By James Lamkin

 

"A Merry Little Christmas?"

 

     I clipped an obit this past March. It read, "Merry Little Christmas songwriter, Hugh Martin, dead at 96."

      The title caught me. It named one of those rare lives where time, talent, and a tune come together. However, as most biographies go, life is more complicated than that.

      Hugh Martin grew-up in Birmingham, AL. His father was the architect who built the city's Public Library; but his mother had an eye for the theater. She encouraged young Hugh to follow his dream into show business.

      His break into the big time came through his music. He was commissioned to write some of the pieces for the 1944 Judy Garland movie, Meet Me in St. Louis. And yes, one of the musical numbers was about a Merry Little Christmas.

      How nice.

      However, it was not nice to begin with. The film's director had described the scene to Hugh Martin. It was to be bittersweet. Garland was to reflect sentimentally on Christmases past...and then conclude that they will all go downhill from here.

      Ah yes...nostalgia can be a cruel animal. It preys on hope.

      Martin put pen to paper and came-up with the melancholy lyrics. Ready?

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

It may be your last

Next year we may all be living in the past...

No good times like the olden days

Happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who were dear to us

Will be near to us no more!

      How about that? Kinda sours the eggnog right there in your hand.

      Judy Garland thought the same; and she refused to sing it. She demanded that Martin rewrite it.

      Martin refused. "You tell Judy," he said, "if she wants the melody, she's gotta take the lyric. Period!"

      However, Tom Drake "did an intervention." He took Martin for coffee and said, "Hugh, this is potentially a very great and important song. I feel that in my guts. Now listen to me. Don't be a stubborn idiot. Write a lyric for that beautiful melody that Judy will sing. You'll thank me."

      And thank him, he did. In fact, we all thank him. I guess you'd say, "the fates allowed." What finally made it to the silver screen were the words we've come to love:

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight...

Once again as in olden days

Happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who were dear to us

Will be near to us once more

Someday soon we all will be together

If the fates allow

Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

      There you have it; and frankly I'm glad muddle made the cut. Life---especially life during the holidays---requires muddling.

      As Christmas comes and the year goes and another January readies to start, I give thanks for 2011. I thank God for the opportunity to love Northside Drive Baptist Church. I am grateful for grace that helps me "muddle through somehow." And I am thankful for the Holy One in the lowly manger in whose honor I will hang a star upon the highest bough...and say a sacred "Wow!" for the incarnate love of God.

      So Merry Christmas...Now!

    Our Annual Poinsettia Altar will be in place beginning Sunday, December 18, and remain through Sunday, Christmas Day. While altar flowers are always given to the Glory of God, it's our tradition at Northside Drive to give poinsettias each Christmas also in honor/memory/thankfulness for our friends and family. Each poinsettia plant is only $20, and order envelopes are available in the Narthex for your use (simply fill it out & drop it in the offering plate). Or call Rose Hidlay at 404-237-8621 with the number of poinsettias you wish to give, the memorial details, and mail your check to the church office.

 

JOYOUS TOYS CHRISTMAS STORE

Buckhead Christian Ministry

Help Atlanta's children---infants to teens---have a wonderful Christmas by supporting BCM's annual holiday program, Joyous Toys. A card with the list of suggested gifts is available in the Narthex and in the Northside Notes. Please bring the NEW UNWRAPPED gifts by December 11.

 

Have TIME to donate? Volunteer during the week of December 12 to wrap the gifts that parents have selected for their children.

 

Contact: Donna McLarty 770-433-2771

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TOILETRIES AND NEW CLOTHING

The Extension

Located in Marietta, The Extension provides support to men and women who are in counseling to overcome addiction. A home for men and another for women provides extra support to those clients who are homeless. Contributions of toiletries (hotel or regular size) and NEW clothing will help these men and women in transitional programs experience the hope and joy of Christmas. Santa Bags with a list of suggested items are available in the Narthex. Please return the UNWRAPPED items by December 11.

 

Contact: Rhonda Harris 404-731-6061

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WINTER MISSIONS OFFERING

Morningstar Children and Family Services

Morningstar provides specialized residential and community-based care for children who are intellectually disabled and have severe emotional disorders. A group of committed Baptists established Morningstar to serve children and families whose lives have been torn apart by abuse, neglect, and poverty. Your donation will help this vital organization continue to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the children.

 

Make checks payable to NDBC and write Morningstar on the memo line.

 

Northside Drive's goal is $2,000.

Contact: Barbara Atchley 770-436-0709

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GIVING TREE

Morningstar Children and Family Services

For most people Christmas is a time filled with memories of family, bountiful meals and cherished gifts. Imagine the season for a child who is removed from family and for whom family may hold few positive memories.   Through the Giving Tree we can help the children in Morningstar's residential care feel the love and joy of the Christmas season.

 

Take a tag from the tree and return the UNWRAPPED gift to the church by December 11.

 

Contact: Susan Harlan 770-377-3869

 

Suggested Gift List

Ages 0-3

- Fisher Price/Playschool toy sets (farms, schools, playground)

- African American/Hispanic baby doll sets and accessories

Ages 4-7

- Disney Character CD Players

- Art easel sets

Ages 8-11

- Remote controlled cars/trucks

- Hot Wheel sets (with racetrack, etc.)

- Basketballs, soccer balls, and other sports equipment

- Transformers

- African American and Hispanic Barbie fashion doll sets

Ages 12 and Up

- Fashion watches (with a big face)

- MP3 players

- CD players

- Brand name purses, accessories, etc.

 

BCM also needs Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt). BCM discourages donations of stuffed animals, as most children already have a favorite stuffed toy.

     Join us for a festive holiday party featuring Christmas music by the A Ca Bellas, a local 12-woman a capella singing group returning by popular demand to bring us a little holiday cheer. Bring your friends and family and prepare to sing along. 

     Edgewood Church is a new community-centered church started in Atlanta's Edgewood neighborhood---a racially, economically, and educationally diverse neighborhood.

     One of the needs they have recently noticed in their community is for fall and winter clothing for children. Many children are still wearing shorts and t-shirts to school, even on the coldest days. To address this need, Edgewood Church is hoping to have clothing and toy store for families to come and buy what their children need at prices they can afford (crazy cheap prices). The proceeds will go to an organization that helps homeless women get back on their feet. This "store" will give parents a dignified way to provide for their children while also helping out others in need.

      All children's clothing from infants to fifth grade will be greatly appreciated. They would love to have everything in by December 14 to give them enough time to organize the "store" on December 17.

     You can find out more about Edgewood Church at www.EdgewoodChurchAtlanta.org.

Worship in Bethlehem 

Saturday, December 17, at 10 AM, EST.

    What if you could join worshipers in Bethlehem without having to travel? You can! The National Cathedral in Washington DC joins with Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem for a moving prayer service on Saturday, December 17, at 10 AM, EST. This fifth annual worship is a joint simulcast available to others around the country and throughout the world through the internet. Visit the National Cathedral's website for more information on participating in this moving worship experience.

By Rev. Mike Gregg 

 Photo courtsey of Myrtie Cope               

 

CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY VESPERS

Saturday, December 24, 2011, at 4 PM

     Do you need a Christmas Eve Service designed especially for your kids? If so, make plans to attend Northside Drive's Family Vespers Service at 4 PM on Christmas Eve. We sing kid friendly carols, have a costumed Christmas pageant, partake in family communion, and see the Pastor juggling while telling a Christmas story. Northside Drive Baptist Church has designed this unique service with the whole family in mind.

 

LESSONS, CAROLS, & COMMUNION

Saturday, December 24, 2011, at 10:30 PM

     As midnight approaches on Christmas Eve, the world is dark. One by one, candles begin to light up the darkness as Silent Night, Holy Night resounds in the air. The Christ child is coming and the people will soon break forth with the jubilant hymn, Joy to the World!   Join Northside Drive Baptist Church in a beautiful Christmas Eve service of Lessons, Carols, Communion and Candlelight. The Christmas story will be read from Scripture and the familiar carols will wrap us in the hopeful warmth of a Savior to be born.

Attention all new and young families!

     Our Church School class has a new twist. We will gather together each Sunday from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall for donuts, coffee, and a time to relax, grow, and talk with each other. Instead of a set curriculum, we will fellowship with food and friends.

     We hope the children will all enjoy the nursery, preschool, and school age Church School classes together. If you have a baby not yet attending the nursery, feel free to bring your child to class.

     We hope to see you all Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. The donuts will be waiting for you!