Tag: Christmas

Discover the Inspiration Behind ‘There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem’

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JEFF TURNER

The Kramers Christmas song “There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem” carries the message of the birth of Christ and the hope He brings to the world. Inspired by scripture, the lyrics are anchored in Isaiah 9:2-6 and Matthew 2:2, which highlight the prophecy and fulfillment of Christ’s arrival.

Scott and Rachel Kramer explained, “In realizing the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, one recognizes the fulfillment of scripture in Isaiah 9 and the transition from a world living in darkness to a world now having received the glorious Light of Jesus Christ.”

Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records There’s A Light Shining in Bethlehem · The Kramers There’s A Light Shining in Bethlehem â„— 2024 StowTown Records

Scott shared that the song is also a reflection of personal transformation. “This is symbolic of our lives turning from darkness to light when we receive Jesus as our Savior,” he said. “This is the life-changing message of this song, and we must proclaim Jesus, the Light of the world!” The heart of the message is clear: those who know Christ have the privilege and responsibility to share His light with others.

The creative process behind “There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem” was both unexpected and inspired. The chorus came to Scott just days before Christmas in 2023, as he experimented with a new guitar. “I wasn’t actually sitting down to work on a song,” he explained. “I simply wanted to enjoy playing the new guitar.” Over the next few days, the song took shape, with Scott collaborating with his wife, Rachel on the lyrics and arrangement. The final production, featuring a Middle Eastern-inspired introduction and ending, was brought to life with the help of a talented producer and studio musicians.

Listeners have already expressed how deeply the song has touched their hearts. Rachel shared a message from one fan who wrote, “We love your new song, ‘There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem.’ It thrills our hearts as we listen to it and fills us with gratitude at the goodness of our Great God.”

The song reflects The Kramers’ mission to share the Gospel and spread hope through their music. “As a group, we are a very evangelistically-focused ministry,” Scott and Rachel explained. “We love to incorporate Biblical passages throughout our program. This song fits both of these criteria.”

“There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem” is a proclamation of faith, hope, and light.

The Guardians Quartet Releases New Christmas Album with a Heartwarming Duet

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JEFF TURNER

Paul Lancaster, tenor of The Guardians Quartet, is excited about the release of their new holiday album, Christmas With The Guardians. Among the standout moments on the record is a duet that holds special meaning for him personally.

Speaking about the track, Lancaster shared his enthusiasm for the song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The duet features his son, and the close similarity in their voices has drawn attention. “People tell me that the DNA sounds so similar on this thing that it’s hard to tell which one of us is which,” Lancaster said.

The song carries emotional significance for Lancaster, as it serves as a tribute to his late wife. “She would be thrilled to death with this,” he reflected. “She didn’t get excited about much—maybe a good sale at Macy’s—but her kids, right, and her kids.”

The album, released under the Daywind music label, includes a mix of classic and original Christmas songs. The full track list features:

  • Do You Hear What I Hear?
  • I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
  • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
  • Go Tell It on the Mountain
  • O Holy Night
  • Sweet Kentucky Christmas
  • If It’s Christmas

Fans of The Guardians Quartet can expect a blend of traditional Christmas spirit and heartfelt moments on this new release.

The Browns release 2019 Christmas album

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The Browns - Christmas in our hometown - 2019
Photo: StowTown 2019

Nashville, TN (November 22, 2019) – Just in time for the Christmas season, StowTown Records announces the digital release of a new Christmas recording from one of Christian music’s most talented musical families, The Browns. Christmas In Our Hometown features Shelly, Michaela, Adam and Andrew, collectively known as The Browns, at their very best, with moving harmonies and classic instrumentation.

Growing up in rural Iowa, near the quiet town of Le Mars, less than a 30 minute drive from the neighboring state of South Dakota, The Browns enjoyed the simple pleasures of life on a farm. As family matriarch Shelly Brown explains, “There wasn’t a lot to do for entertainment, so the kids learned to entertain themselves.” Their natural love of music quickly began to capture the attention of the locals and before long, that local attention turned to national recognition. Christmas In Our Hometown is a reflection of those early days on the farm and the Christmas traditions they created in their loving, family environment.

Christmas In Our Hometown features numerous Christmas classics, including “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays” and “Over The River and Through The Woods.” The Browns also added their unique stylings to cover tunes like “I’d Still Like To Go To Grandma’s House For Christmas,” “Tennessee Christmas” and the Dolly Parton favorite, “I’ll Be Home With Bells On.” Brand new selections include the title cut, as well as “When You’re Home For Christmas,” “Night of Hope” and “Irish Christmas Blessing.” Additionally, the recording includes an instrumental version of the Christmas classic, “Sleigh Ride.” This particular selection includes the Browns at their best, delivering the masterful violin performance for which they are so recognized.

Throughout the past five years, the musical family has enjoyed hosting performances at their very own Browns Century Theater in their hometown of Le Mars. In 2015, the musical family kicked off their inaugural year, hosting 10 Christmas shows. This season, the family will perform to sold-out crowds five days a week during November and December. Last year during the Christmas season, multi-award winning producer, Wayne Haun visited the Theater and was so captivated by the “town square Christmas” feeling the evening evoked, he was compelled to produce a recording that would stir the same feelings of energy and Christmas cheer that he felt on that cold, December evening in Iowa. “When I saw this show on stage, it didn’t matter that I was in Le Mars, IA,” Haun reflects. “The Browns and this wonderful music transported me back to my hometown in Tennessee. I could literally smell the hot chocolate. It’ll take you there, too. Trust me!”

“We are thrilled with the selections on this recording,” Michaela Brown explains. “Some are our personal family favorites that we used to sing in the car on the way from the farm to town when we were young children. Some are originals that we had a hand in writing, which always make them special, since we can put our own Christmas memories and thoughts into the music we share with our friends! We hope everyone loves this project as much as we loved creating it.”

For more than 15 years, The Browns have brought joy to listeners with their musical talents, rich family harmonies and exuberant energy. This latest Christmas recording will no doubt bring listeners even more joy for decades to come.

Christmas In Our Hometown is distributed by Sony/Provident Distribution and is available on digital platforms worldwide.