"The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn."—Luther
"The devill . . the prowde spirite . . cannot endure to be mocked."—Thomas More
With these thoughts in mind, C.S. Lewis wrote his work which later came to be known as The Screwtape Letters. Many Christians and literary connoisseurs alike are undoubtedly familiar with this classic collection of letters made to appear to be from an older demon to a younger demon, exposing their schemes to trap humanity. Recently, Focus On The Family Radio has put together quite an impressive audio production that has captured the feeling of this intriguing and enlightening book. What am I saying? You should just watch the video.
Let's make this short and sweet. If you want a Christmas collection that sounds like no other Christmas collection you've heard or owned, but is still filled with delightfully prepared Christmas songs, carols, and hymns, and if you happen to like the occasional banjo thrown in; this 4 cd set is for you. Trust me.
A good Christmas cd is hard to find. Sure, you find those that you think are cool, catchy, or even funny for a week, but then are forgotten and stuffed in a box until the next garage sale. It’s hard to put a finger on what makes a great Christmas album, but you usually know it when you hear it.
This week, I’d like to recommend a record that you won’t find in stores. It is only available as a digital download from their website. For the record, I’ve liked the direction that the band Future of Forestry has been heading in. That said, I happen to love their Christmas EP, “Advent”. This young band manages to use inventive instrumentation to make the songs sound original while reverently approaching and in most cases keeping the original melody of classic carols.
You’ll find this EP to be soothing, unique, thrilling, and throughout the album, reverent and worshipful. I highly recommend that you click here and pay the $5 for a great addition to your collection.
Ever wonder how Napoleon is connected to the modern computer? James Burke has the answer. This renowned historian has taken it upon himself to show the world that knowlege and history are linked, and that every major breakthrough in science, culture, and many other areas are somehow linked. I hope he is able to finish this project, which I've posted a video introduction to below, because it looks fascinating, but until then, visit http://k-web.org for more info or to watch his intriguing "Connections" documentaries produced by the BBC.
All right, all right. I know it's been several weeks since I've posted a Pick. For that I sincerely apologize. Let's move on, shall we? I mean, we all know YOU'RE not perfect. Don't make me bring up last St. Patrick's day.
This week, I would like to give you a gift. Call it a pre-Christmas gift. I would like to give you the gift of getting a head start on Christmas music. Now, you don't have to start listening to this Christmas music, but I would suggest you get on the task of purchasing it, unwrapping it, and placing it on your music player of choice so that the moment that Yuletide feeling hits you, you'll be able to grab a glass of egg-nog and press play.
If you're anything like me, you're a bit overwhelmed by the huge tide of overproduced, hyper-commercialized, microwaved insta-pop trash that is being thrown at you this Christmas, and you're either looking for something really different or refreshingly traditional. Well, this next pick may be both. I give you Snow Angels by Over The Rhine, easily one of my favorite Christmas albums of all time. Did you hear that Kanye? I'm going to let you finish, but Over The Rhine has one of the best Christmas albums of all time! It's stripped down, simple, bluesy in places, tender in others, and a perfect record to put on whilst decorating or sitting in front of the fire on a snowy evening. Husband and wife duo, Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist have written an amazing album with some great originals and classics that speak both to each other in a romantic way, and to God as Christians who aren't satisfied with the way things have always been. Linford is a true poet and Karin's voice could charm any cynic. Add a great combination of instruments and skilled musicianship, and you've got a classic. It's not perfect, but it's pretty good. For the record, North Pole Man is a little racy for me, especially on a Christmas album! Then again, I'm not married. ;)
I've posted a video of one of the songs from their album. It's probably the most downbeat song on the record, but I can certainly identify with being sad about the idea of spending Christmas away from the one you love. If I could have anything for Christmas, I would forgo the gifts to spend it with her. On a special note, you may notice Matt Slocum (Sixpence None The Richer) guest-starring on lead guitar. Enjoy!
Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 9:00AM 
