Mandisa grew up in Citrus Heights, California (Sacramento County) and graduated from El Camino Fundamental High School. She then attended American River College in Sacramento where she studied Vocal Jazz. Then she was off to Fisk University in Tennessee and graduated with a bachelor's of music degree with a concentration in vocal performance. Mandisa currently resides in the suburban Nashville community of Antioch, Tennessee. When she auditioned for American Idol in Chicago, she asked the judges to call her "just Mandisa", and she has been billed as Mandisa (with no last name) on the show since the shows Hollywood round. Mandisa was a backup singer for famed Christian author and speaker Beth Moore. She has stated her musical influences run the gamut from Whitney Houston to Def Leppard.
Idol judge Simon Cowell made several comments about Mandisa's weight during her audition. When he first saw her, he quipped are we "going to have a bigger stage this year." Later, when Paula Abdul commented that Mandisa had a "Frenchie" growl to her voice, Cowell responded that a more apt comparison would be to France itself. These were among comments that drew the ire of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, and would be one of the reasons Mandisa would entitle her 2007 album "True Beauty".
According to the Stronger Songfacts, the 11 tracks of Mandisa's 2011 album What If We Were Real encourage shining the light on whom we really are, including both the good and the bad; the theme of the record also coincided with Mandisa's public struggles with food addiction and weight loss. "A struggle is a struggle, and Jesus is there through it all," the singer explained. "He is there in compassion and grace. I have found that what He has spoken to me through these songs has been encouraging and I think that'll be true for other people who are going through their own hard times."
It's Christmas
Mandisa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People are smiling everywhere
Trees up in the windows
Frost on the glass
Christmas is here now
Here at last
But let's not forget
Remember this
Jesus is the reason for
This time of the year
We're gonna celebrate
It's Christmas
Let me hear
That joyful noise in the air
Wanna hear it everywhere
Heaven and Earth proclaim
Come on let's celebrate
It's Christmas
Pull out your favorite records
Some Nat King Cole
Those old Christmas movies
They never get old
Gather up the family
Carol the town
People need love
So spread it around
And let's not forget
It's what you give not what you get
Remember this
Jesus Is the reason for
This time of the year
We're gonna celebrate
It's Christmas
Let me hear
That joyful noise in the air
Wanna hear it everywhere
Heaven and Earth proclaim
Come on let's celebrate
It's Christmas
Go tell it on the mountain
Heaven and Earth proclaim
Come on let's celebrate
Go and tell it on the mountain
Jesus the Savior's born
He is the reason for
This time of the year
We're gonna celebrate
We're gonna celebrate
It's Christmas
This time of the year
We're gonna celebrate
It's Christmas
Oh let me hear
That joyful noise in the air
Wanna hear it everywhere
Heaven and Earth proclaim
Jesus is the reason for
Christmas
Let's celebrate
Let's celebrate
Come on let's celebrate
It's Christmas
The lyrics to Mandisa's song "It's Christmas" paints a vivid picture of the festive atmosphere of Christmas. The first few lines describe the decorations, lights, and happy faces on the streets. However, the song encourages listeners not to be consumed by the busyness of the holiday but to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. The second verse highlights the importance of spreading love and cheer to others during the holiday season, as well as reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.
The chorus is an upbeat and catchy tune that invites everyone to join in the celebration of Christmas, which is a time to rejoice and be joyful. The song encourages people to bring out their favorite Christmas tunes and movies, gather with family and friends, and spread the message of love and peace everywhere. The song culminates in the call to action for listeners to go out and share the good news of Jesus Christ's birth, reminding us that Christmas is not just a time of celebration but an opportunity to share our faith and the message of Christ's love with others.
Line by Line Meaning
They're hanging all the lights on the main street square
Decorating the square for Christmas with lights brings joy and happiness to the people.
People are smiling everywhere
The joyous atmosphere of Christmas makes people happy and cheerful.
Trees up in the windows
Decorating windows with Christmas trees is a tradition that adds to the festive spirit.
Frost on the glass
The presence of frost on the windows is a reminder of the winter season which adds to the beauty of Christmas.
Christmas is here now
The much-awaited festival of Christmas has finally arrived, bringing with it a spirit of love, joy, and togetherness.
Here at last
Christmas is a time of excitement and anticipation, and now it is finally here, bringing with it hope and goodwill.
But let's not forget
Amidst all the celebration and excitement of Christmas, it is important to remember something important.
In the middle of the busy-ness
When everyone is busy with the festivities, it's important to focus on what really matters during Christmas.
Remember this
Remember what truly matters during Christmas.
Jesus is the reason for
The true reason for all the joy and celebration during Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ.
This time of the year
Christmas time is a very special time of the year.
We're gonna celebrate
We will celebrate this special time of the year with our loved ones.
It's Christmas
Christmas is finally here, and we are excited to celebrate it.
Let me hear
I want to hear the joyful noise of Christmas everywhere.
That joyful noise in the air
The festive spirit of Christmas is like music to our ears.
Wanna hear it everywhere
We want to feel the festive spirit of Christmas everywhere we go.
Heaven and Earth proclaim
The whole world is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, even the heavens above.
Come on let's celebrate
Let's join in the celebration and rejoice together.
Pull out your favorite records
Listen to your favorite Christmas music to get in the festive mood.
Some Nat King Cole
Listening to the classic Christmas songs of Nat King Cole never grows old.
Those old Christmas movies
Watching classic Christmas movies is a holiday tradition that is enjoyed by everyone.
They never get old
Watching old Christmas movies never loses its charm.
Gather up the family
Bring together your loved ones to celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas.
Carol the town
Sing Christmas carols around the town to spread the festive spirit.
People need love
During Christmas, it's important to show love, kindness and compassion to others.
So spread it around
Let's spread love, kindness, and compassion to everyone we meet during Christmas.
It's what you give not what you get
Christmas is about giving to others, not just receiving presents.
Go tell it on the mountain
Spread the word and tell everyone the good news that Jesus Christ is born.
Jesus the Savior's born
The reason for this joyous celebration is the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior.
Let's celebrate
Let's rejoice and celebrate together.
Writer(s): Glover Benjamin, Garcia David Arthur, Hundley Mandisa
Contributed by Savannah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paulette Brock
THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS EVER MADE.๐
Gary Swindle
I am changing from rock and roll to Christian music like this....Never heard music like this ...God is so good to me...Thanks Lord for showing me there are songs much better than what I have been listening to.....
Derek Druey
Did you stick with it five years later?
D M J
@Derek Druey it's possible
Derek Druey
@D M J it would be worth it if you did.
Jaime Winkle
THATS GOOD!!! GLAD YOUR DOING THAT!!
Maria Gardner
There are a lot of Christian groups who have great Christian Rock n roll Christmas music: 3rd Day, Casting Crown, Mercy Me. Just google one and it will lead you to some good music.
Spiritual Cosmetics
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs! Letโs celebrate!
Kiwi Copeman
I love Mandisa!! You keep living for Jesus girl! ๐๐
Amanda Lyubelsky
Add a public reply Kiwi copemma 1 year ago llove Mandisa,,, you living for Jesus gir,, Amanda ๐