Hello my friends and welcome to the first Cowboy Christmas post. Each of these posts will feature classic Christmas music from our favorite cowboy singers as well as some Christmas related bible verses.
While Bing Crosby is appropriately referred to as "The Voice of Christmas," if any other singer could have that title it would be Gene Autry. Gene popularized three of the most popular Christmas songs of all time (Here Comes Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman) and he even was a co-writer on Here Comes Santa Claus. Starting today's musical selection is Gene performing Here Comes Santa Claus in a clip from his movie, The Cowboy and the Indians (1949). Of course with Christmas carols it is impossible to count or keep track of how many singers sang these classic songs. Despite this I can tell you with complete certainty, no one sings Away in a Manger better than Waylon Jennings. Next comes Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with their 1949 recording of Christmas on the Plains. With how may great songs Willie Nelson wrote it seems natural he would write a great Christmas song and so he did. Next up is him with Pretty Paper. This is followed by Martha Mears and The Sons of the Pioneers with a very fun recording of Jingle Bells. This version comes from a 1944 episode of the 10-2-4 Ranch radio show. For many people Christmas time is a time to reflect on our past memories. Johnny Cash did this when he recorded Christmas as I Knew it. It is important to remember that Christmas is really about Jesus Christ and Charley Pride reminds us of this as he sings They Stood in Silent Prayer from his 1970 album, Christmas in My Hometown. Today's musical selection ends with a rocking version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen performed by Roy Clark.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces, one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you. His origin is from remote times, from ancient days. Therefore, he will give them up until the time when she who is in labor gives birth. The rest of his kin will return to the people of Israel. Micah 5:2-3
Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. Hebrews 1:1-2
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Luke 1:46-55
Thanks for joinging me come back next week for more Cowboy Christmas. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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