Christmas is coming, and one of the main things that December means for me is lots of music! Every weekend this month has meant playing somewhere- from concert halls to shopping centres, churches to street corners- as well as carol singing outside a local supermarket to raise money for charity and promote our church Christmas service.
Fortunately I love Christmas music, so I thought I’d share a few of my favourites with you here!
Mary, Did You Know? by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
Since discovering this song a few years ago, it has been one of my Christmas favourites. There are several great versions out there, but I love this one by Hayley Westenra.
“Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.”
Breath Of Heaven- Amy Grant
Another song reflecting on Mary’s role in the Christmas story. I played this piece in an orchestra earlier this month and it has been in my head ever since, and I had never heard Amy Grant’s original version until now. I love how the song captures what it must have been like for Mary to step out in obedience to God’s plan.
“I have traveled many moonless nights,
Cold and weary with a babe inside,
And I wonder what I’ve done.
Holy Father you have come
And chosen me now to carry your son.”
Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)- Chris Tomlin
Emmanuel is probably my favourite name of Jesus and I love how this song reflects on that name. I have played in an orchestral version of this the last few Christmases and, as the song builds, it never fails to move me to worship.
“Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
God incarnate, here to dwell.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Praise His name Emmanuel.”
Somewhere In Your Silent Night- Casting Crowns
A new song this year! I always love Casting Crowns’ music and I have enjoyed listening to all the songs on their latest EP, “It’s Finally Christmas,” but this song has particularly stuck with me.
So often we focus on joy at Christmas, but the reality is that for many it is a difficult time of year. If Christmas is hard for you this year, I hope this song will encourage you.
“All is calm and all is bright
Everywhere but in your heart tonight.
They’re singing carols of joy and peace,
But you feel too far gone and too far out of reach.
Somewhere in your silent night,
Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried.
Hope is here, just lift your head,
For love has come to find you
Somewhere in your silent night.”
O Holy Night- Casting Crowns
I’ll finish the list with a classic. This is probably my all-time favourite Christmas song, and I’ve enjoyed this new version, also from the latest Casting Crowns EP.
“O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine! O night when Christ was born
O night divine! O night, O night divine!”
What about you? I’d love you to leave a comment and share some of your favourite Christmas songs.
Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas!
Lesley, good choices…but for me, in the flames of cancer that I never wanted to face, this is my Christmas playlist. One song, Mary Fahl’s “Going Home”.
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That’s a beautiful song, Andrew. I’m so sorry for all that you’re suffering but glad that you have hope in that wonderful homecoming where there will be no more pain or sickness. Praying that you and Barbara know God’s presence with you this Christmas.
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Andrew, prayers for you, brother. Hug.
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Hi, Lesley! Very thankful for the iPod I keep in the kitchen. I’m going to listen to this playlist while I attack the pile of dishes waiting for me in the sink right now . . .
Blessings to you!
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Hope you enjoyed the songs, Michele! Blessings to you too!
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I don’t know why I have never heard “Somewhere In Your Silent Night” before. It really touched my heart, Lesley. Thank you! Love and hugs to you!
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Thanks, Trudy! It only came out in October so it is pretty new. I’m so glad you liked it. Love and hugs to you too!
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Such wonderful music! I love Christmas music and truth be known, I play it often throughout the year 🙂 May you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
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Thanks, Joanne! Christmas blessings to you and your family too!
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Such a great list of Christmas songs. I love Christmas songs too. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving (ok maybe a few days before) I start listening to my Pandora holiday station. Breathe of Heaven is such a beautifully haunting song. The rest you list are awesome too. Have you heard Rend Collectives Christmas album Campfire Christmas? It is one of my all time faves! Blessed to be your neighbor at Tell His Story this week.
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Thanks, Tara! I haven’t heard Rend Collective’s Christmas album but I like a lot of their other music so I will need to check that out!
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Your second and third picks are a couple of my faves. I always enjoy your music inspired posts.
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Thanks, Debby! Hope you have a happy Christmas!
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Great list! I love the Breath of Heaven song. Merry Christmas to you, Lesley!
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Thanks, Sarah! Merry Christmas!
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Thanks for sharing all these, Lesley. I love Christmas music too; kind of a universal thing to love, I suppose. I’d love to hear you play some — maybe you can record some for the blog? 🙂 Merry CHRISTmas, friend. xoxo
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Thanks, Brenda! Merry Christmas to you too! xx
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Thanks for your Christmas cheer. I wish you the very best holiday.
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Thanks, Gabriele! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
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Thank you for sharing your Christmas playlist on Grace and Truth! This Christmas, I’ve loved Kim Walker-Smith’s version of “O Come O Come Emmanuel” and For King and Country’s version of “Little Drummer Boy”.
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Thanks for sharing some of your favourites too, Aimee! Hope you had a lovely Christmas!
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