Top Christian Christmas Songs & CDs
It comes as no surprise that some of the most popular music that makes the holidays so special has its roots in religious traditions. The birth of Jesus, which marks the most important holiday on the Christian calendar, is celebrated in countless hymns, carols, and songs that invite the listener to reflect on this joyful event. The inspirational lyrics and ethereal melodies of many of these pieces date back hundreds of years, and were composed for choirs to be accompanied by violin, piano, or pipe organ. Churches were the original settings where hymns were performed during mass, much to the delight of the parishioners. They convey a magical sense of the wonderful events surrounding the birth of Christ, and are as touching and heart warming today as they were centuries ago.
In the old days, hymns were reserved for mass, while carols were recited outside of church. Today, many contemporary artists have released modern renditions of traditional Christian music, as well as their own titles, often incorporating non-traditional church instruments such as guitars and drums. Their music spans a range of Christian sub-genres from rock to R&B, evolving with the changing musical taste throughout the times, and appealing to an ever growing audience.
Popular Christian Carols
These are the classics that have uplifted and inspired generations of families:
What Child Is This? - Written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix and set to “Greensleeves”, this jubilant carol celebrating baby Jesus has been performed by a long list of gifted musicians, among them Point of Grace, Barlow Girl, Third Day, and Wayburn Dean.
Silent Night - From a small town in Austria comes one of the most iconic music of all times. It all started on Christmas Eve 1816 when Josef Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber premiered their composition at the quaint chapel of Oberndorf, Austria. The powerful lyrics and dreamy melody proved a big success, and today the song has spread to every corner of the globe with translations into over 300 languages and dialects. Contemporary renditions include such popular Christian artists as David Phelps, MercyMe, Amy Grant, and Kirk Franklin & The Family.
Traditional Christian Christmas Music
Some of the best known traditional songs performed worldwide are:
Little Drummer Boy - The Little Drummer boy was written by Katherine Davis in 1941. The song is based on Czech carol that was based on an even older French story from the 1400s. A great many popular artists have performed this song, including everyone from Bing Crosby to Stevie Wonder.
Mary's Boy Child - This song was written by Jester Hairston in 1956. It was recorded that same year by Harry Belafonte and has also been performed by Mahalia Jackson.
Popular Christian Christmas CD's
The following compilations are a wonderful way to rejoice in the miracle of Jesus' birth, and a great way to start your very own collection of Christian music celebrating the holidays.
Christmas With Yolanda Adams, 2000 – Her exquisite vocals will touch the hearts of anyone, even the biggest grinch! This album contains the following traditional titles:
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
- Little Drummer Boy
- Born This Day
- Christmas Song
- Carol of the Bells/What Child is this?
- Silent Night
- Holy Night
- Joy Medley: Joy to the World/Angels We Have Heard on High/Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Do You See What I See? - By Todd Agnew – Take a musical journey through the wonders of Christmas with Agnew's soothing voice leading the way as he eloquently reminds us of the true meaning of the season. An inspirational album filled with hope, love, and the power of faith, set to easy listening tunes.
- Do You Hear What I Hear
- No Room
- This Is All I Have to Give
- Magnificat
- Did You Know
- Sleep Well
- He Is Called Jesus
- God With Us
Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle, 1995 – Like a ray of hope, the graceful 285 voices of the famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir bring us a colorful medley of carols and songs spreading the joy of the birth of Christ. Founded in 1973, the talented esemble delivers a spine tingling combination of old classics and new titles giving praise to the Lord. At times ethereal, cheerful, and vivacious, their celestial voices instantly transport the listener to a world that has not forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel
- You Shall Call His Name Jesus
- First Day of the Son
- Love Came Down
- Beneath His Father's Heaven
- Carols: Carol of the Bells/I Wonder as I Wander/O Come All Ye Faithful
- Happy Birthday Jesus
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