An early Christmas worship with Don Moen

I, too, am among those who often wonder why we Filipinos need to get into the Christmas festivities so early in September. And it seems to get earlier and earlier in the year. Still, I have to admit that hearing Christmas music play everywhere and seeing those decorations go up in the malls, result in feel-good moments that can be very contagious.

So I guess that since October is only a few hours away and since it is not anymore the time of Apat Na Buwang Pasko, it would be alright for me to write my first review about a Christmas album this year. This is a very special Christmas album. It is by the well-known worship leader Don Moen, who makes a lot of hits and who sells albums by the millions. Besides, he is now in town for the God Will Make A Way, concert tour. He opens the series tomorrow, Oct. 1 at the CCF Center in Quezon City.

Christmas, A Season Of Hope is Moen’s third Christmas album. Released some years ago were Christmas and Emmanuel Has Come. Like most of his other releases, a lot of care went into creating this one and it is a very well-made production. In fact, quality-wise, I say that his latest, A Season Of Hope, is not only the best of his Christmas trio, but of all his other albums. Moen’s relaxed balladry is accompanied here by lush arrangements done by David Hamilton and performed by The Prague Symphony Orchestra. With the superior mix that brings the minute tinkles to fore, the result is simply beautiful.

Moen’s singing while adequate will never make it to The Voice and although he is a mesmerizing performer, neither will he get into The X-Factor. But maybe because his singing is meant to lead people to heaven, his relaxing tones come across as almost hypnotic. This is already evident in his usual recordings but since the CD is made up of well-loved Christmas songs, you can surely bet that Moen combined with the message of hope that Christmas brings will bring peace to the raging hearts.

I instantly noticed this while checking out the album for this piece last Monday morning. The music has such a calming effect on the listener. It felt like I have all the time and I am strong enough to do what I have to today. So if you want to breeze through a hectic schedule with a happy heart, I say play the Season Of Hope CD. Better yet, since this country is already in the Holiday mood, play it for everybody around you and watch the frowns disappear.

Having joyful faces around must be how God answers Moen’s Christmas Prayer: He asks, “My Christmas prayer is that I would remain close to God, and he close to me. With all the suffering in the world today, there is the temptation to fall to fear... we need to be near the Lord.”

Included in the album are It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year; O Have Ye Not Known in a medley with Good Christian Men Rejoice; Joy To The World with Angels We Have Heard On High, The First Noel and Silent Night; Holy Lamb Of God, Agnus Dei with O Come Let Us Adore Him, Some Children See Him, Mary Did You Know; and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Moen wrote two new songs for the album with Hamilton, My Christmas Prayer and Season of Hope.  

 God Will Make A Way, the Philippine Tour is presented by 700 Club and Ovation Productions in cooperation with Philippine Christian Book Store and OMF Literature, Inc.  Moen also performs at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu City on Oct. 2; at St. La Salle Coliseum Bacolod City, Oct. 3; and at the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City, Oct. 4.

Moen is known all over the world for putting a pop spin into worship music and his compositions are performed in many types of services and even secular occasions all over the world.  For more of his works and for a listen to the songs he might perform in his show, check out the album God Will Make A Way. This is his greatest hits collection. It is loaded with 19 cuts and all of them are his best and most popular songs.

Among these are God Is Good All The Time, God Is With Us, You Make Me Lie Down In Green Pastures, I Offer My Life To You, I Will Sing, God Will Make A Way, All We Like Sheep, Heal Me O Lord, Give Thanks, I Want To Be Where You Are, Let The Glory Fall, Hallelujah To The Lord, Shout To The Lord, Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord and Celebrate Jesus.