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"O come, all ye faithful, joyful and. triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!" "Adeste Fideles" or *'Jingle, Bells," "Silent Night" or "White Christmas" -- across ~ the years, hymns, carols and songs have been mankind's way of expressing the joy of Christmas. From simple melodies sung in the family circle to the In Holiday Mood, Carols Tell Story of Reverence and Joy © majesty of Handel's oratorio, "The Messiah," music and song seem to be the natural way to celebrate Christmas. Singing First Carol "| Singing of the first Christ- mas carol is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi and his fol- "lowers, in the 13th century. St. Francis arranged a Na- tivity scene and led the sing- ing of songs of praise to the « Christ Child. f CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE WARM CIRISTMAS WISHES Warm wishes are sent your way, and, so are heartiest - thanks. CHRISTMAS | TOALL! What is Santa carrying thanks in his bag? All our best wishes for a happy holiday season, plus our sincere WES LANE v About Many Things Subjects and themes for early carols were many and varied. English people sang of the holly and the ivy and the wassail bowl. More religious in theme were the English songs traditionally sung be- tween scenes of mystery and miracle plays. In Germany, France and Belgium, the visit.of the Magi was a popular theme for car- ols. Other carols told stories from the Bible or. legends' from nature. " Luther Led Way From the 15th to the 18th century, Christmas music found a particularly eager audience in Germany. Martin Luther, who believed music was a form of worship, helped to encourage the composition and performance of Christ- mas hymns. Luther himself wrote the words for "Away in a Man- ger," and the music for "Unto Us a Boy Is Born" and "Good News from Heaven." Grouped into a choir, his children sang these songs. Christmas Outlawed - The joyous songs of Christ- mas fell upon hard times in 17th century England. An act of Parliament, in 1644; for- bade the observance of Christmas as a feast day. Long after the custom of Christmas was revived, the art of carol singing lan- guished. A happy change occurred when, in 1719, Dr. Isaac Watts wrote -and introduced to his congregation the carol, "Joy to the World." This was the forerunner of modern Christ- mas carols. For Concert Halls Christmas music for the concert halls began to be created after the Reforma- tion." . Italy introduced the Christ- mas concerto, during the 17th and 18th centuries. Cor- elli's "Christmas Concerto" is perhaps the best known of this kind of Christmas music. "In Puritan England, the oratorio became a 'popular form _of music, thought to represent the righteousness in man. Handel's "Messiah" was performed and admired for this expression of pious sentiment, with little consid- eration for its relationship to the story of the Nativity. It was not until about 1900 ES a Pm -- NT DOWSON'S RED AND WHITE Hoping Christmas brightness lasts all year! Your loyalty is great! KEN P. MURRAY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR 6G -- PORT PERRY STAR -- CHRISTMAS EDITION that "The Messiah" began to be performed primarily at Christmas time. In America In America, the composi= tion of carols began to flour- ish during the 1800's, and three favorite carols.sung to- day are from that periodi? "It Came upon a Midnight Clear," one of the earliest American carols, was writ- ten by the Rev, Edmund H. Sears (1810-1876) as a poem, It was later set to music. "We Three Kings of Orient Are," was first published in 1859. The Rev. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., wrote bath the words and the music. "O Little Town of Bethle- hem" was written by Bishop Phillips Brooks in 1868, as an expression of his feelings af- ter a visit to Bethlehem, Music " for the carol has been attributed to Lewis H. Redner, an American organ- ist,"and also to'a tune from early English hymnals, Da. AN | San 44: Utica Farm VE i | at Chrittma The Best You May you and your family enjoy a happy holiday. We thank you warmly. Equipment NP W RN Feet Bors 2 7 YR /A\ Nis 5 . -- [Q 1 of] nL & = QP ° =a We'd like to extend to you the sincerest and. heartiest "Thanks and good wishes for this bright and sparkling season. May your holiday' be full of joy. ; Obi very best holiday wishes to you and your family in this gay and festive season! May the spirit of Christmas shine through the hours, lighting up your days! MIDDLETON'S BUTCHER SHOP \ wt NORM AND ARLE MIDDLETON 3