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Every Sunday, I post on the following page the sermon titles for various churches within the Ohio Valley.
There are many. And still, dozens more exist.
Needless to say, there are a lot of places where one can go to worship on Sunday mornings.
I would like to request to anyone who may be reading this, that you please take my following request to the music director or pastor at your church, as I would be most grateful.
It is my hope someone within the church will take into consideration including my all-time favorite song among their selections of Christmas hymns which are going to be played during their holiday service next week.
Of course, this is not actually a favor being done for me. But rather, a wonderful message to be shared among your congregation.
The song is entitled "A Hallelujah Christmas," by the band Cloverton.
The song is quite unfamiliar, as it doesn't appear among any playlist I have ever encountered. And in doing a web search, it usually just appears on YouTube.
The first time I heard it was several years ago. It is set to the music (and includes some of the same lyrics) as the original version of "Hallelujah." I am pretty sure most people have heard at least one artist's version of this popular song.
"A Hallelujah Christmas," is truly, by far, the most beautiful and amazing piece of holiday music I have ever had the privilege of listening to.
I accidentally stumbled upon it approximately 20 years ago. I am actually quite astonished how it hasn't appeared on any Christmas specials or in holiday movies or on those Christmas playlists.
I remember the very first time I listened to it. I had to go back and listen again. And then again. And so on. Because the words impacted me to the point that tears just came out of nowhere. I wasn't expecting them.
And when I played it again, still they came. Each and every time.
I have posted that YouTube video on my Facebook page almost every year for the past two decades.
Those who actually stop and take those five minutes out of their day to watch it are usually very thankful that I shared it. Some have simply commented, "Wow."
"Wow," indeed.
I am asking if you would please take a moment and listen.
I would never want to waste anyone's time, for life is far too precious to throw away moments. These five minutes will not be wasted moments, in my opinion.
I do hope that at some point in the future, some churches will add this song among their Christmas hymns.
Although it isn't located on the inside of a hymnal, its lyrics are just as meaningful.
Once in a while, some people need reminding of the true meaning behind Dec. 25 and why it is we celebrate the holiday.
This song will allow us to remember. It will allow us to stop and recall God's greatest gift he left unto the world.
And this is my small gift to you.
Merry Christmas.
"A Hallelujah Christmas"
"I've heard about this baby boy
Who's come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I'm singing, "Hallelujah."
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn
To find a place, for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay
So in a manger filled with hay
God's only Son was born, oh, "Hallelujah."
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The shepherds left their flocks by night
To see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said,
"You'll find Him in a manger bed."
Immanuel and Savior, "Hallelujah."
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
A star shone bright, up in the east
To Bethlehem, the wise-men three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You
And to the place at which You were
Their frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out, "Hallelujah!"
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I know You came to rescue me
This baby boy would grow to be
A man who'd one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You
That rugged cross -- was my cross too
Still, every breath You drew was, "Hallelujah."
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah."
(Stenger is the community editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times)