The Christmas Story with Christmas Music by DDPraz Studio

Our favorite Bible verses for Christmas ... and our favorite Christmas music.

We will interrupt the series of articles we've begun about God's authentication of His Word to share the news of our latest release.  In November, 2010, D-D-Praz released their debut album, “D-D-Praz Christmas” – a 13 song compilation, modern Electronica arrangements of medleys of traditional and Classical Christmas music.  This year, DDPraz Studio re-releases 5 of the most popular tracks from that debut, remastered and available as mp3 downloads from most major eStores.
  

“Christmas music of the Future”

1.    Medieval Carol in Baraque – c2009, D-D-Praz Christmas (2010), remastered for Christmas Favs (2013).  Transcription for synth orchestra based on 3 “ancient” Christmas melodies.  The introduction is the Medieval melody “Ihr lieben Hirten” (their dear shepherd), a choral arrangement by Andreas Hammerschmidt (Bohemia, early 1600’s).  Next in the medley follows Bach’s organ prelude “In dulci jublio” (1600’s), a piece traditionally played at Christmas Mass.  From this Bach tune we get the contemporary hymn “Good Christian Men Rejoice.”  The final movement in this medley is a variation on the French carol, “Josep est bein marie” (late 1600’s) – our interpretation from a score by M.R. de Lalande.

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means “God with us”).” – Matthew 1:18-23

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. . . . And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.   And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’ . . . When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” – Luke 2

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. . . . He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:1-14

2.    El Nino del Tambor – c2008, D-D-Praz Christmas (2010), remastered for Christmas Favs (2013). One of Michael’s favorite Christmas tunes, an original arrangement merging more of the “new and old.” The melody originates from a Czech carol, “Carol of the Drum,” but today can be recognized as “Little Drummer Boy;” made popular by a 1958 arrangement by Jack Halloran. Today, in Mexico, this tune is commonly played for traditional, Latino Catholic Christmas processions.

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ . . . Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:1-11

3.    Club House Carol – c2008, D-D-Praz Christmas (2010), remastered for Christmas Favs (2013).  A non-traditional mix for the medley of two traditional carols: “Ding Dong Merrily on High” and “Carol of the Bells.” This track has been described as the “Christmas carol of the future,” and “sure to be a favorite for years to come.” Moriah said, “Do it techno” – and we got carried away.  Despite our thrill with arranging this piece as EDM; it is tradition that has assured us these melodies are favored for years to come !!!

“Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, ‘ Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased’ [men of goodwill, of His favor].” – Luke 2:13-14

“And there shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord — and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.” – Isaiah 11:1-3

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” – Isaiah 9:6-7

4.    Raskabino Divine – c2009, D-D-Praz Christmas (2010), remastered for Christmas Favs (2013).

Variations on “Il est n le divin enfant,” a traditional French Christmas carol.  This is one of Moriah’s favorite carols, thus the Euro-techno segments near the end.  This is perhaps the best known traditional French carol, and is believed to have medieval origins from the region of Provence.  The melody was first printed in 1554, in a collection of French carols, “La Grande Bible des Noels.”

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].” – Isaiah 7:14

“God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words . . . But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’
‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” – Luke 1:26-35

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. . . . It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. . . . When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.'” – Luke 2:25-35

5.    Morning Star in David's City – D-D-Praz Christmas (c2010), remastered for Christmas Favs (2013).  This medley is another merger of different centuries, from different Christmas’s past. “Once in David’s Royal City,” by HJ Gauntlett, is one of few Christmas carols totally British in origin. This naturally merged with “Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern,” JS Bach, Cantata (BWV 1) – a popular, Classical, Christmas music work to present.

“And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.'” – Luke 2:10-12

“But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you are little to be among the clans of Judah; yet out of you shall One come forth for Me Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from ancient days (eternity).” – Micah 5:2

“And we have the prophetic word made firmer still. You will do well to pay close attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dismal (squalid and dark) place, until the day breaks through the gloom and the Morning Star rises (comes into being) in your hearts.” – 2 Peter 1:19

Jesus says: “I am the Root (the Source) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and brilliant Morning Star.” – Revelation 22:16

Easter Song

New Life, New Growth, 

Fresh start, Clean slate... 

The tomb is now empty
and He did it for our sake. 

 

The following track is an instrumental adaptation of a popular Keith Green song:  

"Easter Song (He Has Risen)"  Lyrics to this song are printed below.

They are profound and mature for any Christian.

<timing of lyrics with instrumental>

<0:17>

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing that you can be born again

 Hear the bells ringing, they're singing Christ is risen from the dead
  <0:37>
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said.  Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
<1:01>
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah.  He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah
<1:28>
Hear the bells ringing, they're singing that you can be healed right now
 Hear the bells ringing, they're singing Christ, He will reveal it now
<1:48>
The angels, they all surround us and they are ministering Jesus' power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it for this could be your glorious hour
<2:11> Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah.  He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

<2:53>
The angel up on the tombstone said He has risen, just as He said.  

Quickly now, go tell his disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead
<3:16>
Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah.  He's risen, hallelujah.  He's risen, hallelujah, Hallelujah

These lyrics celebrate what Christians have - thanks to how Christ suffered on the cross, was resurrected from the dead, and ascended into heaven to be with God the Father.  Walking in the power of Christ's resurrection creates for the Believer a new life (born again) - a heart that's regenerated, healed, and full of joy and hope; and a mind that receives direction and wisdom to recognize our Creator's own purpose for our life.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with EVERY spiritual blessing in Christ - Ephesians 1:3

 NOTE:  this says EVERY Spiritual blessing

Most people today, when they think of Jesus and the Resurrection, they identify with John the Baptist's introduction:   “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" - John 1:29.  "He died for our sins," is what many quote like cliche. God's plan for the redemption of mankind is prophetically complete in Christ's resurrection.  Our shortcomings and imperfections - that which separates us from God - can no longer keep us apart.  We have access to the Kingdom of God - an eternal life with Him - because Christ willingly died for us.  AND He rose again! -- Are you celebrating, yet?

What most Christians seem to miss is how powerful and accessible that Love really is to us in the present. We don't have to WAIT until death for our NEW LIFE - the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Today we benefit from Christ's death and resurrection, daily, reconciled in our relationships with Him and each other by Love.  There is so much to celebrate and be thankful for in this. 

 "Hear the bells ringing, they're singing that you can be born again" 

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. - Romans 8:11

We were buried with Him (Jesus) through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life  - Romans 6:4

Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again, he cannot ever be acquainted with or experience the kingdom of God.  . . .  unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot ever enter the kingdom of God.  What is born from the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not be surprised or astonished at My telling you, You must all be born anew (from above).  The wind blows (breathes) where it wills; and though you hear its sound, yet you neither know where it comes from nor where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. -John 3:3-8

Therefore if any person is grafted in Christ, the Messiah, he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old, previous moral and spiritual condition has passed away.  

Behold the fresh and new has come!  

But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation - that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him. - 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

 "Hear the bells ringing, they're singing you can be healed right now"

He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement needed to obtain peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes that wounded Him we are healed and made whole.  All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has made to light upon Him the guilt and iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:5-6

 When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return.  When He was abused and suffered, He made no threats of vengeance; but he trusted Himself and everything to Him Who judges fairly.  He personally bore our sins in His own body on the tree - as on an altar and offered Himself on it - so we might cease to exist to sin and live to righteousness.  By His wounds you have been healed.  For you were going astray like so many sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian. - 1 Peter 2:23-25

Easter Sunday, 2012, in Telluride, CO

"Hear the bells ringing, they're singing Christ, He will reveal it now

Quickly now, reach out and receive it  

for this could be your glorious hour"

However, as it is written:

   “What no eye has seen,
   what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”

 the things God has prepared for those who love him—

These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.  The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. - 1 Corinthians 2:9-11

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and lay bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven - Jesus the Son of God - let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. - Hebrews 4:13-15

Are YOU walking with this resurrection power in your life? 

KEITH GREEN (per Wikipedia)

Keith Gordon Green (October 21, 1953 – July 28, 1982) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, musician, and Contemporary Christian Music artist originally from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York  Beyond his music, Green is best known for his strong devotion to Christian evangelism and challenging others to the same. Often considered controversial for his frequently confrontational lyrics and spoken messages, some notable songs written by Green and/or his wife, Melody Green, include "Your Love Broke Through," "You Put This Love In My Heart," and "Asleep In The Light." Green is also known for numerous popular modern hymns, including "O Lord, You're Beautiful" and "There Is A Redeemer," written by his wife, Melody.  Read more about Keith Green.

For us at D-D-Praz studio, Keith Green is a favorite Christian songwriter.  His keen, 70's, upbeat piano-playing attracted me to Green's works when I was very young.  Keith Green's music was one of the very first Christian artists that I ever heard commercially played on the radio.  His style, humbleness, and passion for evangelism are both inspirational and influential.  Among the songs written by Keith and his wife, Melody, D-D-Praz has also performed "There is a Redeemer," "He'll Take Care of the Rest," and "You Put this Love in My Heart."