Top 5 Favorite Christian Christmas Albums

I listen to a lot of music throughout the year. But when the weather turns chilly and thoughts turn to Christmas, I seem to always gravitate again and again to a small selection of particular albums. The following are my Top 5 favorite Christian Christmas albums. (You'll also find Amazon.com links to each album at the end of the article.)

#5 -- Michael W. Smith - "Christmas Album"

I bought this album in 1989 just prior to a car trip from Florida to West Virginia. It has a huge memory connection for me of softly falling snow and chilly weather. There are some fantastic orchestral moments on this CD that ramp up like a movie soundtrack. Standout upbeat song: "Gloria". At first the song reminds me of something from a Disney production, but it quickly morphs into this inspiring, choir backed chorus. (Incidentally, that would be The American Boychoir School conducted by James H. Litton). Ron Huff arranged the Nashville Festival Orchestra and handled the choral duties. Powerful lyrics with a sometimes pageant feel, this is a distinctively deep and reflective album. I love it!

#4 - Point of Grace - "A Christmas Story"

Pop this 1999 CD in, and you'll know you're in for a treat with the rich orchestral intro of track 1. And then Chris Eaton's "When Love Comes Down" hits. And if there were ever an album to buy just for a single song, this would be it. The simple vocal intro brings a flood of images: "Christmas Eve. 2 am. Heavy snow is falling down. And the streets clothed in white. Echo songs that were sung by candle light." The lovely quartet of Shelley Breen, Heather Payne, Denise Jones and Terry Jones continues throughout the album's 14 tracks. Featuring a mixture of traditional and smooth new tunes, there's some great moments of Christmas cheer in here.

#3 - Amy Grant - "A Christmas To Remember"

When Amy sings on the chorus of the title track: "Light up the fire, play some Nat King Cole. Always sentimental and don't you know, that it's gonna be a Christmas to remember." I believe her. There's vulnerableness to her vocals on this one, almost like she's invited you over to her house for a warm holiday meal... and then began singing. Track 4, "Christmas Lullaby (I Will Lead You Home)", is rendered with exquisite gentleness, invoking a range of emotions in me that are sometimes difficult to explain. Maybe it's the childlike melody, but I end up in tears on that one. By the time "'Til The Season Comes 'Round Again" I feel like I'm at a farmhouse, surrounded by snow. And as I'm listening to it right now, and wiping away tears (yeah, again), I realize that the song epitomizes a creative prayer of mine ( found here ) for some very special young people in my life. "One night holy and bright. Shining with love from our hearts. By a warm fire, Let's lift our heads high. And be thankful we're here. 'Til this time next year." (Makes me want to call them up and tell them I love them.) So if you end up wanting wistful for family far or near, you have been warned. A hopeful album, indeed. Thank you, Amy.

#2 -- Wayne Watson - "One Christmas Eve"

Wayne's 1994 album starts out of the blocks with the lively "Angel Melody" (Love that spot where he holds that note at 4:15! Gets me every time.) I'm also crazy about his version of "I Wonder As I Wander". The song builds like a simmering recipe, with a sprinkle of saxophone, a dash of piano, some clean guitar thrown in and, well, this groovy, jazzy bass line. Things quiet way down when we reach "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with Wayne's longing voice and the gentle strings sweeping in and out - ah! I think it's probably one of my favorite versions of the ever popular seasonal song. "Child of Bethlehem" is also a standout. Wayne's assortment of songs would go well in any Christmas collection.

#1 -- 4Him -- Christmas "The Season of Love"

Produced by Don Koch in 1993, this 4Him Christmas album is hands down one of the best albums - Christmas themed or otherwise -- ever recorded. At times upbeat with catchy rhythms; other times with a jazzy orchestra background; other moments filled with beautiful key changes and simple piano with strings. All four of the guys are spot on with their amazing vocals. One of my favorite tracks is the last song on the album, the quiet and introspective, "A Strange Way To Save The World" written by Dave Clark, Mark Harris and Don Koch. Told from Joseph's perspective, it brings a different way of picturing the manger with lyrics such as: "Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade? Why Him with all the rulers in the world? Why here inside this stable filled with hay? Why her, she's just an ordinary girl? Now I'm not one to second guess, what angels have to say... But this is such a strange way to save the world." The song is so emotionally sung - wow! Highly recommended.

Honorable Mention

Sure, I could have made it the 'Top Six' (or seven or eight), but where's the fun in that? This is a Top Five, right? Truth be told, there's still other artists I deeply enjoy at Christmas, such as Steven Curtis Chapman and Third Day, but maybe they'll just need to wait for another article.

Ok, onto my honorable mention!

Michael W. Smith - "Christmastime"

1998 brought an album that I bought based just on the cover. I really did. Michael is standing atop a wooden chair, arms out to his sides. Snow filters down, a snowy landscape all around and behind. It's a beautiful shot. And it's a beautiful album. While Michael's '89 "Christmas" can seem a bit shadowy at times (and I like that), this particular album is bright and cheery. Voices are strong, with the adult and children's choirs giving it their all. I love the inclusion of Chris Rice's "Welcome To Our World", sung with soft tenderness, piano and strings. And then there's the medley that includes, "Child in a Manger"... wow! A crescendo of goosebumps! Good stuff.

Hope you've enjoyed my Top 5.

Merry Christmas everyone.

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Helpful Amazon.com Resources:

Michael W. Smith - Christmas Album - Click Here
Point of Grace - A Christmas Story - Click Here
Amy Grant - A Christmas To Remember - Click Here
Wayne Watson - One Christmas Eve - Click Here
4Him - Christmas The Season of Love - Click Here
Michael W. Smith - Christmastime - Click Here

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Link to the creative "farmhouse" prayer referenced above - Click Here

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