Andy 60's Music: Christmas 2025: Lateral Thoughts and Meditation with Dr. Phil Chan.

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Dear Andrew,

Shalom, you are early this year, inviting me to write for your music blog last month in November 2025. I think I will pen some of my recent lateral thoughts and meditation. Your invitation gives me another chance to worship God... thank you for the opportunity.

The Hebrews consider Bible study as the highest form of worship for God... singing is basically preparing the heart to worship.

Wishing you and your family a Blessed Joyous Christmas, good health and a Happy New Year 2026.

Shalom and Best Regards,

Phil.

Dear Phil,

It's a very distinctive paper but you have made it an easier read for a simple folk like me. I must thank you for writing the Christmas messages and selective songs that have been popularly accepted through the years by many of our readers. Counting the articles, it is the twelfth one you've composed, complete with the downloads of carols and hymns from YouTube.

Yours Sincerely,

Andy.

Some Lateral Thoughts and Meditation for Christmas 2025.

Why do we have turkey at Christmas dinner celebrations?

In Hebrew, turkey is called הודו (hodu). The term hodu is both the biblical word for India and a Hebrew root meaning give thanks or praise, as in Hodu laAdonai ki tov (Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good). Hebrews sometimes play on this double meaning, noting both turkey and thanksgiving, which fits beautifully with themes of gratitude in both Thanksgiving and Biblical faith.

The reason turkey sits on Christmas tables is chiefly historical and practical, the Hebrew name hodu, thanksgiving, and praise has rich symbolism for Christians to reflect on during this season of gratitude, Hanukkah (John 10:22-2 documents it as the Feast of Dedication), and the celebration of Christ’s coming.

What are Christians grateful for?

Isaiah 9:6 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. What is this government?

Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase 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. To achieve this Kingdom, Jesus preached the Gospel.

What Child is This w/ Lyrics (Francesca Battistelli) 

YouTube Video by: Pastor Madeline. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQWKjTvPgiM

So, what is the Christian Gospel, sometimes known as Good News (NIV)?

Mark 1:1-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

What is the Gospel?

Perhaps it may be more insightful to ask the reverse question, what is not the Gospel of Jesus?

The Gospel of the kingdom of God (“Good News”) is not a moral improvement program or a set of religious checklists or a performance-based system where we strive to earn divine approval or a fear-based message that manipulates through guilt, shame, or anxiety. It is not a transaction where human obedience begets God’s grace.

All of these are distortions that reduce grace to regulations and transactional type of relationships. Paul’s entire argument in Galatians and Romans defends this freedom: “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3). If a message exhausts rather than restores, enslaves rather than liberates, it is not The Good News Gospel - it is, perhaps bad news in disguise.

The True Nature of the Gospel

The Gospel at its core is God’s act to restore communion with humanity through Jesus Christ (Messiah). It is God’s initiative, not our achievement. God comes to us; not we are reaching out to Him. (John 1:14, Philippians 2:6–8). God loves us first, while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8). God reconciles and not after we fix ourselves, but in our brokenness, God transforms, not through obligation, but through adoption and relationship. This is why it is right to call the relationship sonship and daughter ship. The appropriate response is not fear or striving, but relational trust.

Transformation, Not Transaction

The transformation of the Gospel is reflected in Jesus’ teaching. In the parable of the prodigal son, the father doesn’t wait for the son to clean up his life. He runs to embrace him while he is still far off. The son’s confession flows from having already been received.

Grace precedes repentance; salvation generates transformation.

O Holy Night | Keith and Kristyn Getty and the Getty Girls. 

Official Lyric Video. 

YouTube Video by: KeithandKristynGetty and the Getty Girls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDNWM7RsqI4

The Finished Work and the Covenant:

The Gospel is not a contract, which depends on mutual performance, but actually a covenant sealed by God’s own faithfulness in Christ (Hebrews 8–10). Our salvation rests on His obedience, not ours. Repentance is not the cause of forgiveness but its fruit — the turning of a forgiven heart towards the Forgiver.

That’s the “Good News”: God, through Christ, has done everything necessary for our reconciliation with God the Father and Creator of the Universe. What remains is for us to believe, receive, and rest in His love.

Jesus came to reveal God, the Father and Creator

John 17:6, 25-26: I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world... O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your Name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.

Hallelujah (Christmas Version) Lyric Video

YouTube Video by: Classic Fox Worship

(3) Hallelujah (Christmas Version) | Lyric Video - YouTube

Finally, Jesus’ Gospel According to Paul:

According to the Apostle Paul, the Gospel is the message of grace and love fully accomplished in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Christ died for our sins — the finished work of redemption. He was buried, confirming His death. He rose again — guaranteeing new life for all who believe.

This is not an offer to “try harder” (many of us may have mistaken) but a complete rescue received by faith. The Good News is that salvation is God’s gift, not our achievement - it is Jesus alone and nothing else. Repentance in this light is not the price we pay for salvation but the response of a heart that finally feels safe in God’s love. It is the change of mind (metanoia) from unbelief to trust in Christ’s finished work.

When one truly accepts the Gospel, fear and striving cease. We realize we are already loved by the Creator God, forgiven, and included as sons and daughters in God’s kingdom. As Romans 12:2 says, Transformation begins through the renewing of the mind - awakening to the truth that the Father’s love is already ours.

Christmas Posture of the Heart:

This Christmas invites a posture not of fear or striving, but of restful, grateful joy in The One who came near to us in love. Having a carefree, thankful heart towards Jesus aligns perfectly with the Good News: loved, accepted, and welcomed home as sons and daughters.

Celebration with Food and loved Ones:

Sharing “choice food, turkey meals and wine” with loved ones becomes more than just tradition when it overflows from gratitude. It becomes a lived parable of grace: abundance instead of scarcity, fellowship instead of isolation, joy instead of fear. May our dinner table this Christmas 2025 be a small foretaste of the Kingdom feast - full of Shalom peace, joyous laughter, and heartfelt thanksgiving to the Father through Jesus.

Isaiah 25:6 "LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine - the best of meats and the finest of wines." (NIV). 

CityAlight - Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me [Live]. 

YouTube Video by: City Alight

CityAlight - Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me (Live)

Author: Dr. Phil Chan.

Acknowledgement: I have drawn inspiration from Ps. M. Ledbetter.

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2026.

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday.

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day 

according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:4 [King James Bible].

As 14 April, 2017 comes to light after a peaceful Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday in Singapore, I was thinking of the lyrics of a song that could be suitable for the rather sombre and quiet period this Good Friday, a day when Jesus died, was buried and rose again on Easter Sunday.

Sung originally as a Christmas Carol, it was made famous by Cat Stevens in 1972 and came from a hymn, first published at the beginning of the 1930's. The lyrics were by children's writer, Eleanor Farjeon using an original melody of a Scottish tune, written in Gaelic by Mary McDonald. 

Neil Diamond: Morning Has Broken: 

YouTube Video by: jasonfreakinbang

The song gives thanks to dawn, a new opening of each day, but unlike other days, the words become more significant as we know what happens eventually. Of course, interpretation varies...

Morning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the word

It was translated into English, with a lilt so lovely that the number went to the top of the hit parade in 1972.  The piano arrangement was done by rock group member from Yes: Rick Wakeman.

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, 

one of the world's most famous late 15th Century painting. 

Judy Collins, Floyd Cramer, Neil Diamond, Art Garfunkel, Nana Mouskouri, Aaron Neville, Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, Sister Janet Mead, Roger Whittaker and a host of choirs have recorded covers of this beautiful song. 

Looking at it positively, I find the freshness in the lyrics as we praise for the morning:

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven

Like the first dew fall, on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass...

When Good Friday morning is broken, I remember it as such, a Good Friday.

Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of a new day.

Have a great Easter everyone.

Any comment?

Image: Google.

You Tube Video by jasonfreakinbang: 

Neil Diamond: Morning Has Broken 

Written and Posted on:

Wednesday, 12 April, 2017.

A Christmas Reflection on Jesus’ Birthday: By Dr. Phil Chan

Many thanks to Phil for writing this informative and interesting Christmas Message. It's truly worth a read. Comments are always welcome.

A Christmas Reflection on Jesus’ Birthday.

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Dear Andrew,

Thank you for inviting me to write again for Christmas 2024. I think, I will share excerpts from my recent invited public lecture on the Christmas Star at the Singapore National Gallery.

What Child is This w/ Lyrics (Francesca Battistelli)

YouTube Video by: Pastor Madeline

Tunefully 'Greensleeves'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQWKjTvPgiM

Isaiah 9: 6 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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Two historical passages were examined at the public talk, namely Luke 2: 8-20 (Baby Jesus, The Shepherds and Angels) and Matthew 2:1-10 Child Jesus and Magi (Wise men, Kings).

 Little Town of Bethlehem (with lyrics) 

Beautiful Christmas Carol / Hymn!

YouTube by: Rosemary Siemens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWMrNUggJ0U

The Story about O Little Town of Bethlehem carol. 

YouTube Video By: Ronald Clancy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-dDdKoHRxg

A possible clue for Jesus’s birthday comes from an unlikely historical account in Luke 1:5-25, 39-56 regarding the date of John the Baptist’s birth. This passage is not normally read during Christmas.

In the time of Herod king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. 

Once when Zechariah's division was on duty; he was chosen by lot to serve as priest before God, according to the custom of the priesthood. He was to go into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. When the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshippers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 

When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 

From the Old Testament, King David organized the priests (and the Levites) into 24 courses (1Chronicles 24:1-31). Abijah was the eighth of the priestly divisions (1Chronicles 24:10). This would mean the month of Sivan would be around May-June when Elizabeth got pregnant.

The Birth of Jesus Foretold (6 months after John):

Luke 1:26 In the sixth month, 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. Luke 1:35 The angel answered Mary, Luke 1:36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. The above indicates there were 6 months between the conception of John and the conception of Jesus.

When was John born ?

If it is 9-month gestation, John would have been born in the month Nisan … (Mar-April) during the Passover/Unleavened Bread/First Fruits Festivals. See Hebrew calendar below.

https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/was-jesus-born-september-or-december-25-zacharias-john-baptist/

So when was Jesus born?

Jesus would have been born 6 months later, that would be in the month of Tishri (Sept-Oct) another 3 Festivals (one of them is the Feast of the Trumpets). This would be fitting as 1 Kings 1:32-34 informed us that when anointing a coming King, the ancients blow the trumpets. See Hebrew calendar above.

However, the current traditional date for Christmas was first decreed by the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine, to be December 25 as the official date to celebrate the birth of Jesus in 326 CE.

Now that we know when born Jesus was born, what about the year of His birth?

A 1980 Symposium at the famous Griffith Observatory (USA) discussed the historical significance of several astronomical events between 3 BC and 2 BC in an effort to establish the Christmas Star that the Magi (wise men from the East) might have noticed.

Who were the Magi from the East ?

They were likely from Babylon or Persia. One may note that in ancient times, the intellectual center of the world was Baghdad. Europe was busy persecuting heretics at that time but Baghdad was open to all thought. The Arabs invented algebra; algebra and algorithm are both Arabic words. In fact, two-third of the stars in the night sky have Arabic names.

At that time, great advances were made in fields such as Mathematics, astronomy, navigation, including engineering in the Middle East, especially in Baghdad. One may ask, “Why is that so?” The well-known Astrophysicist, Dr. deGrasse Tyson claimed “If you look at what was going on, they were open to all lines of thought. Jews, Muslims, Christians, doubters and atheists. They would all come around the table and share ideas. Through robust debates, if you have some philosophy that’s got holes in it, some one’s going find it and they’ve got to challenge you on those ideas. And what happens is that the conversation’s got ratchet up. You discard what doesn’t work and you keep what does. When you do that, you make discoveries rapidly.”

"Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered." C.S. Lewis, Oxford.

Between 3 BC and 2 BC, the Magi would have taken notice of special conjunctions of Jupiter-Venus (Between Aug 3 BC and June 2 BC, both these two celestial objects “bound” together could easily be seen in the skies as they would be unusually bright) and would have alerted the Magi. One can use powerful computer sky maps programmed with the laws of physics today to confirm this observation. [See below.]

What is more interesting is that Jupiter (known as the King Star in ancient times) retrogrades (a peculiar motion of planets) in such way that “circles” around Regulus (this star is the brightest in the constellation Leo). Regulus is known as the little King star in that period and Leo being the Lion constellation is associated to the Hebrew tribe of Judah).

More details are given in a previous Christmas Star post (2022):

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2022/12/christmas-message-what-could-christmas.html

E. Martin, The Star That Astonished the World, ASK Pub. 1996. 

J. Mosley, The Christmas Star, Griffith Observatory, 1987.

Christmas Hallelujah | Caleb and Kelsey

YouTube Video by: Anthem Lights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3AZJvSRUak

In conclusion

It is often pointed out that there is a discrepancy between Luke’s and Mathew’s accounts on Jesus’ birth. The Shepherds saw Baby Jesus in a manger near Bethlehem while the wise men met Toddler Jesus in a house in Bethlehem (where the “King star” Jupiter stopped). But a careful reading of the Holy Scriptures would elucidate that the wise men met Jesus after more than a year of travelling from the East (probably 2000 km on horses or camels) by following the path of Jupiter’s retrograde motion. Jesus by then would be about one to two years old. Another clue comes from King Herod’s wanting to kill every child of that age when they heard from the wise men that a King had been born.

Jesus was likely born in September-October during 3 BC to 2 BC. The shepherds were not likely to have brought sheep out to the Judean hills (near Bethlehem) during the winter months in December. After about more than a year, the Maggi would have met toddler Jesus in December the following year.

It is also interesting that this year’s Jewish Festival of Lights or Hanukkah (also known as the Dedication of the Temple) coincides with Christmas 2024. Hanukkah is an eight-day festival in commemoration of the re-dedication during the 2 BC of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. According to John 10:22 Jesus was at the Hanukkah celebration.

Finally, at this traditional Christmas 2024, let us still be merry, enjoy ourselves and bring good tidings of Jesus to all man. Nehemiah 8:10 said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Isaiah 9: 6, 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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Wishing you and your family good health, a Blessed Christmas 2024 and a Happy New Year 2025.

Best Regards,

Phil

Author: 

Associate Prof. 

Dr. Phil Chan

A Reflection On The Christmas Baby's Name, Jesus: By Dr. Phil Chan.

 

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Dear Andy,

Thank you very much for keeping in touch.

I think this Christmas, we will reflect on the name of Jesus and how it is related to God’s Name Yehovah (YHVH).

Wishing you and your family a Joyous Christmas 2023 and a Healthy Blessed New

Year 2024 !

Best Regards,

Phil

Reply:

Dear Phil,

Thanks so much for the time and trouble you took to post this message for Christmas. This particular one took me a bit to have posted because we are travelling and on the move these few days, in another country. 

My two wonderful grand children, J2 and J3 helped by buying me a new mouse from the shop across the road, cleaned up my computer that's been bugged with 12 Trojans. No exaggeration!

Title : A Reflection on the Christmas Baby’s Name, Jesus.

"the virgin's name was Mary … bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus."

Luke 1:26-31

Every year at Christmas, we are reminded of Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a Sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and will call Him Emmanuel (which means God with us)”.

Paul’s physician records the shepherds’ conversation with the angel in Luke 2:10-11.

“But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord”. Christ means The Messiah.

In two previous Christmas posts on this blog, we discussed: Why did the Gospel mention that swaddling baby Jesus and lying in a manger a Sign for the Messiah? and What could The Christmas Star Be? However, in this post, we will discuss the names of the Baby Jesus and the Old Testament’s God (YHVH).

Carol: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Arabic, Hebrew and English)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXpWNvHDDpo

Jesus’ Name is above all other names

Paul states in Philippians 2:9, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him, The Name that is above every name.” We often call Jesus the Son of God, but how is Jesus’ Name related to the Old Testament God’s Name?

To understand this, one has to look at the Hebrew Names for Jesus and God. In Genesis 4:26 … At that time, men began to call on the name of the LORD. The Lord here in Hebrew is יהוה, (Hebrew reads from right to left, read as yod hey vav hey) is usually transcribed as YHVH or YHWH. This Holy Name has been used more than 6,000 times in the Holy Bible. If one puts in English vowels, modern Christians get YeHoVaH or JeHoVaH or sometimes YaHWeH.

Angels We Have Heard On High: Gloria in Excelsis Deo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5mdybeyLVc

What is the meaning of YHVH ?

YHVH may seem to have no apparent meaning but a clue may come from both Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8 which declare that God is the same yesterday, today, and future. YHVH is always good and loving, always all-powerful and never changing. No matter how this world changes around us, God is consistent. On closer examination, the Hebrew languages inform us that היה(Was), הוה(Is) and יהיה(Will be) are different permutations of YHVH. In short, Hebrews teaches us that יהוה(YHVH) is a superposition of היה + הוה + יהיה. Only The Holy God can exit in the past, present and future at the same Time. This perhaps is how God experience Time, in fact, from the book of Genesis, He exist outside of time because יהוה is the Creator of Time.

Carol : Silent Night (Arabic, Hebrew and English)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-VyD0qjHio

Why sometimes Y and J, or V and W ?

The simple reason is that there is no J in Hebrew. English words of Hebrew origin that are spelled with a J are usually spelled with the letter yod (י) in Hebrew, which has an English y-sound. Also, the Hebrew letter ‘W’ sounds like the English letter, ‘V’. It is interesting to know that God did not reveal His Holy Name (i.e. His full name) in the Old Testament until Exodus 6:3 “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God

Almighty, but by my name the LORD (YHVH) I did not make myself known to them.” Holy in Hebrew means “to set apart”.

Carol: O Holy Night(Arabic, Hebrew & English):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR_7RoJIGAg

Burning Bush conversation between God and Moses.

In fact, for some reason God only revealed Holy His name partially in the burning bush episode where He asked Moses to go to the Pharaoh to let the Hebrew people go. Exodus 3:13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is His Name?'

Then what shall I tell them? God said to Moses, "I am ,who I am” (אהיה I AM אשׁר THAT אהיה I AM: ) This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you. " Exodus 3:14.

Carol : O Little Town Of Bethlehem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uLELfqlntI

What is Jesus’ Name in Hebrew then ?

The proper Hebrew name for Jesus is Yeshua יֵשׁוּעַ which means salvation. Jesus’ Name is actually a shortened form of the Hebrew name Yehoshua יהושוע which is Joshua in English; this means “The Lord saves, the Lord is salvation or the Lord will save”. So, we now know why Luke in Act 4:12 mentioned that Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Carol: Joy to the World (Arabic, Hebrew n English):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=necamum8MNw

Comparing God’s Name and Jesus’ Name

Consider the common and beautiful word Hallelujah in our usual church worship! It is a transliteration of the Hebrew word: הַלְלוּ יָהּ (hallūyāh), which means "praise ye yah! (from הַלְלוּ‎, praise ye!" and יָהּ‎,.) The word hallēl in Hebrew means a joyous praise in song. The second part, Yah (YH), is a shortened form of YHWH or

YHVH(Yahweh or Yehovah (in modern English).

Jesus is the Son of God. Indeed Jesus’ Name bears God’s Name too. This Christmas, we can confidently call upon and pray in Jesus’ Name (YH) which is also calling on God’s Holy Name (YHVH). Due to past Greek Iesous (Ἰησοῦ) and Latin (Iesus) transliterations, we call the Son of God, Jesus hence we could not see the resemblance of the two Holy Names. Interestingly, Jesus is pronounced as 耶稣 (YeHshoo in Mandarin and in Cantonese as Yesoo) and also 耶和華 (YeHeWaH); both pronunciation are close to Hebrew.

Carol : Christmas Hallelujah:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4q5lriDJAw

A Nugget of Wisdom

Actually, all of us have been calling on God’s Sacred Name. יהוה(YHVH) are Hebrew consonants (from right to left, read as yod hey vav hey) that do not allow one to use our tongue or close our lips. In fact, those are the first words a baby may use when the baby comes out of the mother’s womb. Why ? It is breathing (notice when one say yod, one is inhaling and also for Hey, one is exhaling) for the first time when God (יהוה) gives the new baby breath. In Hebrew thought, יהוה is not pronounceable like breath. Also in ancient Holy Scriptures, no vowels are attached to יהוה. Hence, Hebrews do not pronounce YHVH.

Carol: Christmas Canon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3SEeZURsgk

In Conclusion

In this Christmas season, once again we are reminded that Jesus Christ is The Messiah to save and bring peace to all mankind forever. Isaiah 9: 6-7 “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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.” Act 2:21-22: And everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.' … , listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. Thou shalt not take the Name of the LORD thy God in vain. Exodus 20:7.

Carol: 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's Messiah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c

Note:

Do excuse us if there are typo and other errors on this posting which will be corrected within these few days. 

Again many thanks to author Prof. Dr. Phil Chan 

[National University Singapore] for his Christmas message.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2024 to all.

Christmas Songs, Hymns, Carols n Agatha Christie With CYLin: by Jimmy Chng

Everly Brothers. YouTube Video: 

from Catherine Silver.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

Gaudeamus Igitur: Recorded June 2021. 

Glasgow University Chapel Choir

YouTube

Andy explains, "It's a song learnt as a student at St. Andrew's or St. Margaret's.

The Song has Latin manuscript and used as a formal graduation hymn; a jolly, light-hearted composition originating in 1289, that makes fun of university life. Like the phrase Carpe Diem, it's just another way of saying, Seize the day!"

Here's a note from Jimmy Chng:

Hi Andy, 

You asked if I could contribute an article for your blog like what my late sister Lin had done so annually for a number of years. I had initially told you that I wasn't able to. As I subsequently pondered on your request, something inside of me "triggered" and motivated me to try and come up with one. I think it has to do with the love and respect I have for my sister as well as the gratitude we both have towards your wonderful blog.

Lin was the eldest amongst her four siblings, with me being the youngest at 5 years her junior. She went to a mission school and through her, I learned to sing Christian hymns and Christmas carols at a very young (pre-school) age. I think Latin was a subject in her school's curriculum then as well, and unsurprisingly I also learned to sing Gaudeamus Igitur.

Since young, Lin had always wanted to be a school teacher. As kids, we used to play "school" and us younger siblings and our neighbours' children of similar age range were her "students" and she the "teacher."  Her ambition to be a school teacher was realized when she joined the teaching profession upon completing her secondary school studies. She remained in the teaching profession until her retirement.

She loved reading, especially novels by Agatha Christie [above titles are for illustrations only] and both my other sister and I would listen intently when she told us the stories soon after she had finished reading. Lin also loved listening to pop music/songs on the radio. On occasions she and I would do sing-alongs together to Everly Brothers hits like, Devoted to You, Lightning Express, Ebony Eyes, etc.

It's been slightly more than a year since Lin's passing. She would have, around this time of the year begun to draft another article for your blog had she not succumbed to her illness.

The piece she contributed to your blog on 23 December 2019 titled, **"Christmas message: God used your blog to bring about this happening," was in appreciation and gratitude to you and your blog.

Merry Christmas to you & family and your readers.

The writer, family and friends. 

Read the article below to appreciate this pix.

**Link:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-message-god-used-your-blog-to.html

Ms CYLin and Jimmy Chng have written a number of articles for this blog. Check them out by clicking their names under Labels below.

Everly Brothers YouTube Video:

Some of the Best: from Pete Roberts.

Images: Google.

You Tube Videos.

If you take information from this article for your own use, 

at least credit me because copying is stealing.

Andy.

Christmas Songs Made In Singapore: Naomi, Thunderbirds, Quests, Stylers

This posting has been rejuvenated. Merry Christmas 2023 

to all friends, readers and contributing writers.

Christmas In Style with the Stylers 

one of their best albums for the holidays.

Spend Christmas In Singapore By Listening To Christmas Songs, Singapore Style, 2021.

Christmas has always been an international holiday, with millions of people celebrating it. Songs about Christmas too can come by the hundreds of thousands and the vinyl records produced, since the time such companies were set up, could come into millions.

Singapore produced some of these records and the bands involved included, the Stylers, Quests, Naomi and the Boys, Thunderbirds, Travellers and, as the years marched on, many many more. 

I am glad to note that friend Kevin Mathews has a song in a specially made album about nine years ago, for the Rare Disorder Society entitled, Christmas Dream... with other local artistes on the list too. 

The loveliest of sights in Singapore, 

Orchard Road during Christmas.

Now in December, 2021.

https://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/christmas/

Two videos below with the popular group, Sam Willows singing, I'm Gonna Be Loved This Christmas and good friend Albert Louis with Merry Christmas Singapore, a cheerfully recorded one with his group, Culture Vulture.

At this juncture and with Covid-19 still spreading, we need that Christmas dream - that the unpleasantries will end soonest. 

Check the blog post using connection below each pix.

Comments are always part of these postings, if you can.

A Merry Christmas to all.

If you take information from this article for your own use, 

at least credit me because copying is stealing. Andy.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2011/12/questing-for-singapore-60s-christmas.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/12/merry-christmas-with-travellers-2009.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/11/8888888888888888888888.html

Both these covers have been contributed 

by Dr. Steven Farram, Darwin, Australia.

Thanks Steve.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/search?q=peter+low+christmas

Kevin Mathews [Track 6] - X'mas Dream - 2012

Plus 13 more tracks. 

For Rare Disorder Society, SG.

Connect below and listen to all the songs.

https://christmasinsingapore.bandcamp.com/album/christmas-in-singapore

'I'm Gonna Be Loved This Christmas'

The Sam Willows.

[A Singapore Original - 2018]

'Merry Christmas Singapore' by Culture Vulture.

Percussionist Albert Louis uses ethnic instruments

and lyrics include SG humour and flavour.

YouTube video from Danny Ong.