Tis the holiday season and what are holidays without classic songs! And the perfect time to bring in a little holiday nostalgia courtesy of Andy Williams.
I happened upon this holiday gem while surfing Christmas shows that were streaming for free. What a find! The Andy Williams Christmas Shows were originally filmed from 1962-1974. This is a compilation from the Christmas shows, The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows.
The Voice
Smooth as silk as always, Andy Williams sings the classic and timeless holiday favorites.
Songs included: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Happy Holidays, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Ave Maria, Mary's Little Boy Child, Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, Holy Night, You Meet the Nicest People at Christmas.
Also included are the Williams Brothers! Don, Dick and Bob and Andy began as a quartet and reunited during the Andy Williams Christmas specials. Special appearances by Andy Williams family also include his mom.
The Sets
By today standards of television sets and costumes the Christmas sets are charmingly simple. But simple in a very very good way as the emphasis on the song. It is fun to look at the styles as a trip of reminiscing down vintage clothing lane. Also noted is the color coordination and classic style which holds up through the years (and may be in a store near you currently!)
At Home With Andy
One viewer aptly noted watching Andy Williams and his special guests at Christmas is like watching home movies with Andy at the holidays. What a great way to describe the feeling generated by Andy and his guests as they seamlessly harmonize through the classics.
Where To Find Freevee? And Is It Free?
Yes, the shows on the Freevee app are free and yes, access to the Freevee app is free! The app is actually loaded already on many devices and smart televisions. The app may not be evident on your device, so a search for the app can be started to see if the Freevee app is pre installed.
Amazon has announced in November 2024 it will begin integrating Freevee into the Amazon Prime service; the content will remain free and it is not required to have an Amazon Prime membership to view the content.
More Free Streaming Services
Free is relative (as in access to your local library!) But library memberships can open up a variety of streaming services included with your membership. The library is the middle party and contracts with the services and access is via your library membership /library website.
Kanopyoffers free movies with an emphasis on Indie films and documentaries.
Hoopla offers free books, movies and television shows.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I love the song "O Holy Night." It is truly my favorite Christmas song, and it may well be my all time favorite song because of the beautiful message. The easy words and beautiful melody draw me in, sooth my soul and remind me of the real reason I celebrate Christmas.
As we move through the holidays at a breakneck pace, it is so easy to forget where our focus should be. Singing this song always brings me right back to the reason why I sing, the reason why I love Christmas, and the One whose birth I celebrate above all others.
The History of "O Holy Night"
Would you believe the original poem used to write the lyrics for this song was written in 1847 by a wine merchant who wrote poetry as a hobby?
That alone reminds me that God can use anyone to do the most exceptional things. 150 years later we are still singing "O Holy Night" and being touched by the message of the words of a recreational poet.
O Holy Night Sung by Faith Hill
"O Holy Night" Lyrics as sung by Faith Hill
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
The thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night, O night divine!
Midnight, Christians, it's the solemn hour,
When God-man descended to us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.
People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!
The ardent light of our Faith,
Guides us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Conducted the Magi there from the orient.
The King of kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur,
It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle:
The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
Love unites those that iron had chained.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.
People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!
Adams via Wikamedia Commons
The Music of "O Holy Night"
The music for "O Holy Night" was composed by Adolphe Charles Adam, a prolific writer and composer. Adolphe Charles Adam was the son of a concert pianist and was trained from a very early age in music and piano. He wrote his first opera in his mid-twenties and two operas per year thereafter. After failed investments in a new Opera House in France, Adam was rescued from certain poverty by the Paris Conservatory who appointed him as a professor of music where he taught until the time of his death.
O Holy Night Sung by Josh Groban
"O Holy Night" Lyrics as sung by Josh Groban
O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!
Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother,
and in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the lord, that ever, ever praise we.
Noel! Noel! Oh night;oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Fessenden via Wikimedia Commons
"O Holy Night" Published, Translated and First Song Broadcast on the Radio
"O Holy Night" was originally published in French and entitled "Christian Midnight." John Dwight, an ordained Unitarian minister and great promoter of European classical music, translated "Christian Midnight" into the English hymn, "O Holy Night." "O Holy Night" was the first song broadcast over the radio. It aired on December 24, 1906 when an Canadian Inventor named Reginald Fessenden, pictured on right, broadcast the first AM radio program in which he played the song on his violin. Needless to say, I applaud his selection on song to share with the world.
To Purchase Your Own Copy of the Featured Vocalist
Plus, If You Would Like to Learn the History of More Hymns, I Recommend the Featured Book Below
May You All Be Blessed by the One Who Was Born on that Holy Night!
O Holy Night Music Review Written by:
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
.jpg)
