Hark! The Angels Sing! Christmas Songs.

Music has always been an important part of my life, but I love Christmas music in particular.  I love it so much that I actually limit myself so that I don’t run the risk of getting sick of it.  I don’t listen to it except for between the day after Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.   Admittedly, I’m more of a fan of true CHRISTMAS (as in Birth of Christ) songs than Santa songs.  I also like some versions better than others.  Here are a few of my all-time favorites, in no particular order.

“Hark the Angels/Carol of the Bells” by SheDaisy – While their entire “Brand New Year” album is easily my favorite full-length Christmas recording, and picking just one is a chore (I HAVE to give an “Honorable Mention” to “Jingle Bells”…you’ll never listen to the song the same way again), this medley is sheer perfection.  While not a fan of rap, the rap in the center by guest vocalist Toby McKeehan of dcTalk is incredible in its power.

“It Was a Starry Night” (Traditional) – This is a gorgeous duet, which I had never heard before being picked to sing it with one of my favorite people, my daughter’s Godmother.  I was also very pregnant with our second daughter.  However, I never felt more beautiful and had no trouble hitting the high notes.  It’s a memory I treasure; I only wish someone had recorded it.  I found out later that I actually have a copy of the song (on a “Daily Bread” Christmas CD that I don’t even remember where or when I got it)! 

“A Strange Way To Save the World” by 4Him – This is a sweet and unique song, told from Joseph’s perspective.  When he asks, “Why me?  Why him?  Why Her?  Why here?”  you know he’s not complaining…merely overwhelmed.  The vocals and tune add a poignancy to a man given a great task, and is willing to do it, but is just wondering…

“Mary, Did You Know?” by Kathy Mattea – This song is beloved in its many, many versions.  Just about everyone has recorded it (with mixed results).  Kathy Mattea’s beautiful country alto keeps it simple, but no less effective (although I have to give an “Honorable Mention” to Mark Lowry’s version, with its powerful harmony in the bridge; it gives me chills every time).  Like with SheDaisy, Mattea’s “Good News” album is a must-hear every year.

“They Saw a King” by Teea Goans – If you haven’t heard Teea sing, you’re missing out on so much.  While she’s “old country”, she’s not super-twangy.  Her voice is as clear as a country stream, and her dynamics are perfection.  This is an original song, written by Larry Gatlin, and it’s gorgeous.

“The Christmas Guest” by Johnny Cash – This is more of a spoken-word piece, but I’m a sucker for story-songs, and the story combined with the deep, clear voice of the Man in Black never fails to bring me to tears…particularly the ending.  I actually read this out loud to an audience once, but had to draft my daughter to read the last part because I knew I’d be too busy sobbing.

“Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth” by Bing & Bowie – Who doesn’t know this song, with its combination of beautiful, distinctive vocals and wave of nostalgia?  My love for this song wasn’t lessened by learning the fact that Mr. Bowie actually hates the song “Little Drummer Boy” and so did the “Peace On Earth” bit instead.

“O Holy Night” (Traditional) – I have no fewer than 6 versions, by as diverse artists as Debby Boone to violinist Taylor Davis.  I sang this, a cappella, at a work Christmas party years ago, and it’s been kind of special to me ever since.

“Silent Night” (Traditional) – I have 8 versions of this one, including one by the Jingle Cats!  I won't spoil it by explaining; look them up.  A particular favorite is "Silent Night (Lord of My Life)” by Lady Antebellum.  I absolutely love closing Christmas Eve service with this one, sung by candlelight.

“Thistlehair the Christmas Bear” by Alabama – Once again, my love for story songs brings in this adorable Christmas fable about a teddy bear who wishes to spread the Good News to all the boys and girls.  The “La-La-La” child chorus at the end is simply adorable.

I’m also not above the occasional Novelty Song:  “12 Days of Christmas” by Straight No Chaser; “Snoopy’s Christmas” by the Royal Guardsmen; “Here’s Your Sign Christmas” by Bill Engvall; “Redneck 12 Days of Christmas” by Jeff Foxworthy; “Twist of the Magi” by SheDaisy (I’m telling you; their album is awesome); and the old traditional, “The 12 Pains of Christmas” by Bob Rivers”.

A few other "Honorable Mentions":  "Where Are You Christmas" by Faith Hill; "Time For Me To Come Home" by Blake Shelton (and his mother!); "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé; "Holy Lamb of God" by the Integrity Worship Singers; and, last but not least, "Shiny Christmas" by...ME!