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The Only Gift – A Christmas Song

For those who don’t know, I have a musical background.  Musical theatre was my hobby and passion throughout my childhood (and I later earned my degree in that field) and I played a variety of instruments.  My mom was a music teacher and taught everyone in my family how to play guitar and music was always a part of our home.

When I met Jeff, my husband, I didn’t know he could sing.  I’ve always been a ham, but he was shy about that sort of thing.  One day in the car, I was listening to Les Miserables and he started singing along.  I gasped.  It was God’s gift to me.  It took a few years to get him to sing in public, but he joined the praise team at our last church and started to develop his ear for harmonies.

A couple of years ago, I sang a song for Christmas here on the blog, just to share another side of me with my readers, so I thought I would dust off my guitar and do it again.  This year, my husband joins me to sing an original song written by one of our friends, Ted Fletcher.  We have all new video, sound and editing equipment and, unfortunately, we’re still learning how to use it!  So, just hang in there with us as we learn.  It’s not perfect.  It’s not “professional”.  But it’s from the heart and I hope it’s a blessing to you.

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Today, I’ve been busy getting ready for Christmas day.  The food, the presents, the family, the crazy.  It’s been fun to set up my dining room with my slipcovered French chairs.  Those ruffly skirts just make me happy.

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I’m using ironstone plates and some serving pieces along with vintage white linens…

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…wood bread boards for hot pads…

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…a vintage German pitcher for freshly squeeze orange juice that Jeff braved the Wegman’s crowd for…

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…and mismatched antique silver napkin rings.  One is from 1897!

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For the boys, I pulled out a couple fun hand painted wooden German napkin rings, vintage luncheon napkins…

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…and white milk bottles with blue and white paper straws.  The card table is covered with a vintage tablecloth I found at a yard sale!  I think it was fifty cents or something crazy like that.

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We even had a little snow flurry to make the preparations more festive.

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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162 Responses

  2. Marian,
    This touched my heart so deeply. I sat and cried thorough the whole thing! My father was a musician and played guitar. I still have his guitar and it means the world to me.

    Merry Chritstmas to you and your family!

    You and your family are a blessing!

  4. Marian you are a woman of many talents …. you are my inspiration!. Merry Christmas and Best wishes for 2014 to you and yours from the UK 🙂 xx

  5. Marion – that performance was truly moving. I’ve been baking all day, getting ready for tomorrow and all that goes with it. I’m a little tired. I took a minute to watch you and Jeff and I can’t even put in to words how much I loved it. I Shared it on my FB page as a lovely gift to my friends as well. You should be in “the business”. God bless you for all you do. Thank you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

  6. Merry Christmas! That was such a beautiful gift to share with us, your readers. God bless you both and your whole family!

  12. Just beautiful. Thank you. I shared it on my Facebook for my friends and family to enjoy as well .

  13. Beautiful! Just beautiful! What a precious song and you both have such wonderful voices. I can’t thank you enough for using your voices to glorify the living Savior!

    Many blessings to you and your family this Christmas season! Bless the name of Jesus!

  15. Marian and Jeff – what a team you are……..that was beautiful too along with all the other things you do. You constantly inspire…..thanks for being such a blessing! Have
    a love filled Christmas and a healthy 2014.

  19. Marian,
    I love you even more!!! Thank You! What a special gift to give to the King of Kings and what a wonderful witness to what is most important in Life! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Love Peggy

  22. Thank you for sharing all of your talents with us. That song was lovely. (I have a set of those napkin rings too!)

  24. Thank you for sharing ‘one’ of your (both) gifts~
    Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

  26. That was beautiful, and a very thoughtful gift. And if I may say so, your husband is quite the handsome fella!

  27. What CAN’T u do???!!! Such a blessing for all of us. Peace and friendship to you at this most holy time. Diane

  28. Thank you so much Marian and Jeff! That was beautiful and such a lovely gift. God bless you both and your lovely family. Merry Christmas!

  29. So beautiful! I too love music. What a blessing to be able to share that talent with your husband. As a Christian, those words truly touched my heart. Tell your friend Ted Fletcher that he wrote a beautiful song. Merry Christmas from Texas. May God bless you and your loved ones today and throughout the coming year.

  31. Marian….That is fantastic. Your voice is absolutely amazing!! And coming from someone who has done church music for half my life, you should definitely sing more.

  34. Beautiful song–love the words! And beautifully sung by both of you–who knew! Thank you. These songs on the blogs I follow have been my favorite posts. Layla (TLC) has done a few and it has been such a joy to hear great singers praising the reason for the season.:) Merry Christmas!

  37. That was lovely. You are one of those people that I really, really want to hate….but I just can’t! So incredibly talented – with a wonderful family – you are an inspiration to all.
    May you and yours have a blessed holiday.

  40. What a very special gift, thank you!! Thank you also for sharing the talents which God has blessed you with, with us 🙂 I hope you and your precious family have a blessed and beautiful Christmas!! Hope to see you soon in Raleigh!!

  44. This moved me beyond words. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful and you both sang them so perfectly. Thank you for sharing this with us.

  46. Merry Christmas! From looking at the picture above, It looks like you decided to paint the cane on the backs of the chairs and stain the fronts. Just wondering why. I’m about to work on mine.

  47. Your voice is angelic, I am in awe and the message of the song was beautiful. Merry Christmas to you and your family Marion 🙂

  50. That was very beautiful, thank-you for sharing it with us. It’s such a gift that your husband can sing with you. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family may you continue to be blessed with peace, abundance and love throughout the new year.

  55. Marian, I am sitting her with tears rolling down my cheeks, a few minutes ago I was sobbing as I listened to you and your husband singing. The Lord has surely blessed you with many talents, you both have beautiful voices.
    We have talked by email a few times, but I don’t think that you know, that I lost my husband 5 months ago. He died very suddenly without warning and I still can not believe he is gone. I had his service in July, but we are having a memorial in May, and I would love to use this recording to play at his service. I had many songs sung at the funeral, but had not find the right one to play at the service till now. How incredibly beautiful this song is, and I think I listened to it today for a reason.
    thank you for bringing this song to me
    Merry Christmas to you and your family, may this year be a healthy and Happy one for you and your family. And may you feel all of the love that is surely felt by all of your followers.
    God Bless you and your family
    Tobey McCool
    I hope Ted will not mind me using his song, he is also very talented, this song is amazing

    1. Tobey, I would be honored if you used the song at your husband’s memorial service in May. -Ted

  56. Thank you so much for sharing your hearts with us this Christmas. Jesus truly is the reason for the season and a blessing for us all.
    Robin

  58. Thank you Marian and Jeff…worshiping right along with you both this morning as I treasure the most wonderful gift of Jesus. Thinking of you all and wishing you such a joyous Christmas as you celebrate with your precious family!

  59. Love the song. So beautiful!

    Check out the curled ribbon knobs on sale at Anthropologie today. You NEED them!!!

  61. Hi Jeff & Marian!
    This is so beautiful! Your website is amazing and this was a highlight to our Christmas day! We think of you all so often & it’s so cool to see you using your amazing talents in this way. Thanks for sharing!
    Merry Christmas!
    Love, Ted & Heather

  63. Jeff and Marian, that was SO neat to hear and see you singing! Your website is incredible and it is fascinating to see how you are operating within your natural fields of interest… photography, decorating, etc. The “feel” of this site is professional, yet without being overwhelming. Fabulous work! And keep the duets coming. You guys sound so good together.
    -Ted

  67. Marian, that was beautiful! Both you and Jeff have a great gift, and I thank you for sharing it with us. Christmas really is all about giving of yourself, and you two made it special. Merry Christmas! God bless your family!

  68. Thank you for the beautiful song! I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas. I received your lovely book from my sweet husband today and have been enjoying a quiet morning in southern California, drinking tea and having (homemade) cinnamon rolls. It’s time for me to get ready for the rest of the family to come, but I love quiet Christmas mornings — especially with an inspiring, beautiful book like yours!

  69. Thank you Marian and Jeff. A beautiful song for beautiful voices. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  71. That was lovely! Your voices go together well, and I love the words of the song! I also sing (used to be in a band) it’s a joy to hear and to play music…

  73. What a beautiful surprise, you and Jeff blessed my Christmas with song. Hoping the small pkg ( bubble mailer) I sent arrived. Wishing you great joy and success in 2014. Penny

  77. That’s a beautiful song, Marian! And yes, your husband CAN sing.! 🙂
    Wishing you both – and the boys too – a blessed Christmas.

  80. That was a very beautiful song – thank you so much for sharing it with us! You both have beautiful voices!

  83. Beautiful! Thank you for sending this blessing! Merry Christmas to you all and may God bless you.

  90. Thank you for sharing this beautiful song with us. You both did a wonderful job. Such a blessing to know you guys will be in Heaven with us one day!!!

  91. What a great song….and sweet to see you singing together. Thank you for openly sharing your faith and encouraging others to see the JOY that’s found in Chist. May you both continue to be a blessing to those God brings into your lives. Merry Christmas!

  92. I loved your song, and the fact that your husband would sing it with you. How blessed you two are. Thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to 2014 with you sharing your talent and tutorials! Susan

  93. Thank you, Marian and Jeff that was beautiful . May The Lord keep blessing you and your family . You are so blessed

  94. That song was amazing! Thank you for sharing it. Blessings to you and your family this holiday season!

  99. Precious words sung from the heart. We’ve had a blessed and meaningful Christmas Day and everyone has gone home now….what a way to end the day, listening to this worship song. And what an encouragement as we go into the New Year—to offer Jesus ourselves, all that we have to bring. God bless you both and your dear family!

  100. Thank you for reminding us of our greatest gift! Thank Yusuf for putting yourself out there and singing this song. You have a beautiful voice.

  103. That was such a beatiful song. You have the most amazing voice. I had not been feeling the Christmas spirit much this year and listened to you sing, wth tears running down my cheeks. In fact I listened twice. Your husband harmonized beautifully with you. You are one very talented girl. Your blog is my favorite! Thank you for all of the tutorials, great advice, etc and you’re adorable.

  106. My heart was touched by the words of the song. I feel like a broken vessel & wonder what part of me God can still use, but like the song says, I want to give HIM Me! Thanks so much. It’s the perfect finish to my Christmas day. Carol

  108. Thank you for being willing to grow and stretch your wings before us. And extra thanks to Jeff for being willing to share himself in such a wonderfully personal way. I love the way God puts families together with the harmonies that he created so perfectly. Our Pastor’s family, which includes all 6 of their children has also been given this gift; and we never get tired of listening to them. Here’s to praying that you and Jeff will continue to bless us in the years to come, with your heartfelt faith.

  111. Is there anything you CAN’T do?? Your talents are never-ending! Thank you, that was beautiful! Merry Christmas and best wishes for another year full of growth!

  115. That was absolutely beautiful. Music is my passion too–play keyboard and sing as well since I was 15 (50 years now). Enjoyed this immensely. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and yours. Blessings, Yvonne

  116. Thank you for the most lovely gift. Merry Christmas and Healthy, Happy New Year to you and your family.

  118. That was beautiful! You have a beautiful voice and you and your husband’s voices blend so well!
    You’ve inspired me so much in your decorating with drop cloths and grain sacks. I’ve ordered multiple grain sacks ( all American but one) off etsy and drop cloth is my new favorite material. I’m making a sofa and chair slip covers from a combo of drop cloths and grain sacks, which should be really interesting, because I’ve never done it before :). I’ve sewn curtains and pillows with decent success so I’m thinking, why not?
    Thanks for your inspiration! God bless you and your precious family!
    Lori

  120. Thank-you for sharing this beautiful song and your voices with us. An amazing and touching gift……

    Best Wishes and blessings to you both and your boys…..

    All the best in the New Year!
    Penny

  122. Oh my goodness! You don’t know how much that blessed me this morning after Christmas! Thank you so much for sharing your musical side!
    Blessings to you and your family in the New Year,
    Patti

  123. Thanks Marion, you have been generous all year with yourself and now this, I enjoyed the duet very much, thank you, thank you

  125. AMEN and AMEN! Jesus is the greatest gift and all He wants is our hearts!

    Thanks for sharing your heart, your home, and your love.

    Blessings upon blessings in the New Year!

  127. Thank you for the beautiful song…for sharing your voices, your friend’s song and for letting God use you to touch another’s heart. Merry Christmas and many blessings to you.

  129. OH MY GOSH! What a beautiful song… and ya’ll sound amazing! Your voice is like a bird’s song – and what a wonderful gift that your husband has a great voice too.! There aren’t too many things more heavenly than being able to sing together.
    Your house just gets better and better every year. I know you love decorating around those adorable dining chairs… Hope you had a wonderful Christmas…

    Cindy

  131. Oh my gosh. Chills, goosebumps, beautiful song, beautiful voices Thank you for the blessing and for sharing yourselves. Your talents are endless and so inspiring. I wish I could hang with you for the rest of my life. Kathy

  136. Thank you for that beautiful worship song. You and Jeff are so talented. Thank for sharing.
    Merry Christmas

  139. Marian, it was beautiful! You and your husband were given a special gift. I enjoyed watching and listening to the video. Thank you so much for sharing.

  140. As if I didn’t love you before, well, it’s gone to a new level now. you and your family are truly inspiring in so many ways. thank you!

  142. that was beautiful 🙂 thank you for sharing that awesome song, and your love for Jesus!

    blessings this new year to you and your family,
    aimee

  144. WOW ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL HAPPY BELATED CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Your PASSION manifest itself in so many creative, ways you are a true artist. i’m so glad I discovered you. Jeff is one lucky man and you are one lucky woman to have him in your life. May God always bless you both.
    Tere

  146. Beautiful song! You guys sang beautifully together and praise Jesus He’s in your hearts! My husband and I sing together and I feel so blessed to be able to share that with him at church and at home. I’m so thankful God just wants me. 🙂

  148. Oh Marian, I just now was able to take the time to listen to your beautiful song! Ya’ll just keep on sharing your gifts. What a beautiful couple and a beautiful gift to share with us!

    Of course you would use blue and white for your tablecloth! Love it!

    And guess what! Your ruffled french chairs make me happy too!

    Happy New Year, my friend!

  153. Beautiful, beautiful song and you both sing so well together. Thank you for showing us “another side” to Miss Mustard Seed. I still have a necklace I got when I was a little girl that has a drop that has one mustard seed in it. I thought of that and what it means to me still. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  154. That was lovely. Thanks for sharing. A belated Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year to you and your family.

  156. Beautiful, thank you so much for sharing! I haven’t been on the computer over the Christmas holidays and just got to see this today. Happy new year to you and your family!
    ~Siggie

  157. I think I love your blog even more now! I too have a musical background…I think that happens alot with creative people. Its never just one focus for me..one day its the piano the next day I am painting something but the wheels are always always turning. Good job, nice that your husband shares this gift with you! Kassie

  158. I saved this post after Christmas (January 20, 2014) so I could actually have time to listen to the song. It was very beautiful and thank you for singing for us.

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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