I love Christmas music. This year I realized that singing Christmas songs before Thanksgiving isn’t a bad idea. After all, we are celebrating the birth of our Savior! Singing about it only enhances our worship of him.
This year I made a playlist of all my old favorite Christmas songs from my childhood. My memories are full of singing along with artists like Avalon, Sandy Patty, and Point of Grace. My mom and sisters would belt out christmas anthems and carols unashamed while driving around town or baking cookies.
As much as I love the “oldies,” there is something thrilling about discovering new “classics” to raise our kids on from year to year. Here are a few of my favorite new finds from this season:
1. Prepare Him Room by Sovereign Grace Music.
If you are looking for a song to share the beautiful Gospel of our Savior, this is it. I heard it at a Christmas concert this year, and it made my heart explode with praise. Another song on sovereign Grace music’s Christmas album will also blow your mind. It is called “Who Would Have Dreamed“ and it will change your life this Christmas.
2. Born is the King (It’s Christmas) by Hillsong music.
This song has such a celebratory feel, it makes me think I am getting ready for a Birthday party for Jesus. Definitely a good wake-up anthem.
3. Come thou Long Expected Jesus by Kings Kaleidoscope.
An Indy-style spin on this classic, yet oft-forgotten, Christmas carol… Come Thou Long Expected Jesus is perfectly paired with the advent calendars wreath reading regarding the long wait that Israel endured for the Messiah.
4. It Really is (a Wonderful Life) by Mindy Smith.
Shane and I have entered into a marvelous season. The twins are thriving, Shane’s job is such a blessing, and we are healthy physically and spiritually. We have even prioritized room in our schedule to share the gospel every week as a couple, which has dramatically impacted both our relationship with Christ and our marriage. Every day, we are steadily looking forward to enjoying the fulfillment of God’s many promises. Unfortunately for us, we keep expecting it end. We think, “how can such a season of rest and happiness last forever?” We know there will be hardships in our future, there are some even now. But I believe God wants me to trade my attitude of worry for a song of praise. Mindy Smith’s lyrics reminds me to take joy in the moment, instead of waiting for it all to cave-in. Celebrating what God is doing in our lives is a beautiful way to commemorate the salvation He freely gave us through the cross.
What are some of your favorite classics or new discoveries this year?