I'm Jewish but and grew up singing Christmas carols is class at school and elsewhere. Indeed, I was confounded by who Round John was. Also, I couldn't for the life of me figure out what an infanso was.
On my monitor, the image for the Bing Crosby video displays the lyrics “Round yon virgin, Mother and Child”.
Now, note the position of the comma; it reads like the “virgin” is something the “mother and child” are gathered around. (Presumably it should more properly read something like “Round yon virgin Mother, and Child.”)
The reason I mention this: Once, when I we we’re rehearsing Silent Night for our church’s up-coming Christmas pageant, I (precocious 5 year old that I was) asked Mrs Brown, our choir-director —in front of the room full of kids— “What’s a Virgin?”
Before quickly moving on, she mumbled an answer which left me with distinct understanding that “virgin” was basically another word for “manger”.
Which, using the placement of the comma above, made perfect sense: That is, the line obviously meant “Round yon manger, Mother and Child”.
Any way, thanks for the memory.
Here’s wishing everybody up your way (and everyone else reading this) the best this day can offer.
(And be strong ol’ buddy. At this moment, there’s nothing we can do besides prepare and plan for, what looks to be, a very scary future. And to hold to the faith —and pray—, that one day, this too must pass.)
Getting old ain’t for sissies…you are truly blessed to have a lady by your side that will forever be your music…savor it you lucky duck! Merry CHRISTmas to all! With Jesus the future is always bright!
Lovely. I have a request: Please refer to people with a mental illness of any kind as “a person with” the disorder as they should not be defined as their disease.
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah from my Yankee/Southern interfaith bunch living in the blue heart of Austin,TX. Y'all's silent night sounds lovely; wishing you continued health and peace in the new year!
Another perfect flow of sideways truths about us just walking the planet through these mazes of people and their constructions (what IS life, what IS worthwhile, what IS it really all about?).. Thanks Garrison. You hit on almost ALL the invisible questions, and it is a delight/LIGHT!
The Virgin is “round?”
John is round: round John Virgin.
I'm Jewish but and grew up singing Christmas carols is class at school and elsewhere. Indeed, I was confounded by who Round John was. Also, I couldn't for the life of me figure out what an infanso was.
Finally, a god I can relate to, a figure of speech.
Sending light and love
I keeping round virgins yon sort of shapist?
Wishing you and yours a beautiful, warm and happy holiday! 💖
Wishing you blessings in the silence, dear friend, and gentle spaces in the year ahead. With deepest gratitude for you and the gifts you have shared.
Merry Christmas Mr Keillor!
PS we Americans don’t sing together enough anymore.
Merry Christmas from Minnesota!
Hi Martha, Are you still in Willmar?
I love reading your columns. They put me in a better state of mind!
Good one today. I could feel it.
Good morning Garrison.
On my monitor, the image for the Bing Crosby video displays the lyrics “Round yon virgin, Mother and Child”.
Now, note the position of the comma; it reads like the “virgin” is something the “mother and child” are gathered around. (Presumably it should more properly read something like “Round yon virgin Mother, and Child.”)
The reason I mention this: Once, when I we we’re rehearsing Silent Night for our church’s up-coming Christmas pageant, I (precocious 5 year old that I was) asked Mrs Brown, our choir-director —in front of the room full of kids— “What’s a Virgin?”
Before quickly moving on, she mumbled an answer which left me with distinct understanding that “virgin” was basically another word for “manger”.
Which, using the placement of the comma above, made perfect sense: That is, the line obviously meant “Round yon manger, Mother and Child”.
Any way, thanks for the memory.
Here’s wishing everybody up your way (and everyone else reading this) the best this day can offer.
(And be strong ol’ buddy. At this moment, there’s nothing we can do besides prepare and plan for, what looks to be, a very scary future. And to hold to the faith —and pray—, that one day, this too must pass.)
Bright!!!!
From South St. Paul
Getting old ain’t for sissies…you are truly blessed to have a lady by your side that will forever be your music…savor it you lucky duck! Merry CHRISTmas to all! With Jesus the future is always bright!
"... and when you pay the bill kindly leave a little tip for the next poor sucker on his one-way trip " FZ
Lovely. I have a request: Please refer to people with a mental illness of any kind as “a person with” the disorder as they should not be defined as their disease.
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah from my Yankee/Southern interfaith bunch living in the blue heart of Austin,TX. Y'all's silent night sounds lovely; wishing you continued health and peace in the new year!
Merry Christmas 🎄 thank you for a beautiful Christmas show in St Paul. I too relive the calm of Silent Night. Come back home soon to the Fitz again!
Another perfect flow of sideways truths about us just walking the planet through these mazes of people and their constructions (what IS life, what IS worthwhile, what IS it really all about?).. Thanks Garrison. You hit on almost ALL the invisible questions, and it is a delight/LIGHT!
Thank you. Merry Christmas!