A Timeless Filipino Christmas Classic
Jose Mari Chan's "Christmas In Our Hearts," the titular track from his 1990 album, is a modern Christmas classic that has solidified its place as a staple of the Filipino holiday season. The song's enduring charm lies in its simple yet profound message, conveyed through a gentle melody that evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Chan's smooth vocals, paired with the sweet, almost angelic harmony of his daughter Liza, create an atmosphere of familial love and unity that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas. The song's arrangement is traditionally beautiful, carrying a classical air that adds to its timeless appeal, reminding listeners of a bygone era while remaining relevant today.
The Serendipitous Birth of a Christmas Anthem
The song's journey to becoming a Christmas anthem is a fascinating story of serendipity and faith. Originally conceived as "Ang Tubig Ay Buhay," a poem by Chari Cruz-Zarate set to music by Chan, it was transformed into "Christmas In Our Hearts" with the help of lyricist Rina Cañiza. This serendipitous collaboration resulted in a song that beautifully intertwines the celebration of Christ's birth with the universal values of love, joy, and giving. Even Chan's own producer, Bella Dy Tan, initially doubted the song's commercial potential due to its overtly Christian theme, favoring the more secular "A Perfect Christmas." Yet, the public embraced "Christmas In Our Hearts" wholeheartedly, proving that its heartfelt message resonated deeply with listeners.
Lyrics That Bridge the Festive and the Spiritual
The lyrics of "Christmas In Our Hearts" are a poetic reminder of the true meaning of the season. Chan masterfully weaves together imagery of traditional Christmas symbols, like lanterns and Christmas trees, with the core message of celebrating the birth of Jesus. The song calls for unity, peace, and a renewed focus on love and faith. Lines like "Let love, like that starlight / On that first Christmas morn / Lead us back to the manger / Where Christ the Child was born" beautifully connect the secular traditions of Christmas with their religious origins. This ability to bridge the gap between the festive and the spiritual is a key factor in the song's enduring popularity.
A Father-Daughter Duet and a Memorable Chorus
The chorus, a duet between Jose Mari Chan and Liza Chan, is arguably the most memorable part of the song. Its simple, sing-along melody and uplifting message of "Merry Christmas and a happy holiday" have made it a beloved part of Christmas celebrations across the Philippines. The father-daughter dynamic adds a layer of familial warmth and sincerity to the performance, further reinforcing the song's message of togetherness. The call to "never forget / The love we have for Jesus" serves as a gentle reminder of the season's spiritual foundation, making it more than just a catchy tune.
A Cultural Phenomenon and Enduring Legacy
"Christmas In Our Hearts" is more than just a Christmas song; it's a cultural phenomenon in the Philippines. It has transcended its status as a mere holiday hit to become an integral part of the Filipino Christmas tradition, played in malls, homes, and radio stations throughout the season. Its enduring popularity, spanning over three decades, is a testament to its timeless message, beautiful melody, and the heartfelt delivery by Jose Mari Chan and his daughter, Liza. The song serves as a powerful reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies not just in the festivities, but in the love, joy, and faith that we share with one another. It is a song that will undoubtedly continue to be sung and cherished for generations to come.
Listen to Jose Mari Chan Christmas In Our Hearts
Jose Mari Chan Christmas In Our Hearts Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Christmas In Our Hearts" by Jose Mari Chan is a profound reflection on the true spirit of Christmas, seamlessly blending the festive traditions of the Philippines with the holiday's core religious message. The song transcends a simple celebration of the season, delving into the deeper significance of Christ's birth and its relevance to everyday life. Through evocative lyrics and a gentle melody, Chan reminds us that Christmas is not just about the external merriment, but about the internal transformation that comes from embracing the values of love, peace, joy, and generosity, all embodied in the birth of Jesus. It's a call to remember the spiritual foundation of the holiday while celebrating its cultural significance, making it a timeless anthem for the Filipino people and a resonant message for all.
A Glimpse into the Filipino Christmas Scene
The first verse of "Christmas In Our Hearts" immediately transports the listener to a familiar scene in the Philippines during the Christmas season. The lines "Whenever I see girls and boys / Selling lanterns on the streets" depict children, often from less fortunate backgrounds, selling parols (traditional star-shaped lanterns) to earn extra income. This common sight is deeply intertwined with the Filipino Christmas experience, and the parol, representing the Star of Bethlehem, serves as a powerful symbol of hope and light. The verse then transitions to the religious core of the holiday with "I remember the Child / In the manger, as he sleeps," connecting the visual of the children and their lanterns to the birth of Jesus Christ. The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation, places significant emphasis on the religious meaning of Christmas. The verse concludes by linking outward expressions of the season, such as "Giving gifts, exchanging cards," to an internal feeling, stating, "I believe that Christmas / Is truly in their hearts." This suggests that the true meaning of Christmas resides in the genuine love and goodwill people feel.
A Hopeful Vision for the Future
The first pre-chorus elevates the song's message from individual actions to a broader vision of hope. "Let's light our Christmas trees / For a bright tomorrow" connects the symbolic act of lighting the tree to a hopeful outlook for the future, implying that the spirit of Christmas can inspire positive change. This sentiment is further expanded with "Where nations are at peace / And all are one in God," expressing a yearning for global harmony and unity, reflecting the Christian ideal of peace on Earth. This section broadens the scope of the song, encompassing a desire for a better world united in faith.
A Call to Celebrate and Remember
The chorus serves as a joyful and unifying call to action. "Let's sing Merry Christmas / And a happy holiday" is a simple, heartfelt declaration, inviting everyone to join in the celebration of Christmas and the New Year. It's a call to express happiness and share good wishes. However, the chorus goes deeper, reminding listeners of the spiritual foundation of the holiday with "This season may we never forget / The love we have for Jesus." The lines "Let Him be the one to guide us / As another new year starts" express a desire for spiritual guidance, positioning Jesus as a moral compass for the coming year. Finally, the chorus concludes with a powerful wish: "And may the spirit of Christmas / Be always in our hearts," emphasizing that the values of Christmas – love, peace, joy, and generosity – should be a constant presence throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.
Reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas
The second verse reinforces the communal aspect of Christmas celebrations in the Philippines. "In every prayer and every song / The community unites" highlights how people come together through religious practices and festive songs. Churches are often filled during Christmas masses, and caroling is a popular tradition. The lines "Celebrating the birth / Of our Savior, Jesus Christ" explicitly state the reason for the celebration, reinforcing the religious significance. The imagery of "Let love, like that starlight / On that first Christmas morn" beautifully connects the concept of love to the Star of Bethlehem, suggesting that love should be a guiding force, just as the star guided the Wise Men. The verse concludes with "Lead us back to the manger / Where Christ the Child was born," encouraging a return to the core of the Christmas story and its message of humility and compassion.
An Invitation to Rejoice and Proclaim
The second pre-chorus mirrors the first, inviting a collective celebration with "So, come let us rejoice / Come and sing a Christmas carol." This further emphasizes the beloved Filipino tradition of caroling, where groups go door-to-door singing Christmas songs. The lines "With one big joyful voice / Proclaim the name of the Lord" underscore the importance of proclaiming one's faith and sharing the joy of Christmas openly and enthusiastically. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the central message, emphasizing the importance of remembering the love for Jesus, seeking his guidance, and keeping the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year. The repetition serves to leave a lasting impression on the listener, solidifying the song's powerful message.
Jose Mari Chan Christmas In Our Hearts Lyrics
[Verse 1: Jose Mari Chan]
Whenever I see girls and boys
Selling lanterns on the streets
I remember the Child
In the manger, as he sleeps
Wherever there are people
Giving gifts, exchanging cards
I believe that Christmas
Is truly in their hearts
[Pre-Chorus: Jose Mari Chan]
Let's light our Christmas trees
For a bright tomorrow
Where nations are at peace
And all are one in God
[Chorus: Jose Mari Chan & Liza Chan]
Let's sing Merry Christmas
And a happy holiday
This season may we never forget
The love we have for Jesus
Let Him be the one to guide us
As another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas
Be always in our hearts
[Verse 2: Jose Mari Chan]
In every prayer and every song
The community unites
Celebrating the birth
Of our Savior, Jesus Christ
Let love, like that starlight
On that first Christmas morn
Lead us back to the manger
Where Christ the Child was born
[Pre-Chorus: Jose Mari Chan]
So, come let us rejoice
Come and sing a Christmas carol
With one big joyful voice
Proclaim the name of the Lord
[Chorus: Jose Mari Chan & Liza Chan]
Let's sing Merry Christmas
And a happy holiday
This season may we never forget
The love we have for Jesus
Let Him be the one to guide us
As another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas
Be always in our hearts
Let's sing Merry Christmas
And a happy holiday
This season may we never forget
The love we have for Jesus
Let Him be the one to guide us
As another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas
Be always in our hearts
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