It’s Christmas-Song Season!
Psalms 42:5 – 6 (NLT) “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you."
Around the Cochrane household, as soon as the last remains of the Thanksgiving turkey are devoured, “Christmas-Song Season” officially begins! Topping our favorites is the beloved song, These are a Few of My Favorite Things, to which I can raise the rafters in sing-along.
In order to appreciate this song, you should know that it comes from a much simpler time in 1959, and those favorite things listed in the song are a bit dated: rain, pots and pans, brown paper, string, and mittens!
As a reminder, the song goes like this:
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with string. These are a few of my favorite things.
(Be honest. You just sang it, didn’t you?)
I’m pretty sure these items would not make a 2017 favorites list. So, I’ve updated the song: (Again, to the tune of These are a Few of my Favorite Things)
Unlimited data on an updated iPhone. Peppermint mocha from a new Starbucks gift card. An Instant Pot set so my family I’ll feed. These are a few of the things that I need!
This updated version speaks to 2017, but the original gives us insight as to what was esteemed in 1959. Do you realize that every item on the 1959 list represents the existence of a powerful and loving Father? The rain, flowers, and animals speak to His amazing creation. Bright copper kettles represent God’s sustenance of food. Warm mittens represent our physical needs being met. Packages tied up with string represent family and friends who surround us with sweet gifts of love, forgiveness, and acceptance. This list of favorite things never goes out of style.
But, what about this song’s chorus?
When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad.
It speaks to the reality that tough times will come. Of course, if you think about it, in 1959, dog bites were probably more common due to the lack of dog restraining laws. And, bee stings were more apt to occur due to barefoot children who were encouraged to play outside in the summer. Neither of these seems to be the case today. Nevertheless, hard times are still our reality.
So, what does the 1959 song say to do about the sad times? The bad times? The same thing God’s Word says in Psalms 42 – REMEMBER! “Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you.”
So, when sad times and bad times come, we should REMEMBER a loving Father. A Father to whom we owe praise and adoration. A Father who is the creator of a universe and fills our physical needs. A Father who provides loving family for all: whether DNA related or related through the blood of His Son. A Father who has never forsaken us and who loves us unconditionally. A Father who goes before us and upholds us with His righteous and mighty hand. A Father who gave the absolute most incredible and unbelievable gifts to us – the gift of his Son and salvation. And this favorites list goes on and on and on.
So, enjoy this Christmas-Song season and sing aloud as if no one is listening. Simply remember your favorite thing –your Heavenly Father – and then you won’t feel so bad.
Blessings for Joyous Caroling,
Rita
p.s. Bet this song is stuck in your head the rest of the day. You’re welcome!