Must be Dylan

December 7, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
1 Comment

Bob does Christmas. Weird but never-the-less fascinating.

This song is from his new CD Christmas in the Heart.

During this holiday season, Bob Dylan’s immediate donations from the Christmas In The Heart proceeds will provide 500,000 meals to school children in the developing world through the World Food Programme, 15,000 meals to homeless people in the United Kingdom through Crisis and more than 4 million meals to 1.4 million families in America through Feeding America.

You really haven’t heard the Christmas classics until you’ve heard them ‘Bob style’. I’m a huge Dylan fan but after listening to some snippets from the album I can’t really see myself playing this album when all the family gathers at our place on Christmas day. It’s an acquired taste.

How’s this for a song list?

Here Comes Santa Claus
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Winter Wonderland
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Little Drummer Boy
The Christmas Blues
O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Must Be Santa
Silver Bells
The First Noel
Christmas Island
The Christmas Song
O’ Little Town of Bethlehem



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On the Road to Bethlehem

December 7, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
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RTB.jpgAre you interested in travelling the Road to Bethlehem next week?

We’ve been to visit the Road to Bethlehem production each December for several years but this year will be different. Our daughter Emily, son James and I will be taking part as members of the acting cast.

The Road to Bethlehem is a remarkable portrayal of the Christmas story in the form of a free, interactive, dramatised experience featuring dozens of actors and singers.

The idea is that you’re taken back in time to witness the events of the first Christmas as they unfold, providing a unique entertainment experience that the whole family enjoys.

Instead of sitting down and watching a show, you walk from scene to scene as you travel to your destination, the stable. Live animals, great humour and some wonderful angelic choirs add to the experience.

Before and after you’ve trod the Road to Bethlehem you can spend time in a market area.

Road to Bethlehem is hosted each year by the Livingston SDA Community Church in Canning Vale. It runs for three nights each year. It’s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the 14th, 15th and 16th of December. It starts at 7 o’clock each night and there’s free parking across the road at Livingston Marketplace Shopping Centre.



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Some better news for Christmas

December 25, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
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You’d better watch out … there’s some better news at Christmas.

This is John Piper from Desiring God. I often enjoy listening to his weekly messages via podcast.

He asks if you try to connect with God the Santa Claus way or the Jesus way.

The Santa way says,

You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I’m telling you why,
Santa Claus is coming to town.

The Jesus way says,

“I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15).
“Whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).

Found via Brian Eberly.



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Christmas Morning 2008

December 25, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
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christmas_baubles.jpg(Yes, this post is almost word for word for the post I wrote last Christmas but the details remain pretty much the same.)

I’m always amazed that so many people think that I shouldn’t have to work Christmas Day.

Each year when I tell people that I’ll be at work on Christmas morning they seem to think it’s rather sad but of course you can’t just switch off a radio station so that everyone can have the day off.

I’ve got to admit that I don’t really mind working on Christmas morning. It does take me away from my family for a few hours on this very special day but it’s not too bad.

No matter what day the 25th of December falls each year, all the regular weekday announcers at 98.5 Sonshine FM make their way to the studios to spread some Christmas cheer.

One of the things I enjoy about working on Christmas Day is that I get to enjoy one of my favourite activities even before the work day starts. I cycle to work each Christmas morning and enjoy the quiet roads and the smiles and waves from those who are out and about. This year, thanks to our recent studio relocation, I got to ride even further. A good 20 km bike ride is a great way to get ready for the rest of Christmas Day.

Since arriving I’ve been sitting at the broadcast desk with Christmas music playing and I’ve been talking about Christmas stuff all morning. Each year for Christmas Day we play Christmas music for the entire 24 hours. In fact, we started playing only Christmas music at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon and we’ll keep it going until midnight tonight.

I’ve already had a couple of listeners phone to wish me, my family and the rest of the team here a very happy Christmas. I’m sure there’ll be more calls before the morning’s over.

I’ll still have plenty of time to spend with family but it’s wonderful to be able to join the celebrations of thousands of other families on such a special day.



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A Very Merry Christmas

December 24, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
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Christmas Eve 2008 is almost over here in Perth but I know it’s only just beginning in other places around the world.

I also know that many regular readers won’t be reading blogs tomorrow so I’ll get in early and take the opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy day as you celebrate Christmas wherever you are in the world. Many will be experiencing a white Christmas while here in Perth, Western Australia, we have a mild summer day forecast. Much better than the scorcher we had last year.

Remember to pace yourself throughout the day so that you don’t regret it all on Boxing Day and don’t forget to take time out to reflect on what Christmas is truly all about.

Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men. – Luke 2:14

I’ll probably still write a post or two while I work on Christmas Day. I’ll be doing my normal morning radio programme from 9:00 a.m. to midday on 98.5 Sonshine FM so I should get a chance to send a few words into cyberspace.



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