The holidays are fast approaching, and many people are putting their Christmas playlists together and setting them to repeat. But with so many songs out there to choose from, which belong in the rotation?
While everyone’s taste is a little different, a few of us from The Gospel Project team put our heads together to bring you our recommendations for songs to help you focus on Jesus at Christmas:
“Amen, Amen” (Sojourn Music)
I love the chorus of this song because it reminds me of the hope we have in Jesus—we find our life in Him! The song as a whole reflects the way this good news spread from a few individuals into the whole world.
Alyssa Jones, Older Kids Content Editor
“Christ Is Born” (Domenico Bartolucci)
A favorite Christmas song of mine is one that is a bit more obscure. It is a song called “Christ Is Born.” Like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” it was originally written in Latin by the choir director at the Sistine Chapel, Father Domenico Bartolucci. And Ray Charles of the Ray Charles singers talks about how he went to see Father Bartolucci in his apartment, and he says that he had a big Ampex tape machine and a box of tapes. He brought out a tape of a gorgeous piece he had written and he played it for the singers and the words were in Latin.
The version that I have really grown to love is one done by The Carpenters in 1978. There is a very understated majesty to this song. I really like the line that says, “Hear him crying in the manger,” and then that is juxtaposed by the line “King of heaven, Son of God,” which then leads to the worshipful response “Alleluia.” And you really have the mystery of the incarnation there in a nutshell. You’ve got it described so beautifully with a crying baby in a manger and yet this is the King of heaven, this is God in the flesh, this is the Son of God.
Trevin Wax, General Editor
“A King in a Cattle Trough” (Michael Card)
I love the way Michael Card captures the astounding nature of God becoming human, as well as the glory of the announcement. His lyric “the taste of their light” to describe the appearance of angelic heralds is wonderful. The idea of Jesus’ humility and ultimate condescendence is so perfectly captured. “How can you worship a king in a cattle trough? You cannot bow any lower than he.” It’s such a beautiful reminder that God’s plans are perfect in ways that our feeble human brains can’t fathom. The wisdom of God is foolishness to man.
Sam O’Neil, Younger Kids Content Editor
“Who Would Have Dreamed” (Sovereign Grace Music)
I pretty much love everything by Sovereign Grace Music. I’m a lyric person and theirs are always so theologically rich. “Who Would Have Dreamed” reminds me just how completely unbelievable in the Incarnation is…but it’s true! I love the line, “The Sovereign of all looked helpless and small as God gave the world His own Son.” Amazing to picture God in the flesh as a helpless infant.
Karen Jones, Preschool Content Editor
“This is War” (The Modern Post)
This song is a powerful reminder of God’s intention behind the incarnation of Jesus. Jesus was born not to bring some kind of generic peace and goodwill to humanity; His birth was an all-out declaration of war on Satan, sin, and death.
Aaron Armstrong, Brand Manager
“Behold the Lamb of God” (Andrew Peterson)
Besides being a capstone to the greatest Christmas album/musical presentation ever, this song helps to remind me that Jesus was born to die for me, for us. Christmas has its meaning because of Easter. “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away our sin!”
Daniel Davis, The Gospel Project for Adults Content Editor
“This Is the Christ” (Sojourn Music)
Originally written by Martin Luther, the hymn “This Is the Christ” captures the epic significance of Jesus’ first coming. When it comes up on my Advent playlist each year, the music and lyrics help me to see how the truth of God’s becoming flesh transcends all the “hustle and bustle” of the holiday season.
Josh Hayes, The Gospel Project for Adults Content and Production Editor
To help you enjoy these songs—along with a couple other favorites—anywhere, we’ve made a playlist for you on Spotify. Check it out here:
