Music is so much a part of this season of the year that I thought it would be worth a few posts to talk about the music that my family listens to most at Christmas time. I’m certain you’ll find some items here that you are already well-acquainted with. Perhaps there will be some other items that are new to you or that you had forgotten about and are glad to be reminded of. So for what it’s worth, here it goes.
Each album cover below links to an Amazon.com page where you can order or download the music. I will break this into three sections: sacred, traditional, and pop. These categories overlap somewhat, but hopefully this division will make sense to you by the time I’m done. Today’s post will focus on sacred music. The main criterion for being included on this list is the music’s ability to evoke worship. I will be interested to hear from you what you would have included in this list.
Andrew Peterson – “Behold the Lamb of God”
Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God is perhaps the most worshipful Christmas album I have ever heard. The album tells a story of expectation and fulfillment. It contemplates a world that long lay in sin and error pining but that ultimately is found by her Redeemer and King. It’s the story of the Bible, and it is glorious.
If you haven’t seen Andrew Peterson perform this album live, then you need to do so. The tour begins on December 1. If it comes anywhere near you, I highly recommend that you attend. Concert information and dates are here.
Steven Curtis Chapman – “The Music of Christmas”
I’ve been listening to this album every Christmas since college. For me, the best songs are “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Our God Is with Us”—two songs that have to be listened to together. Another favorite is “Precious Promise.” Also, be sure to listen to the “Silent Night/Away In A Manger/O Holy Night” medley.
Sojourn – “Advent Songs”
This is a new favorite in our family. It comes from Mike Cosper and the worship leaders at Sojourn Community Church here in Louisville, Kentucky. The album offers new spins on old favorites. By far, my favorite song on here is the first one. It’s the best new version of “Joy to the World” that I have ever heard.
Sovereign Grace Music – “Savior”
This album offers a whole new set of advent songs. Because the tunes are new and don’t evoke holiday associations, we like to listen to these songs year-round.
Take 6 – “He Is Christmas”
“Amen” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” are worth the price of the album. Also, their version of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” is probably my favorite.
Outliers
London Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus – “Hallelujah Chorus” – This may be the most worshipful song of them all. I can hardly make it through this song with dry eyes. “And he shall reign forever and ever!”
Red Mountain Church – “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
2 Comments
Ryan
Oooh, oooh, don’t forget the new album from Smalltown Poets! They’ve long been one of my favorite bands, and I was always bummed they stopped at “It’s Later Than It’s Ever Been.”
Lo and behold, just last month they announced their new Christmas album, and I love it as much as Sojourn’s Advent Songs. Those two and Behold the Lamb are all I need from now till Christmas. : )
Hear it all / buy it here:
http://smalltownpoets.bandcamp.com/
yankeegospelgirl
I love The Music of Christmas! You left out some other classics though, like Amy Grant’s A Christmas Album.