With Christmas rolling around, most of us are going crazy trying to get the last details right. We’re gathering last-minute presents, getting our holiday meal plans in order, and trying not to lose our minds in the process. Unfortunately, however, it seems that now more than ever, we’re focusing on the wrong things.
Last year, Gallup reported that Americans planned to spend nearly $1,000 ($906) on presents, the highest amount reported in the past 10 years. Increasingly, people are feeling pressured to show their love through material measures— but Darius Rucker wonders if this is what God would truly want.
Rucker, most commonly known as the vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Hootie and the Blowfish, pondered this question in his successful 2014 Christmas album Home for the Holidays. According to Rucker, he and his producer Frank Ramsey had been discussing a Christmas record for a while.
In an interview with Morning Call, Rucker said: “We all said the same thing— that we wanted to make the most cool Christmas record. Let’s do it with some cool instrumentation and a lot of stuff can happen with the country feel too. ” He later added:
“I am so excited to finally make a Christmas album. This has been a lifelong dream, and I hope my fans enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed making it.”
The album included twelve Christmas songs, two originals, and a collaboration with Sheryl Crow. One of the originals, however, made people reconsider what was truly important during Christmas time.
The song, called “What God Wants for Christmas”, tried to tackle the question inherent in its title. With lyrics including, “I wonder what God wants for Christmas/ something you can’t find in a store“, the single discusses the materialistic nature of the holidays, emphasizing the meaning many of us take for granted.
In the music video, scenes of Rucker singing are interspersed with scenes of him preparing for Christmas— wrapping presents with his family, eating cookies, decorating the tree. Each scene shows people laughing and enjoying their time together. The focus is never on the material— it’s all about love.
At one point, the video even features a little “mini-story”, showing a kind-hearted hospital janitor (played by Don King) cheering up young patients and hospital staff. Later, the janitor and children join Rucker’s Christmas party too.
After filming, Don King, the man who played the janitor told WISTV.com (obtained via The Boot): “We were glad we could bring joy to these children, but at the same time, you got to see the harshness of what they were experiencing too. That’s why this was such a wonderful project.”
Since being upload, Rucker’s video has been viewed 3 million times.
The lyrics seem to resonate with viewers— and Rucker’s smooth voice is beautiful to hear. Comments on the video read:
“It’s great that you sing about Christianity with no shame. Great song, keep up the good work Darius!”
“By now, we should all know what GOD wants for Christmas. Thank you so much Mr. Rucker for this song!”
“Wow, beautiful. Love his voice. Love the song.”
Watch the powerful video below!
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