Fred Hammond Christmas
Just Remember, Zomba Recording
Corp., 2001
Reviewed by James D. McChristian
Apple cider in a crock pot filling the house with its seasonal aroma.
Little children running around the living room in awe of the new
unwrapped gift under the Christmas tree. The fresh feeling of a frozen paradise
outside, which seems to be a different world. In the joyous season of giving, we
show humanity that we care for the common man.
Around Christmas it seems as if more people are willing to spend their
time serving others, but just remember…
The title cut from
Fred Hammond’s Christmas CD, Just
Remember, presents a similar scenario of how our world is different during
the Christmas season. We can do all of the previous activities during the
holiday and still forget the purpose of the season. The second verse of this
song brings the listener in check if they forget to remember: “Now when we
give gifts to loved ones / It should remind us of God’s gift to us / Jesus the
King / Sent from the Father above / So on every Christmas Day / Remember the
reason why we celebrate / Lift up your voice / Make a joyful Noise / Give thanks
for we have been redeemed.”
This title song,
written by Fred Hammond and Luther “Mano” Hanes, sets the tone for this Fred
Hammond & Radical for Christ Christmas collection.
The projects prior to this CD (The
Inner Court, The Spirit of David, Pages of Life
- Chapters I
& II,
and Purpose
By Design) made their own distinction in Christian music.
This project lifts the bar for Christmas music by keeping itself anchored
to the reason for the Season. My Christmas favorite has always been Alvin
and the Chipmunks Christmas on vinyl, but I was thankful to listen to real
biblical-based music when I listened to the lyrics of every song on this
project. Some highlights include:
·
His
Name Is Jesus:
The beginning song on this project lifts up the name of Jesus and encourages the
listener to be thankful for the gift wrapped in swaddling clothing. The theme of
the prophet Isaiah rings a melody throughout this project, “For
unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be
upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty
God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
The Redeemer who died on the cross for our sins gave us life eternally
through His Name.
·
It
Took a Child To Save The World:
A melody that rings through the season is expressed, “God in the highest!”
The lyrics exalt the Lord for his plan to save the world through a child in a
manger. The promise child was born and in Him brought peace and hope to all men.
The tone of the song combined with the lyrics gels into one of the favorites on
the project.
If
you’re looking for a Stocking Stuffer, then look no further. I’m very
selective about the music I listen to, and I would recommend this CD to anyone.
Every track has its own distinction and yet still keeps a fresh song of praise
to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
ninetyandnine.com
ã
2001, James D. McChristian
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James D. McChristian is a sophomore attending Gateway College of
Evangelism in St. Louis, MO.
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