Hallelujah…

I used to love this song a lot but then everyone in every singing competition was singing it and eventually, I grew sick and tired of it, sheer overkill…though I did think the priest did a pretty good rendition at a wedding service in Ireland sometime ago. Then, just the other day, I came across this Christmas version…and it sure gave a new life and a new feel to it and it really moved me…a lot! I thought that was really beautiful and the lyrics tell of the story behind Christmas:

I’ve heard about this baby boy who’s come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I’m singing Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn to find a place for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay so in a manger filled with hay
God’s only Son was born, oh Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night to see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said – You’ll find Him in a manger bed
Emmanuel and Savior, Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east to Bethlehem, the wise men three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You and to the place at which You were
Their frankincense and gold and myrrh, they gave to You and cried out Hallelujah
…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me, this baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You, that rugged cross was my cross, too
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah…Hallelujah

Like many other festivals and special occasions, Christmas may seem to have lost its significance but I do think that it does not really matter as long as it’s a time for joyous celebration…

*Christmas in Sibu 1 – Helen‘s photo on Facebook*

…a time for giving and forgiving…

*Christmas in Sibu 2 – Helen’s photo on Facebook*

…never mind that it has been over-commercialised – the giving of gifts to one’s much-loved family and friends is reminiscent of what the Three Wise Men did…

*Christmas in Sibu 3 – Helen’s photo on Facebook*

…and whatever it is, it’s a joy shared with one and all, never mind the colour or creed…

*Christmas in Sibu 4 – Helen’s photo on Facebook*

…and that is something very clearly seen in the events held right here in good ol’ Sibu town with the Annual Christmas Tree Decoration at the town square…

*Christmas in Sibu 5 – Helen’s photo on Facebook*

…and the Christmas Parade all over our little town…

*Christmas in Sibu 6 – friend’s photo on Facebook*

…and we can get to see all the people from all walks of life, regardless of race or religion, making their way to the town centre to join in the festivities and taking photographs to share on the social media.

There are moans and groans about putting Christ back into Christmas but in my humble opinion, all these would be exactly what Christmas stands for – love, hope, peace and goodwill to all mankind. Let us put aside all differences and not spoil the mood by harping on all those age-old issues – honestly, I do think there is a time and a place for everything and you can go ahead and ruin your own, if you choose but don’t drag everybody else down with you – and share these very special Christmas gifts with one another…

*image from a Christmas card*

…and wish everybody…A BLESSED CHRISTMAS…or HAPPY HOLIDAYS, whichever may apply.

Cheers to all, May God bless all of us!