It’s the time of the year when we get saturated with cheesy festive tunes in stores, giving believers a desire to listen to more uplifting Christian Christmas songs. Hearing ‘Last Christmas’ play for the umpteenth time… or ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ and many others on an endless loop can get a bit much! So here are four of my favourite Christian Christmas songs that I’m sure you will love.
It can be really nauseating listening to the same old secular songs in what seems a non-stop loop. Although every now and then you may also hear a traditional Christmas Carol. It’s amazing that these still proclaim such a powerful message of salvation, if you take the time to listen to the words and meditate on their impact.
I was in a waiting room when ‘Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord’ came onto the radio and I thought to myself, what a witness this Christmas song has been to countless people the world over. We know that Jesus probably wasn’t born on 25th December exactly, however the fact that He was born as our Saviour is what is important and that we celebrate Him. The line in Boney M’s famous carol, ”And man shall live forever more because of Christmas Day” is the truth of the Gospel right there for everyone to hear. The Birth of Jesus changed everything!
It’s great to listen to carols and it seems there are still many Christian Christmas songs still being written. Here are a few that have really touched my heart…
My four favourite Christian Christmas Songs
1. Manger Throne by Phil Wickham
This brand new release from Phil Wickham will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to many people’s choice of best carols / Christian Christmas songs in 2023! I just love the words of the chorus: “Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne, My life, my praise, everything I own, To Jesus the King on a manger throne.”
Phil is Contemporary Christian musician, singer and songwriter from San Diego, California who has certainly captured the heart of Christmas in this beautiful song.
2. The King Has Come by Philippa Hanna
We have such an abundance of music talent in the UK including the lovely Philippa Hanna who released this uplifting Christmas song a few years back. The message however, is timeless.
Philippa is a singer-songwriter, author and worship leader signed with Integrity Music. She has a long standing music career from 2006 and is often seen at Christian festivals including Creation Fest.
This is such a catchy, upbeat song and I love the video styling, in celebration of Jesus’ birthday.
3. Behold (with O Holy Night) – Travis Cottrell
‘Oh Holy Night’ is one of my all time favourite carols and it is so refreshing to listen to this new arrangement from Travis Cottrell. It combines some of the familiar sounds of the traditional carol, mixed with Travis’ new song Behold and a spoken representation of the Gospel message which is a clear challenge to all.
Travis is An American artist, songwriter, worship leader, author, and arranger, with more than 30 published solo recordings. He also serves as Worship Pastor in Brentwood, Tennessee.
This is a great video to share with family and friends, especially those who don’t know Jesus.
4. Draw near now to Emmanuel – Louise Key
Written and performed by Lou Key, ‘To Emmanuel’ is certainly one of the best Christian Christmas songs you will want to hear this year! It recalls the story of the first Christmas and invites listeners to experience God’s presence by drawing near to Him in worship. The song is beautifully poetic and the lyrics of the chorus are powerful: “Come and Worship / The King of Kings / for His majesty is here / Bow before Him / The Son of heaven / For every knee will bow / Come and adore / Draw near now / To Emmanuel.”
Lou is a worship leader based in Devon and you can follow her on Facebook.
I hope you like these songs… It’s sad that Christmas has become so commercialised in today’s world and we as believers need to find ways to reach out to others with fresh, anointed material so please feel free to share these videos with others or forward this article to your family and friends.
At Christmastime we often hear that ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’ and that is exactly right. However many still don’t know Him. People have heard the words of Christmas carols a thousands times and yet don’t heed the words. Yet if they really listened, they would hear a clear message of salvation shining through.
Though it may not seem like it, Jesus is ever present, waiting to be found. If you don’t know Him, I encourage you to find the true meaning of life this Christmas. Yes Jesus was the baby born in the manager, however he is also our Saviour and ‘Soon Coming King’. Each of us has a God-shaped vacuum. Don’t short change yourself by replacing God with lesser things. If you haven’t already, ask Jesus into your life this Christmas and hear these songs with fresh ears!
Also read Let Shine Your Light Brightly This Advent
Al Gibson
Wordsmith, overcomer and exhorter. Al has a degree in Journalism and Media Studies and years of communications experience in Africa, the UK, Israel and USA. He left South Africa in 2001 and worked for GOD TV in England for 18 years. He now heads up Countdown Creative, a content creation business in Exeter. Al is the author of three biographies. Blogs he writes for include GODTV.com; International Christian and UK and US Christian.
