Christian Songs for a Christmas Party

When planning a Christmas party, you may find music a difficult element to settle. Especially if you plan a Christian-themed Christmas party, you may find that many popular Christmas songs mention nothing about Jesus. The following 10 songs celebrate Jesus' coming.

Best Christmas Party Song: "Joy to the World"

The British hymnist Isaac Watts lived during the 17th and 18th centuries. One of his most popular hymns today is "Joy to the World." This song has become a traditional Christmas carol, despite mentioning nothing about the birth of Christ. It speaks only of His coming and could refer just as easily to His second coming as His first. But it's ideal for a Christmas party because it addresses the ultimate result of Christ's birth, earthly ministry, death, and resurrection-the renewal of all creation.

Runner-Up for Best Christmas Party Song: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

After an exhausting ministry in Georgia, Charles Wesley returned to Britain. Although religious in practice, he didn't understand the truth until 1738. After attending some Christian meetings, he found peace with God.¹ "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" highlights not only peace, but also the mercy, reconciliation, and joy that Jesus makes possible.

Third Place for Best Christmas Party Song: "Welcome to Our World"

"Welcome to Our World" appeared on Chris Rice's album Deep Enough to Dream in 1997. This song describes the mystery of a Savior clothed in baby's flesh. The concept of the Incarnation is one of the greatest mysteries in the world. Another great mystery is the death of a holy God on behalf of criminals. This Christmas song celebrates both of these mysteries of the Christian faith.

Fourth Place for Best Christmas Party Song: "Mary, Did You Know?"

In the years since its composition by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, numerous artists have recorded "Mary, Did You Know?" During the Christmas season, many people find renewed awe at the Christian idea that God lived among us. Not only that, but He humbled Himself to take on the form of a physically helpless baby. Your Christmas party guests may recognize the song, but if not, you have introduced them to a contemporary classic.

Fifth Place for Best Christmas Party Song: "Angels from the Realms of Glory"

On Christmas Eve 1816, James Montgomery read the account of Christ's birth in Luke 2. He then wrote a poem. A church congregation first sung it as a hymn 5 years later.² "Angels from the Realms of Glory" combines the facts of Christ's birth with a call to worship.

Sixth Place for Best Christmas Party Song: "A Strange Way to Save the World"

This song appeared on 4Him's album, Christmas, the Season of Love, in 1993. It captures the reality of Christ's birth from Joseph's point of view-what he might have thought, how he might have felt.

Seventh Place for Best Christmas Party Song: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

This song speaks of Israel's ancient longings and refers to Jesus by distinctly Jewish names, such as "Root of Jesse" and "Key of David." Generation after generation waited for the coming of the Christ. Generation after generation since then has celebrated His coming.

Eighth Place for Best Christmas Party Song: "What Child Is This?"

William Dix put the words of "What Child Is This?" to the classical tune of "Greensleeves." This popular Christmas carol makes a great addition to your Christmas party playlist because of its mention of Christ as King in the first and third verses. It also combines the birth and death of Christ with a touch of awe.

Ninth Place for Best Christmas Party Song: "Here with Us"

Joy Williams recorded this song which speaks of Christ as the "Servant-King." Listeners familiar with the Gospels will recognize how this title emerges from those accounts of Jesus' ministry. Like many other Christian Christmas songs, "Here with Us" focuses on the wonder of the Incarnation.

Tenth Place for Best Christmas Party Song: "Precious Promise"

Steven Curtis Chapman included this track on his 1995 album The Music of Christmas. It captures the precious nature of Jesus' birth because of the fulfillment it brought.

As you plan your Christmas party, use this list to spawn ideas for additional songs to include on your playlist. If your songs serve as background, you can always repeat the playlist during the Christmas party.

¹ Robert Morgan, Then Sings My Soul. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003) 45.

² Ibid, 91.