In November of 1995, I was asked by my music director at the time, if I could come up with a few, maybe 4 or 5, original Christmas songs of my own that we could use to do some Christmas outreach at the park, or maybe at the mall. I thought it was a tall order, but I said I’d pray about it and see if God would give me something. I went home that night, after our church’s Praise Team rehearsal, and on the way home I said, “Well God, you’ve heard the request, so, if you’re up to sending some Christmas music, then I’m up to receiving it”.

Every other day after that, I wrote a new Christmas song. Sometimes even two songs a day. In about two weeks, I had written ten brand new Christmas songs. The tenth song “Still Trusting”, was too painful at the time to complete. To write this song, I placed myself in Mary’s shoes and felt all the agony, pain and perplexity that I imagine Mary must have felt. Being 9 months pregnant at the time and riding a donkey, ready to deliver, no place to deliver but under the stars, instead of questioning God’s plan, she says “I’m Still Trusting Your Word”, and goes on to give birth to Jesus, in a barn full of animals, under a starry sky. The Bible doesn’t say that Mary was mad at God for not arranging better provisions for the birth of Jesus. But I, having given birth 3 times and knowing what pregnancy is like, got upset at God for Mary’s sake, that better provisions had not been arranged for her delivery and Jesus’ birth. I cried for Mary. Consequently, I was not able to finish this song. Maybe one day I’ll complete it and place it on my next Christmas CD.

We were not able to do any outreaches that year, but in 1997, I decided it was time to record my Christmas songs, and share what God had so freely given to me, with as many people as my music could reach. Everyone of these songs is my favorite, but 4 of them are especially special: 1. Christmas Time Is Here Again, because my three children sing along with me, 2. Jingle Bells Navidad, because I get to sing in Spanish, my native language, 3. Jesus Our Emmanuel, because this song fills my soul and makes me feel like crying, 4. Carmela’s Own Christmas Medley, because it takes me back to what I remember Christmas to be, as a little girl.

Enjoy it!