is it her femininity? Are you of the opinion that a young, attractive, motherly woman who adheres to traditional family values could not possibly be considered a feminist and therefore has no valid place in politics?

Is it her goody-two-shoes, girl-next-door, Honest-Abe, shamelessly patriotic image? When you were a kid did you hate the teacher's pets and Eagle Scouts? Are you among those who believe that morality is all relative or a product of social class, that everyone has a price at which he or she will sell out, and that we're all more or less degenerate (and that only those who are honest about it are trustworthy)?

Is it her openly professed religious faith? Does everyone who talks freely about his/her faith rub you the wrong way? Do you reflexively assume that all such people are hypocrites? Do you react to Orthodox Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists the same way as you do to outspoken evangelical Christians or traditional Catholics? Are you among those who believe that there is no proper place for any religious faith, or for anyone who professes one, in public affairs (from what I can tell, there are many people who think that)?

Is it her conservative, traditional, values-oriented political philosophy? There are hosts of prominent and not-so-prominent people out there who hold such views. Why is Sarah Palin singled out from among them (say, from William Kristol or Fred Thompson) for such intense loathing?

Is it her popularity? There are lots of people in America who are more popular (though steadily fewer, it seems). Are you shocked or concerned--do you feel threatened?--that someone like Mrs. Palin, with such Neanderthal views and so lacking in cultural and intellectual refinement, appeals to so many people?

(It's really that last one, isn't it?)

If it's so obvious to her critics that Sarah Palin is nothing but an empty-headed gasbag and pathetic quitter, wouldn't it be just as obvious to everyone? And if so, can't we expect that she'll simply sink into political oblivion? Then, why are Democrat activists begging for money to fight the "threat"she poses? Why is she still the main attraction on all those Posts, Huffington and Washington et al, and still the favorite punching bag of countless comedians and pundits? Shouldn't they just ignore her? Isn't that how most people deal with those who annoy them--rather than dispatch legions of reporters and fact-checkers to microscopically analyze every word they write or speak and every gesture they make?

I think it should be obvious by now that liberals and know-it-alls can't ignore Sarah Palin. No matter how much it infuriates them, and despite all their attempts to dismiss and destroy her, Mrs. Palin has survived and prospers at the head of a growing movement of otherwise ordinary middle-class people committed to traditional values, simple patriotism, self-reliance, and disdain for intrusive government. There are a lot of votes there, there's anger behind them, and they're not tied irrevocably to either major party. Elites and establishments of all stripes (and their hangers-on) are--or should be--very concerned. Whether or not Mrs. Palin ends up running for President, she now has political influence that must be respected. Opponents of her movement will keep trying to demolish her, but in doing so risk adding to her steel, her popular appeal, and her power.

Derangement has its price.

Little Altar Boy

This is one of the most moving songs of faith I've ever heard. I can't listen to it without a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat--because I know that these should be my words.

Little Altar Boy
composed by Howlett Smith

Little altar boy, I wonder could you pray for me?
Little altar boy, for I have gone astray.
What must I do to be holy like you?
Little altar boy, oh, let me hear you pray.

Little altar boy, I wonder could you ask our Lord
Ask him, altar boy, to take my sins away.
What must I do to be holy like you?
Little altar boy, please, let me hear you pray

Lift up your voice and send a prayer above
Help me rejoice and fill that prayer with love
Now I know my life has been all wrong
Lift up your voice and help a sinner be strong.

Little altar boy, I wonder could you pray for me?
Could you tell our Lord I'm gonna change my way today?
What must I do to be holy like you?
Little altar boy, oh, let me hear you pray.

Little altar boy please let me hear you pray!

As in the video below, Little Altar Boy was sung by the immortal Karen Carpenter, and appeared on the Carpenters' album An Old-Fashioned Christmas, which was released in 1984 after Karen's untimely death. The song is in the voice of a person who is so ashamed of her sinful ways that she cannot bear to pray to God herself, but appeals to a young altar boy to pray to Him for her. In this attitude of contrition and humility she is just like the publican spoken of by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke:

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:10-14)

While it's most often heard at Christmas and appeared on a Christmas album, the message of Little Altar Boy transcends the season, and reminds us powerfully of how our relationship with the Lord should be every day. I must all strive to avoid the Pharisee's pride and complacency, and humble myself constantly like the publican--like the anguished yet faithful soul in this song, crying out to God for forgiveness and help.

Holiday Fun: Dominick the Donkey

So what do you post to your blog when you haven't had time to write anything in-depth or serious? Something silly, of course! And since it's the "holiday" season (I don't know if it's right to dignify silliness with the Lord's name), what better than a goofy novelty song? Not that execrable ditty about a fatal collision between a reindeer and a grandmother, but one that's really fun, and celebrates ethnicity in a gentle and rib-tickling way. I'm referring, of course, to Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey, recorded in 1960 by the incomparable Lou Monte (who gave us such other unforgettable classics as Shaddap You Face and Who Stole My Provolone?). It's all about a donkey who helps Santa Claus bring presents to children in sunny Italy. Can you imagine a reindeer in Italy? Of course not--so there you go.

There are a number of videos that have been put to this song, but the one below is the most entertaining and authentically "Italian" of them, by far. I have no idea who these guys are, but they look like they had a blast making the video.

I had never heard this song until it came up on an ethnic radio show I happened to catch a couple of days before Christmas in 2008. I thought it was hilarious, but no one else I mentioned it to had ever heard of it, either (few of my friends and none of my family are Italian). So, in order to preserve this cultural treasure forever and for all non-Italian mankind, I hereby present you with Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey (words--can something so unlyrical have "lyrics"?--are below the video).

Buon Natale!



Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Santa's got a little friend,
His name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey,
You never see him kick.
When Santa visits his paisons,
With Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot,
Climb the hills of Italy.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Jingle bells around his feet,
And presents on the sled.
Hey! Look at the mayor's derby,
On top of Dominick's head.
A pair of shoes for Louie,
And a dress for Josephine.
The labels on the inside says,
They're made in Brooklyn.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Children sing, and clap their hands,
And Dominick starts to dance.
They talk Italian to him,
And he even understands.
Cumpare sing,
Cumpare su,
And dance 'sta tarantel.
When jusamagora comes to town,
And brings du ciuccianello.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Hey! Dominick! Buon Natale!
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)