Pap, Tipper, and Steve
I’ve so enjoyed this Christmas season. Oh I always do, I’m not being flippant when I say its my favorite time of the year. It truly is.
During the last few weeks I’ve made a conscious effort to focus on the smallest things about Christmas. From the reason for the season to the cheerful red and green decorations, I’ve studied on it all.
You could probably guess my favorite Christmas music to listen to is Pap and Paul’s “Songs of Christmas” cd. I love all the songs, but this year it seems “The Friendly Beasts” has settled deep within my spirit.
The song comforts me because I heard Pap sing it since I was a little girl. He said he learned the song from The Blue Sky Boys, but the song’s origins have been traced as far back as the 12 century.
The Friendly Beasts
Jesus our brother, kind and good
Was humbly born in a stable room
And the friendly beasts around him stood
Jesus our brother, strong and good.
Said the donkey shaggy and brown,
I carried his mother up hill and down;
I carried his mother to Bethlehem town.
Thus said the donkey shaggy and brown.
Said the cow all white and red
I gave him my manger for a bed;
I gave him my hay to pillow his head.
Thus said the cow all white and red.
Said the sheep with the curly horn,
I gave him my wool for his blanket warm;
He wore my coat on Christmas day.
Thus said the sheep with curly horn.
Thus every beasts by some good spell
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Of the gift he gave Emmanuel
Of the gift he gave Emmanuel
I believe the simplistic theme of the song is what has touched me so deeply this Christmas season. Each beast gave what they already had and made a world of difference to the child. There’s something mighty powerful in that thought: if we would but give what we already have what wonders could be accomplished for those in need.
Tipper
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Beautiful! My second grade music classes always learned this one. Nothing sweeter than hearing it earnestly sung by children’s voices.
That song was in a Golden Books” type hymn book I had as a child, and I always loved it 🙂
It is such a sweet song. I knew the poem before I heard the song, and the CD is my SUV because I get tired of hearing the secular Christmas songs on the radio. It’s my favorite Christmas CD because they put a little pep into the songs. I know Jingle Bells is secular, but their instrumental version is my favorite. If you don’t have the CD, get it, because you will not be sorry. If you’re still Christmas shopping, go over to Katie’s etsy page. She has made some beautiful pieces, and I have bought some. You will not find any jewelry like it anywhere.
Do they have any CDs for sale? I’d love to buy one.
Josh-yes! You can see the list of cds, including the Christmas one here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlindPigAndTheAcorn
I really love this song- thank you, and a very blessed Christmas!
So glad to have the CD of Pap& Paul’s Christmas music!
Glad you are noticing the little things…
May you & yours have a wonderful Christmas
O that touch me Tipper. Beautiful!!! And your so beautiful words of wisdom. We do need to give to those in need and not just at Christmas.
Yes! The people who need help at Christmas need it all year long. My husband and I do what we can to help friends and neighbors in need all year. We try to live all week what we learn in church on Sunday.
Tipper,
I like “The Friendly Beasts” CD of Pap and Paul but I also like Chitter and Chatter’s CD’s. I am pleased with Ray and Pap’s songs too. When I call Donna Lynn at our Christian Radio Station, she usually asks me which Wilson bunch I’d rather hear. After we talk awhile, she tells me that she likes all of the local Wilson bunch from Brasstown, and usually she plays “Cabin by the Side of the Road” by Ray and Pap. Then she plays “The River of Jordan” by Chitter and Chatter. (She knows that is one of my Favorites.)
A long time ago, Harley Grant use to be the Superintendent at Hewitts Baptist Chruch near the Quarry, across or near The Green Hole at Nantahala. Rumor was that The Green Hole didn’t have no bottom. I had been braggin’ about how good I could swim, and Jimmy Righard and Bob Holloway threw me down, pulled off my clothes, and waded out as far as they could and threw me in. Soon as I came up, I started swimming back to the bank, I never touched bottom. The Green Hole had a Swirling Water over near the center and that’s where they tried to throw me. My brothers never raised a hand, cause we had built a pond at the house, and they knew I could swim like a fish. These were friends, just older. …Ken
‘
That was a wonderful song. Ditto what Ron said. It couldn’t be said better.
…and God Bless us everyone…
hi love the song what child is this on the christmas cd is another favourite but love the whole cd so cant really pick a favourite have an awesome christmas
I love Christmas music, especially this one from Pap and Paul’s CD. After reading the lyrics, the song sounds even better.
Tipper, you epitomize what you wrote about “give what we already have”. But I suspect you weren’t thinking of seeing yourself in that mirror. Every day and doubled in giving-November you are giving not just of what you have but of who you are. Your readers do as well.
How hard it seems to be for each of us to learn that ‘the big things’ said or done or noticed are not the best things. How often those who post here illustrate that with their memories. I heard someone say once, “Don’t worry about the big things. Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves.”
And that is at the heart of the meaning of Christmas, that our actions be – as best we can make them – an illustration of our heart.
That was beautifully said and sung!
Simple and sweet lyrics. Reminds me of I Wonder as I Wander and Little Gray Donkey. Takes me back to childhood.
Tipper. Like you the simplicity of the song touches my heart. But the message is so powerful. Merry Christmas to you and all your family.