For the first time, I really listened to the words of this song. Now, I know it's been a Christmas staple remade and redone by almost everybody but honestly, I never really liked the song until I heard this version by Mark Murphy. After listening to it I have a new found appreciation for the song.

The part of the song that really stands out to me is when he sings:

when the dog bites/when the bee stings/when I'm feeling sad/I simply remember my favorite things/and then I don't feel so bad.

I was reminded of a verse of scripture that really brought this song to life for me and gave it new meaning. Philippians 4:8 (NIV ammended) reads:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.