iMedia: Wexford Carol

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~Calvin Coolidge

“Christmas is the Disneyfication of Christianity." ~Don Cupitt


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT0hpX0tuHY&feature=related

The Wexford Carol is a traditional Irish Christmas song (although some say it's not originally Irish). But, nonetheless, it is my favorite holiday hymn because it reminds me of what Christmas is really about. I'm absolutely infatuated by medieval and renaissance music; it's so wise and aged, yet I don't see it as antiquated. I think that any modern person can love it, the same way every person in the world who celebrates Christmas today should always keep the historical and spiritual meaning behind the day in mind.

Nowadays, everyone is too wrapped up in the material aspects of Christmas that they forget what it's really about. Even if you aren't intensely religious, Christmas is about faith; it's about reflection and celebration; Christmas is about giving, and Christmas is about love. With all of the glitz, glamour, and commercial aspects that department stores and companies bring to Christmas it is truly hard for anyone to sort through it all and find the actual core of the holiday.

Now, I'm not saying that Santa Claus is wrong, or to stop decorating your tree and go to church, because I love getting presents, singing "Grandma got run over by a reindeer...", and shopping, with all of the lights and decorations, a week before Christmas too. But, this season, even if it's just for a second, make sure that you reflect, make sure you give for the sake of giving, and, most importantly, make sure that you listen.