Jim Daly

Daly Focus Blog

VIDEO: Carols of Christmas – Part V

History isn’t just dry dates and statistics. History is human. History can be a great source of strength and affirmation, an aide to navigation, especially in dark and dangerous times. And the words and music we love that have stood the test of time mean still more when we know their story.

–       David McCullough, American historian and author

SILENT NIGHT: The Song Heard Round The World

The traditional story is that Rev. Josef Mohr (1792-1848) and Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863) wrote it in Oberndorf, Austria, on Christmas Eve when they discovered the church organ was damaged (different versions say it rusted out, or mice chewed through vital parts3).

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VIDEO: Carols of Christmas – Part IV

History isn’t just dry dates and statistics. History is human. History can be a great source of strength and affirmation, an aide to navigation, especially in dark and dangerous times. And the words and music we love that have stood the test of time mean still more when we know their story.

–       David McCullough, American historian and author

HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING

Hardly has a Christmas hymn undergone so many changes to get from what was originally written, to what we sing today.

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VIDEO: Carols of Christmas – Part III

History isn’t just dry dates and statistics. History is human. History can be a great source of strength and affirmation, an aide to navigation, especially in dark and dangerous times. And the words and music we love that have stood the test of time mean still more when we know their story.

–       David McCullough, American historian and author

JOY TO THE WORLD

Isaac Watts published the words for this hymn in 1719. He had written his first hymn in 1692 at the age of 18 as a protest against what he thought was the low quality of songs in Anglican hymnals.

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VIDEO: Carols of Christmas – Part II

History isn’t just dry dates and statistics. History is human. History can be a great source of strength and affirmation, an aide to navigation, especially in dark and dangerous times. And the words and music we love that have stood the test of time mean still more when we know their story.

–       David McCullough, American historian and author

ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY

There is considerable disagreement among experts concerning this carol.  Several give it as a loose translation or paraphrase of an 18th century French noel, Les Anges dans nos Campanges (including both Elizabeth Poston and William Studwell).

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VIDEO: Carols of Christmas – Part I

History isn’t just dry dates and statistics. History is human. History can be a great source of strength and affirmation, an aide to navigation, especially in dark and dangerous times. And the words and music we love that have stood the test of time mean still more when we know their story.

–       David McCullough, American historian and author

ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID’S CITY

Cecil Frances Alexander took her position as an Anglican bishop’s wife very seriously.

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A Manly Challenge

Speaking on behalf of most men, I can say with confidence that guys love the thrill of a challenge. And although it might pale in comparison to summiting Mount Everest or running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, today’s radio program features a special invitation to all married men to “man up.”

First, some context:

On today’s show we’re talking with authors Bill and Pam Farrel, who have written the bestselling book, Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti.

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How to Get Zest Back in Your Life

The man requested to see the well-known preacher prior to embarking on an around-the-world cruise. He said it was urgent. Slumping down in a chair across from the pastor’s desk the visitor explained the reason for his visit.

“I have no zest,” he told him flatly. “I’m really dragging bottom.”

The minister proceeded to inquire about the man’s condition. He was happily married to a good woman. His business was booming. He was in good health.

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This Would Make a Great Christmas Gift

Note:  The following post ran earlier this fall to coincide with the release of the inspirational film, Seven Days in Utopia. 

Now, just in time for Christmas, the movie is available for purchase on DVD. If there’s someone on your list who enjoys the game of golf and/or needs a little dose of encouragement, simply click here. It would be our pleasure fulfill your order.

In the meantime, let me ask you:

Is there one person you can point to who helped “turn the tide” in your life?

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Little Angels Help Lift Up Little Eyes

To many, Christmas is the season of angels, and I’m not referring to Clarence Odbody, George Bailey’s fictional guardian angel (Second Class) in the perennial holiday favorite It’s a Wonderful Life.

During Advent and Christmas we remember Gabriel’s historic appearances to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20) and, of course, Mary (Luke 1:26-38), as well as the angel’s message to Joseph (Matthew 1:20). Then there is the angel who appeared to the shepherds (Luke 2:9-14) announcing Jesus’ birth. And finally, we remember the angel who appeared to Joseph again in a dream, warning him of Herod’s intent to kill his newborn son and advising him to escape with the family to Egypt.

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What Everybody Ought to Know About the Military Bible Ban

It came as a shock last week to learn that Bibles had been banned at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The official memo, issued by the hospital’s Chief of Staff, C.W. Callahan, was blunt and to the point:

“No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading material, and/or artifacts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit.”

Yet, just as soon as the stunning and disturbing news spread, the ban was rescinded.

Sandy Dean, a public affairs officer at Walter Reed, tried to explain the origin of the offensive policy.

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Daly Focus

Jim-Daly Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.

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