Christmas Music Recommendations

What do you have in your CD player right now? Amidst all the Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby that resonate in our ears during the Christmas season, I'd like to let you know about a few non 'run-of-the-mill' albums that Dan and I are really enjoying this year.

The first one is called Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming of Christ by Andrew Peterson. It is a moving album that combines Peterson’s unique voice with beautifully penned lyrics about Christ’s birth and the events leading up to it. If you are not familiar with Andrew Peterson's style, his sound is similar to Caedmon's Call.

The album begins with, “Gather Round Ye Children, Come,” which invites listeners to come close and hear the story of Jesus’ birth. The album then shifts to Old Testament events with, “Passover Us,” and “So Long Moses" which is an overview of different 'saviors' that didn't quite fit the bill. “Deliver Us,” featuring Derek Webb (another favorite writer of ours), is a haunting plea for freedom from sin and is one of the album’s most enchanting songs. In “Matthew’s Begats,” Peterson humorously traces the genealogy of Jesus as told in the book of Matthew. It may very well be the only song ever written that includes names such as Abijah and Zadok. =) “It Came to Pass,” and “Labor of Love,” tell the story of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. Dan and I first listened to "Labor of Love" in the car on Christmas Day last year as we drove to my parent's house. Tears streamed down our faces as we silently listened to the song together. The album is worth it simply for this song alone.
Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming Christ is a rare gem that captures the spirit of Christmas and the wonder of Jesus’ birth. It is a strong, biblically-based album that can be listened to any time of the year. We highly recommend it. Go to www.andrew-peterson.com to hear clips and view lyrics of all the songs.
(The above review included excerpts of a review of this album from www.jesusfreakhideout.com. )

The second album we are thoroughly enjoying this year is the new Chris Tomlin album: "Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship." I have never worshipped so much before to Christmas music! I am including excerpts from a review from www.theworshipcommunity.com because he said it better than I could!

It’s a fine line that an artist walks when he/she does a Christmas album because everyone wants to put their own mark on the holiday season. What I find refreshing about this album is that Chris has stayed true to the spirit of the songs that we have come to love and revere for the season. Even the most staunch traditionalist will find themselves singing along to the familiar lines of old carols while enjoying the new expressions of Christmas worship penned by Tomlin.
Most of the songs are traditional carols, and Tomlin has not sacrificed the sacred melody for “freshness”. Instead the instrumentation lends many old songs a new suit for the season. Tomlin lets the simplicity of (these) carols and the voices rise to bring a fresh air to (the) carols.
"Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)" uses the setting of an old song with a new chorus. Congregations will automatically engage with the carol and then be easily led into the simple chorus of 'joy, unspeakable joy!'
What Christmas album would be complete without a rendition of "O Holy Night"? Instead of over orchestrating the song (which is our tendency) Tomlin stays true to his simple approach to the song. When you hit the pinnacle of the song at “fall on your knees” it is not the arrangement driving the song, but the worship.
One of my favorite songs of the album is "Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)". It’s a fresh expression of praise about the Savior and the manger. The chorus is infectious as it rises to praise EMMAUNEL—God with us!
Other original songs include "My Soul Magnifies the Lord," "Glory in the Highest" (from off of a previous album), "Light of the World" (with Matt Redman), "Winter Snow" (with a gorgeous solo by newcomer Audrey Assad), and "Born That We May Have Life" one of Dan and my personal favorites. You will find yourself singing these tunes over and over throughout the day after one or two listens!
When I heard this album the first time, I knew it was a winner. The songs are singable and accessible for today’s worshiper! Go to www.christomlin.com to hear excerpts of each song.
(And if you plan on being at Westside Bible Fellowship on December 20th, plan on hearing some of the songs from these two albums and worshipping right along with us!)