Christmas Playlist

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!