By Annalee ——
Merry Christmas! Can you believe it?! How is it nearly upon us? I hope that in all of the hustle and bustle you’ve been able to sit back, relax, and fix your eyes on the Truth of the season.
One of my favorite things about Christmas, next to the tree, decorations, snow, and stockings, is the music! Surprise, surprise! There are so many different songs and variations to each one, but here’s my list of must-listen to songs of the season…
Ok, let’s kick off my list with something fun! Obviously, this whole movie is a must, but this song just gets me every time! First up, the Charlie Brown Christmas Dance. Throughout the month of December if this song comes on the radio, and you see me in my car, you will find me doing my best to recreate every dance move performed by the Peanuts characters. And what’s better than a dance party for Jesus’ birthday?
Another playful song with bouncy music that I can’t help but dance to is Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney. This is a crank it up and sing along song for Taylor, my husband, and I. Definitely ‘our Christmas song.’ It’s a fun reminder that we need to slow down and keep it simple. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the fuss, but sometimes we have to step back and remember it doesn’t have to be so crazy. I hope you are simply having a wonderful Christmastime this year.
A variation of Joy to the World, it’s impossible not to sing Chris Tomlin’s Unspeakable Joy at the top of my lungs and be filled with excitement. “Joy unspeakable joy, an overflowing well…rises in my soul, never lets me go!” This is the same joy the angel spoke of when he appeared to the shepherds in Luke 2:10. Oh this song makes me well up with excitement about the Good News! How could it not? King Jesus has been born!
As the mother to one handsome little boy, I know how I felt when he was born and how much being a mom has changed me. I sit and wonder about who he’ll be when he grows up and all he will accomplish. I watch him grow before my eyes (sometimes literally!) as he builds a tower, says a new word, or helps feed our dog. I feel I’ve been given a very small glimpse into what Mary felt as she gazed into Jesus’ eyes. ‘Mary Did You know’ asks all the questions I would ask of her about those moments. There are many versions of this song, but Pentatonix is my favorite. It’s eerie, but beautiful. Complex, but simple. It takes you on a journey of curiosity, intrigue and wonder. Mother to mother…Mary, did you know?
I could go on forever, but I’ll end with this one. O Holy Night is a definite classic and Ayiesha Woods does one of my favorite renditions. The world was in a period of silence for a long time until this Holy Night. A plan was being set into motion that would change everything! Oh the ‘thrill of hope’ as the weary world was given the most perfect Gift! Jesus is the most precious Present we could ever be given. Can you hear them? The angels singing? The world rejoicing? Don’t miss it! It’s time to fall on our knees and praise His Holy Name! Christ is the Lord!
Wow! Choosing only five songs to share with you was harder than I anticipated! There are just so many that I love, but I hope you’ve enjoyed these ones. Let’s be sure to pause this Christmas and remember… “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas y’all! May the joy of Jesus’ birth be in your heart today and forever!
