Imagine a party where the guests in attendance include Buddha, Mohammed, Abraham and Jesus. The occasion: a birthday party for Jesus. Now imagine a song about such a party. If your imagination is feeling stretched, there is no need to tax it any longer. Get yourself a copy of the CD, Behold by The River’s Voice, and listen to “The Birthday Party”. This song is just one of the fifteen musical gems you will find on the Christmas CD, Behold.
The River’s Voice is the name of the husband and wife team of Richard and Trish Bruxvoort Colligan. Both Richard and Trish are talented songwriters and musicians. As The River’s Voice, they combine their talents, and the result is worthy. (I previously reviewed their Seeds of Faith album.)
Behold contains enough traditional favorites that the first time you listen you will be able to sing along with a number of the songs, including “Silent Night” and “The Friendly Beasts”. Be prepared for pleasant surprises though; some of the traditional songs are presented in ways you haven’t heard before! “Lo How a Rose o’er Bloomin’” receives a facelift that may make you wonder if it is really the same song as the one you know. I actually like The River’s Voice’s rendition better than the traditional version.
In addition to traditional favorites, you will find a delightful mix of songs that will likely be new to you. The aforementioned “Birthday Party” is my current favorite song on the CD. At any moment that distinction could be transferred to “The Body of God” which reminds us, “Where else would God be but right here? In, within, through all we sense and we feel. God in the manger, God in the cows, God in the innkeeper’s mother’s eyebrows.”
I will admit that I have a soft spot for Christmas CDs. Music plays a large role in my Christmas celebration. Whether you are like me, or only have one or two Christmas CDs (or maybe you don’t own any!), I encourage you to take a listen to Behold.
~Sally Hoelscher