And so this is Christmas...

(Part 1 in a 4-Part Series on Popular Christmas Songs)

Following the breakup of The Beatles in 1969, at the height of the counterculture movement and protests against America’s involvement in the Vietnam War, John Lennon and Yoko Ono launched an international multimedia campaign. As part of that effort, they rented billboard spaces in 12 major cities around the world, displaying black and white posters declaring, in several languages, “WAR IS OVER!” And then in fine print, “If you want it. Happy Christmas from John & Yoko.”

Though the phrase had been around awhile and is heard only in the background vocals, Lennon used the slogan to title his first solo Christmas single. He wished to avoid the sentimentality of typical Christmas songs while promoting his pet social themes of unity and peace.

Thirty children aged four to 12 from The Harlem Community Choir recorded backup vocals in the chorus. That was 1971, so those “kids” now range in age from 53 to 61. (And in case you’re wondering if they’re still collecting royalties, it’s highly unlikely. At best, they may have received a flat fee as studio musicians. Royalties are reserved for songwriters and producers.)

I find a few ironies in this song. In a radio interview, John Lennon said he wanted to write something that would last forever, and because “there’s always a war somewhere,” he knew the song would always work. So even he understood that his message could not change our world.

On the recording, you can hear Lennon’s son Julian and Yoko whispering “Happy Christmas” to each other before the music begins. In a TV interview in 1999, Julian Lennon sarcastically referred to Yoko Ono as “her highness” because she’d been named executor of Lennon’s will, of which he was unfairly left out. 

Of his father, Julian said, “Dad could talk about peace and love out loud to the world, but he could never show it to the people who supposedly meant the most to him. How can you talk about peace and love and have a family in bits and pieces—no communication, adultery, divorce? You can’t do it, not if you’re being true and honest with yourself.”

One repeating line from this piece is, “The world is so wrong.” Truer words were never sung.

Decades before Lennon penned them, The New York Times sent out an inquiry to famous authors, asking the question, “What’s wrong with the world today?” One reply stood out from all others:

“Dear Sir,

I am.

Yours, G.K. Chesterton.”

In that simple answer, Chesterton delivers the bottom line which stands in stark contrast to Lennon’s message. We are, every one of us, wrong. It’s why we need a savior. It’s why Jesus came. It’s why we find ourselves in 2020 and Lennon’s line “Happy New Year, Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear,” still resonates with us so deeply.

We’d have much to fear if not for Christmas and the hope it brings. The Prophet Isaiah foretold it long before. He was talking about Jesus Christ when he wrote, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”

And so THIS, my friends, is Christmas.  HERE's the song.