Chris B.
Our former pastor has a son who was in the Marines. He thought it was interesting that the Hebrew word for spirit, ruah, was so close/similar to the Marine phrase hoorah or HURA. He jokingly challenged me to come up with a song that contained both. This is what I came up with.
How I came up with a Christmas song, I’m not really sure. I think it stemmed from my time in the military. During my time in the Air Force, I spent one Christmas in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Now, this was hardly a hardship tour, but it’s still difficult being away from family and friends during the holidays.
Strangely enough, I actually bought some “Christmas ornaments” from a vendor there. I remember the vendor pulling out his cross necklace out from beneath his Thobe. He was either a great salesman, or he was being genuine.
At the time, I was primarily focused on my job while in Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, looking back, I sometimes wonder how effective the U.S. mission was. Certainly, getting rid of Saddam Hussein could be considered a good thing. However, the average Iraqi citizen seems to have traded a dictator for a local tribal tyrant or ISIS.
So, as many of our military service men and women spend the holidays away from home and family, here is my Christmas tribute to them.
Hoorah, Ruah by Christian F. Burton – Copyright ©2011
Hoorah, ruah, my brother, spirit, friend.Lord, I can’t believe that it’s Christmas time again.
Whether home or in foreign land, I’ll love You ’til the end.
Hoorah, ruah, Lord it’s Christmas time again.
Hoorah, ruah, Lord it’s Christmas time again.
Hoorah, ruah, the breath of life You give.
Lord, I truly hope that You ‘re proud of the life I’ve lived.
Though my heart is often hardened, it craves the love You give.
Hoorah, ruah, Lord it’s Christmas time again.
Hoorah, ruah, Lord it’s Christmas time again.
Hoorah, ruah, let your true Spirit free.
Hoorah, ruah, breath new life into me.
Hoorah, ruah, I hear the Spirit call.
Hoorah, ruah, Merry Christmas to all.
Hoorah, ruah, the angels song I hear
A loving sacrifice for others I hold dear
Though I rush into the breach dear Lord and pretend I have no fear.
Hoorah, ruah, Lord it’s Christmas time again.
Hoorah, ruah, Lord it’s Christmas time again.
Hoorah, ruah, true winds blow over me.
The tears that I’ve forgotten still hide inside of me.
When this blessed life is over, Your robes of light I’ll see.
Hoorah, ruah, Lord it’s Christmas time again.
Hoorah, ruah, Lord it’s Christmas time again.
