Five on Friday: Music and More Music

Since Thanksgiving weekend, our Christmas celebrating has been filled with music, so that is the theme of my Five on Friday today. 

{one}

Bekah's piano recital was Thanksgiving weekend. It was a lovely affair, held at a local Festival of Trees. It was a thrill for me to hear Bekah and her teacher (and cousin) Amy play a duet, "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."

She also played a piano solo: "We Three Kings." 

{two}

In our Morning Time, we are repeating the devotional series that we did last year, based on Handel's Messiah. It was a highlight for us last December, so when Bekah asked if we could do it again this year, I was more than willing! Each day, we read passages from Scripture, and then we listen to the corresponding portions from the oratorio. 

The link to the schedule of Scripture passages and corresponding songs:

25 Days to Handel's Messiah: An Advent Devotional Guide

The link to the performance of Messiah to which we are listening:

G. F. Handel: Messiah HWV 56 (best performance)

{three}

I have recently discovered a fabulous resource for moms who want to teach hymns to their children. Happy Hymnody is both an Instagram account and a blog devoted to that purpose. Pastor's wife and mom, April Brover, introduces the group to a #hymnofthemonth, providing printables of the lyrics, links to videos, the stories behind the hymn, as well as a community of encouragement.

This month's hymn is "Joy to the World" and we're singing it too, paying special attention to the significance of verse 3. Have you ever wondered what the business about thorns infesting the ground is doing in a Christmas carol? Read here if you're curious. 

source

{four}

Bekah's voice recital was on the following weekend. Let me assure you that she was far more nervous to be singing rather than playing the piano! (This is her first year taking voice lessons.) She sang "Coventry Carol," a song that I had heard many times, but had never really paid attention to the words. I was surprised to learn that it is based on Herod's order to kill all the male children under the age of two. You can read more about the song's history here. 

Kati took a video of Bekah's performance, but forgot that her "real" camera does not correct orientation as her cell phone camera does, meaning that you'd have to tilt your head (or your device) to see it properly. (Link is here for those who don't mind tilting. 😉)

Photo courtesy of another recital mom, Rebecca

{five}

The last in our series of three weekends/three recitals is this evening! Our homeschool choir will be presenting its Christmas program and we're all excited. Bekah and six of our grands (Maddie, Owen, Eve, Ben, Nora, and Alaine) are in the choir. How could we not love this?

What to wear?

Is music an important part of your Christmas celebrations? My own favorite carol is "Angels From the Realms of Glory." The whole story of redemption is told in its words! (Read them here.) 🎝🎜 God with man is now residing . . . 

I'd love to know your favorite carol. If you'd like, share yours in the comments.