A song written by a local songwriter several years ago remains an anthem for Branson's Christmas season.
"The Ozark Mountain Christmas season had just been announced and Bud, my husband, being the Shepherd of the Hills marketing director, said, 'We sure need an Ozark Mountain Christmas song for our Branson town.' Branson was just coming into its 'Music Show Capital of the World' prominence. Well, I said, jokingly, 'OK, I'll just write one.' I was kidding," explained songwriter and vocalist Lynda Lynn. "We were on our way to Nashville to represent the Shepherd of the Hills for the American Bus Association Convention at Opryland. As we traveled along the way, I got to thinking more seriously about it. We then stopped to have lunch and suddenly I grabbed a napkin and started writing: 'A child was born to Mary—He was a special one. He came to save His people - Christ the newborn son.' Wow! I think I may have something here!"
Lynn, an award-winning songwriter, continued, "As we traveled, the chorus was popping up in my head, as well. Then, here comes 'Come share the love, Come share the joy.' Then came, 'Come be with us at Ozark Mountain Christmas.'
Lynda and Bud arrived in Nashville, where they stayed at Opryland Hotel. While Bud spent his days in meetings, Lynda continued to work on her song, writing it down on Opryland Hotel stationery. In the evening hours, Bud and Lynda walked through Opryland, enjoying the venue's colorful lights and Christmas music.
"I would be dancing on the sidewalk," said Lynda. "As I danced, I could smell the holiday aroma of evergreen and pine and feel the crispness in the air. I sang, 'Come share the love. Come share the joy. Come be with us at Ozark Mountain Christmas.' "
Upon returning to the Ozarks, Bud and Lynda spent some time in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where Lynda was penning a book.
"Each night, for several nights, I would have the most vivid dream," Lynda explained. "In this dream, these Golden Angels would say 'Finish the song, finish the song.' I was pretty overwhelmed. There was a very spiritual presence in this little cottage where I was staying. I knew this song had so much more meaning than I realized. So, I put my book writing aside. I contacted Crystal Studios. They suggested I contact the Tony Orlando band. I was connected to Mark Christian. I sang the song to him from my little Eureka Spring cottage, using my car keys to sound like jingle bells in the song. Mark said, 'I love it! Let's meet.' Mark recorded the song with the Tony Orlando Band at Crystal Studios in Branson. Tony played the song during the intermission of his show in Branson."
The song, Ozark Mountain Christmas, quickly became a hit in Branson, Missouri. Mark Christian sang the song to thunderous applause at the kick-off of the Festival of Lights at the Grand Palace. Christian would go on to perform the song on Branson area radio programs, and it was the featured song for the Kimberling City Table Rock Lake Area's Christmas season promotion. The song “Ozark Mountain Christmas” was featured on themed floats as part of the Branson Adoration Parade, and later that year, the song was nominated for—and received—many awards, including the coveted ASCAP Award.
Throughout the years, “Ozark Mountain Christmas” has been recorded several times. Mark Christian's recording of the song reached No. 5 on the charts of Nashville's Tracker Magazine in 1997. The late James Marvell, nationally known as part of the pop group Mercy, charted at No. 1 with Colt Records. The song was also recorded by John Tweed, who headlined his own show in Branson, vocalist Larry Moore, and Joe Gallo of The Promise.
The song has been featured as part of many other shows and productions in and out of Branson. Branson artists Doug Gabriel and Jennifer in the Morning both shared the holiday tune on their respective shows, as did Steve Grimm, who performed the song on the Showboat Branson Belle. The song also aired nationally, on Walmart Radio, among other places the words were heard.
"The late Gary S. Paxton was getting ready to cut 'Ozark Mountain Christmas' his style, but he went to be with the Lord before he could complete the project. I would have loved to hear his version of the song," said Lynda. Gary was a musical genius. Also, we have performed the ‘Ozark Mountain Christmas’ song each year for many years at the International Country Gospel Music Awards Convention in Branson. Bud and I asked some of our local artist friends to join us on stage for the performance. Instead of Gladys Knight and the Pips, we lovingly announce it as Lynda Lynn and her Christmas Pips."
Next in line to record “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” will be Stevie Lee Woods, who headlines the Nashville Roadhouse Live Show.
"I wrote the song to bring joy and love and show my love for our Lord, and to all people living in and visiting Branson, hoping to convey the true meaning of the Ozark Mountain Christmas Season," explained Lynda. "The Ozark Mountain Christmas season was just beginning, so the 'Ozark Mountain Christmas' song came to my heart to celebrate our Lord's birth and raise a praise for Him."
'Ozark Mountain Christmas' is the title track of a fabulous CD featuring holiday selections penned by Lynn. To order the CD, contact Bud or Lynda Lynn, via email at angelstrails@gmail.com.
A child was born to Mary
He was the special one
He came to save His people
Christ the newborn son.
He came to share
With us today
He died for us
To show the way
So celebrate
This special day
At Ozark Mountain Christmas
Refrain:
Come share the love
Come share the joy.
Come be with us
At Ozark Mountain Christmas
A Child was born to Mary
It was a holy birth.
He was born the Savior
To live and die on earth.
Jesus came to be with us
To strengthen us each day.
We must serve Him faithfully
So He will guide our way.
Repeat refrain
Oh, Lord, let’s be together
And spread the Holy word
To share the love of Jesus
With everyone on earth.
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