Mary, Did You Know?
Y’know, sometimes it can get a little exasperating.
Every year about this time, Mrs. MZM and I do our level best to watch as many Christmas-themed movies as we can. Hey, it’s what we do, y’know? We tend to like the classics, such as those perennial favorites, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th St. (the original one, please!) or The Bishop’s Wife.
And then, of course, there’s the practically infinite versions of Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. ‘Course, in my humble opinion (which, in this case is, y’know, the only one that counts – bwa-ha-ha-ha!), the one starring George C. Scott as Scrooge was THE very best version – by a long shot. Another, perhaps little-known favorite (although it rarely seems to get air time any more) is An American Christmas Carol, set in America circa the 1920’s and stars Henry Winkler as the Scrooge-like character.
Hey, it’s great stuff, y’know? But still…
In every one of ‘em, it’s the same thing, every time. The fly in the ointment. The fly in the soup. The fly in the – well, I think you get my meanin’, right?
See, at some point in pretty much every one of these shows, there inevitably comes the time when one or another of the main characters makes (sound of dramatic segue)… The Big Pronouncement. Yup; sure as shootin’; somebody is gonna pronounce for us all (uh, excuse me; I have to use my Professional Announcer’s voice here) – The Real Meaning of Christmas: It’s about _(fill in the blank with whatever word they’re using)_!
Oh, it’s not that there’s any lack of choices, you know. Hey, I’ve heard (and you probably have too) anything and everything, from “Santa”, to “magic”, to “family”, to “happiness”; even “joy” (although that one is mysteriously left somewhat, er, undefined). Like I said; there’s no lack of options you’ll hear filling in that particular blank.
But the exasperating thing is, every one of ‘em is totally off the mark.
Hey, it’s not as if all those things aren’t really great. I mean, who wouldn’t want happiness, or lots of presents, or a warm and welcoming family; especially at this time of year? The thing is… well, those things don’t actually capture the heart, the quintessence, the je ne se quoi (which I believe is a French expression that roughly translates as the nub of the gist) of Christmas.
The fact is, It’s all about Jesus.
Here’s the thing, y’all. About 2,000 years ago, an otherwise unremarkable woman named Mary gave birth to an incredibly remarkable baby named Jesus – and the truth is, the world just ain’t been the same since! (On a side note, I always used to wonder – when Mary first looked down at the newborn child she tenderly held in her arms… did she really know who He was? I think, perhaps, she did.)
Now, you may or may not feel like that particular event was a good thing or a bad one for the world. Hey, that’s OK! I like to think it’s a free world, and most folks can pretty much think what they like, y’know? But that’s not really my point.
Nope; my point is, when you get right down to it, the real meaning – and I’m talkin’ ‘bout the genuine, indubitably downright incontrovertible meaning – of Christmas is, it’s the day we celebrate the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
It’s as simple as that. Really.
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Christmas Bonus!
(… and I guarantee it’s ‘waaaay better’n a Christmas turkey!)
That side note up there (y’know, the one about what Mary must’ve been thinkin’) gave me an idea (sound of dull thud) for a Christmas Bonus for y’all, straight from the Middle Zone!
I named this year’s Christmas post after the title of my very favorite Christmas song, Mary Did You Know? Written fairly recently by singer, songwriter, entertainer and general troublemaker funny man Mark Lowry, it has already earned an honored place among other Christmas classics.
If you’ve got 5 minutes, it’s down there at the bottom of this post. Believe me, it’s worth a watch watching. (Sorry; didn’t mean to get your hopes up!) An absolutely breathtaking duet with Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, I guarantee it’ll bless your socks off! (Just make sure you’re near a fireplace so you can keep those tootsies warm!)
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Hey, on behalf of Mrs. MZM and yours truly, I wish y’all a very Merry Christmas!
And of course – a big ol’ tip o’ the hat to ya!
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Photo: Merry Christmas 2008, by Robert Hruzek
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39 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
You hit this one right on the screws, Robert.
A Merry Christmas indeed to you and yours! What you’ve just spoken to is what gives us hope in the New Year – whatever it brings.
Conrad
Amen Robert.
And mahalo – thank you so much for sharing this video clip! I first heard this song sung by Clay Aiken and fell in love with it instantly. Did not know who had written it until now, and it is always so extraordinarily special to hear a favorite mele done by the composer. Such heart and emotion, such aloha. The perfect listen for my Christmas Eve morning, mahalo.
The real meaning of Christmas…
“Mary Did You Know” By Mark Lowry (wrote lyrics) & Buddy Greene (wrote music) Just listened to this at Robert’s Middle Zone Musings, and as I commented for him there, I first heard this song sung by Clay Aiken and……
Robert, I share in your celebration of the birth of Christ.
@Conrad – Many thanks, and a tip o’ the hat, Conrad! Ah, there’s nothin’ like a shiny new year to get the ol’ excitement up, is there?
@Rosa – I’m glad you liked it, and thanks for letting me know! Merry Christmas to you and yours! And of course, a tip o’ the topper to ya!
@Robyn – So glad you dropped by to say so, Robyn! Y’all have a great Christmas!
Thanks for this video clip, I agree this song is the song of the decade. Everytime I hear it , it makes me cry!
I wholeheartedly agree with your post and wish you all the best!
My only disagreement, is (don’t laugh) I think the BEST rendition of A Christmas Carol is The Muppets Christmas Carol. I laugh & cry everytime I see it, Michael Cain does a fantastic scrooge.
Robert,
Amen, and thanks for sharing this special song.
Every time I read or think about Mary being told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the mother of our Lord, I am amazed anew. This young teenager realized that her pregnancy would likely destroy her upcoming marriage, ostracize her from her family, and even subject her to stoning. Yet she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be as you have said.” What remarkable faith!
Call me behind the times, but Mark Lowry wrote Mary Did You Know?! I did not know that! What a beautiful song, and I am absolutely thrilled that he did! Wow!! Thanks for sharing!
I love the song merry did you know and watched more Christmas movies than i can count. Great Post. =P
A very lovely song indeed, Robert.
Merry X’mas & Happy New Year, my friend
Brilliant song. Oustanding article.
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Robert, Thanks for pointing me to this wonderful song. It is a joyous, joyous day. Merry Christmas!
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This is the best version of Mary Did You Know. Mark Lowry is a good singer but this guy is phenomenal. It already has over a million hits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1oHJR2g7Tw
Good stuff.
I really like the George C. Scott version of Christmas Carol too. Then again, I can’t take anything away from Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol. It’s a classic.
Good point on distinguishing the literal meaning from the metaphorical meaning that people carve for themselves.
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What a beautiful song, i enjoyed it alot. Thank you very much for introducing me to it.
Merry CHRISTmas to you all !
I also like A Christmas Carol by Dickens. We had a play when I was in grade school though I get to play as the innkeeper (for the stable where Jesus was born) in a mini-story for the play.
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I forgot to mention as well, if any of you have seen the movie “The Ghost of Dicken’s Past”?
If you haven’t you should try to locate it. It’s the true story behind how A Christmas Carol was written. It’s probably most fascinating than A Christmas Carol is itself. Really amazing story!
What a excellent song, i enjoyed it a lot. Thank you very much for introducing it to me!
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone!
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yeah the song is beautiful and I surely cherished it, Anyways happy holidays and a happy new year 2009 to everyone
@joyfuldesigns – I’m sorry, Valerie, but “the Muppet Christmas”? Hey, I’m just gonna HAVE to laugh. (takes deep breath) Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!
OK. I’m better now.
@Lillie – What you said, Lillie; what you said. I’ll tell ya one thing; any way you slice it, Mary had to’ve been quite a woman!
@Tabetha – I’m still surprised how many folks DON’T know that. But now you know, Tabetha; your life is now, um, complete.
@Joel – Hey, thanks for sayin’ so, and glad you stopped by!
@Wilson – Same at ya, Bubba! Have a great New Year, too!
@Jessy – You’re very kind to say so, Jessy. Thanks for stopping by!
@Brad – Hey, you’re welcome, my fellow Bubba! Y’all have a great celebration up there in the Frozen North!
@India – Hey, thanks for the link – it’s beautiful! But I can’t figure out who’s singing it.
@JD Meier – Oh, man; you took me WAY back with Mr. Magoo’s Christmas – I hadn’t thought of that one in a LONG time!
Yes, it’s a shame so many don’t even consider who the whole thing is about.
@Joanne – Hey, thanks for dropping by to hear it, Joanne!
@Brian – So… YOU’RE the guy who turned Mary and Joseph out into the cold, cold night!
Hey, thanks for dropping by!
@Val – Hey, I appreciate knowing about that one. Gonna have to look it up…
@Tim – Hey, thanks for sayin’ so, Tim! Y’all have a great holiday too!
@Gomzy – Thanks for dropping by, Gomzy, and have a great New Year, too!
Robert,
Glad it gave you a laugh! (The Muppets Christmas Carol), sorry I messed up and my first post was a user name. I am joyful designs or val. Even tho I’m new here, I appreciate your humor. If you haven’t seen the Muppets you’ve GOT to! There is lots of hidden humor tucked all the way through the movie.
Hey, no worries, Val; glad you came back, Bubba!
I haven’t seen it in a while, but I do remember the Muppets movies always had a lot of “back” humor – you know, the stuff off to the side that you only saw if you were paying attention. I think that’s what made them so appealing to adults as well as children.
I agree with you, it’s all about Jesus. I wonder why during Christmas day, people would greet each other “Merry Christmas” but they forgot to greet Jesus a “Happy Birthday”. The meaning of Christmas is not in the gifts you received but the love Jesus gave to all of us.
Anyway, this may be late but I would like to greet you a very happy new year. oh by the way, I love the song!
Hey, thanks for dropping by anytime, Valerie! And happy New Year and a hat tip to you too!