HUM216A - Response Paper - Secular Christmas Songs

.docx

School

Colorado Christian University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

216A

Subject

Arts Humanities

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by EarlPowerCrane29

1 Response Paper: Secular Christmas Songs Carolyn Eubanks College of Adult and Graduate Studies, Colorado Christian University HUM – 216A: Classic Christmas Films & Literature Dr. Jill Johnson December 17, 2023

2 Secular Christmas Songs Christmastime is filled with love, joy, and being around the people we love. But, during the holidays, shopping and family gatherings become stressful, so what better way to relieve the stress than with the beautiful melodies of Christmas songs such as: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” and “The Christmas Song.” What makes Christmas music magical, and does it represent secular or Christian views? The first song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “was written in 1944 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. The song captures the bittersweet emotions we sometimes experience during the holiday season; it evens out the joy and warmth that come along with Christmas while we deal with hardships and uncertainties we may encounter” (Bell, H. 2023, Lyreka, n.d.). So, from that, we should cherish every moment and find comfort in the presence of our loved ones. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” tells a story of finding solace and hope during our challenges. The significance of the line “Someday soon, we all will be together if fate allows” speaks to our longing for togetherness, something we all feel during Christmastime. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” has a secular view because it does not have a Christian message, and it does not mention God or the birth of Christ. The second song is “Do You Hear What I Hear.” “The song was written in October 1962 by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker (husband and wife); they wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis” (Godtube, n.d., Poore, S. 2021). This song/carol recalls the birth of Jesus and the events of the traditional Christmas Story. “Do You Hear What I Hear” “tells the story of the nativity of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Matthew, although Jesus is never mentioned in the song. “A “night wind,” tells a lamb of a star, following which the lamb tells his young shepherd that he also hears a loud song. They are each led to a "mighty king," whom they

3 tell of a child in the cold and ask to bring the child silver and gold (much as the Biblical Magi, which in tradition with prophecies in the Book of Isaiah and Psalm 72 are often characterized as kings, did with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh). The king proclaims a prayer of peace and announces that the child will "bring goodness and light." (Godtube, n.d.). Therefore, “Do You Hear What I Hear” is a Christian view because it is based on the Nativity of Jesus, which is told in Matthew 1:18-25; 2 also, Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-10. The third song is “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire).” The song was written by pianist Mel Torme’ and lyricist Bob Wells in 1945, and the song became popular with Nat King Cole. The music has spread Yuletide since it was written and brought us to a place of coziness and nostalgia where we imagine chestnuts roasting on an open fire. In the article Meaning of The Christmas Song, Schram said, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” symbolizes comfort and tradition. “Jack Frost nipping at your nose signifies the unique sensation of crisp winter air, reminding us to embrace every facet of the season, even the chilly moments. The mention of "Yuletide carols being sung by a choir" evokes a sense of community and togetherness. Singing carols as a choir represents the power of unity and the strength of shared traditions. "Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright" provides a touch of culinary delight to the song. The mention of a turkey, a quintessential holiday dish, and mistletoe, a symbol of affection and love, add a theme of indulgence and celebration. "Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight" evokes a sense of childlike wonder and anticipation. The excitement of Christmas. "They know that Santa's on his way; he's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh," representing the spirit of giving and generosity. "And every mother's child is going to spy, to see if reindeer know how to fly" touches upon the theme of wonder and belief in something beyond our understanding. Lastly,

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help