Nostalgia has become a driving force in today’s entertainment industry, and nowhere is this more evident than in Christmas-themed content. Arguably, much of Christmas entertainment thrives on the power of nostalgia, especially when it comes to music. While much of the industry is obsessed with the latest acts, come Christmas time, songs that are decades old receive the bulk of the airplay ("All I Want For Christmas" by iconic pop artist Mariah Carey exemplifies this fact).
Although Christmas music in the Christian industry took time to emerge as a genre, there are notable examples of Christmas songs by some classic artists. This article will examine some original Christmas songs from classic Christian music. Which of these can you see becoming a classic in the future?
Michael English - "Mary Did You Know"
"Mary Did You Know" by contemporary artist Michael English is perhaps the most well-known Christmas song in the Christian music industry. This song has legitimately become a Christmas standard. The lyrics were written by artist Mark Lowry of the Gaither Vocal Band, and the music was written by songwriter Buddy Greene, who also toured with the Gaithers. Michael English was the first one to record the song, though. Formerly of the Gaithers, he included the song first on his self-titled debut album, not on a Christmas project. The cover by country icons Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd a few years later is likely the most well-known version of the song. But there's something to be said for the first.
While I can find the song a bit overdone and the questions in the song reasonably evident in their answers, it is a legitimate standard and couldn't be left off a list like this. You may know the song itself well, but how familiar are you with this first version to come out?
Amy Grant - "Breath of Heaven"
Co-written with songwriter Chris Eaton (who wrote his lesser-known lyrics for the verses), "Breath of Heaven" by icon Christian contemporary artist Amy Grant is another song that has achieved a wide degree of mainstream popularity. The song's haunting piano hook makes it instantly recognizable. Grant's lyrics form a prayer to God from Mary on the wondrous child growing inside her. While much of Christmas music is fueled by upbeat fun, this is one of the best examples of the quieter type of Christmas music I often prefer. The kind that evokes a sense of awe and wonder. This song's ethereal and soothing melody is enough to transport you back to Mary's journey to Bethlehem. Grant, for her part, has never sounded better vocally than in carrying the slow-building power of this Christmas classic.
4Him - "A Strange Way To Save The World"
While there are several songs from Mary's perspective about Christmas, there are relatively few sung from Joseph's point of view. "A Strange Way To Save The World" by veteran band 4Him is one of those songs. The song imagines what must've been going through Joseph's head during the Nativity story. When you think about it, the setup is a bit wild. Imagine you are engaged to this girl and then discover she is miraculously pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. The song does a fine job of imagining the thoughts that could've been running through Joseph's mind when tasked with being guardian to Jesus and Mary. Like many 1990s ballads, this song leans heavily on emotional melodies that are sure to hit on a lot of nostalgic feelings for those who grew up with Christian music like I did.
David Meece - "One Small Child"
David Meece is an underrated all-star of early Christian music. A classically trained pianist, this guy wrote some of Christian music's most musically dynamic songs in the 1980s and 1990s. One of his most well-known Christmas songs, "One Small Child," marvels at how God sent His son to earth, not with all of His splendor and glory, but as a humble child born in a barn. The song starts slowly before crescendoing into an epic piano ballad of which David Meece is a master. Although this song has been covered multiple times, I would love to see it receive more appreciation.
Cliff Richard - "Santa's List"
British singer Cliff Richard is in a surprising state of having a lot of hits to his name but perhaps not so much name recognition, at least in the U.S. He's been in the music business for many decades and has curated an extensive list of hits across the pond. He has had several hits that are considered classic Christian music. He also has a slew of Christmas hits to his name. Oddly enough, many of those hits were penned by fellow Brit Chris Eaton (the same guy who co-wrote "Breath of Heaven" with Amy Grant). "Santa's List" is one such hit. The original song feels like a thematic sibling of the Grant-popularized "Grown-up Christmas List." The song's signature Chris Eaton style works well with Cliff's vocals. You may very well have missed this song upon its 2003 release. Give it a fresh listen.
Chris Eaton - "Savior's Day"
Mr. Eaton shows up here again.If you still haven't discovered this artist, he's written some of the best original Christmas songs of the past 30 years that you might not have heard. Unfortunately, he has recorded very few of them. One song he did record is "Savior's Day."Singing to the joy the newborn savior brings us, the song is a celebratory anthem for people who have struggled and are still coming together to praise the infant king. The song's joy radiates and provides another classic song that likely flew under your radar.
Twila Paris - "Wandering Pilgrim"
Veteran Christian singer Twila Paris has an underrated Christmas album released in 1990 called It's The Thought. This was one of the many albums in rotation at my house when I was growing up. Twila has a powerful voice that once made her one of the premier names in Christian music. "Wandering Pilgrim" is one of the album's originals, a soft and tender ballad that sings about the refreshment Christ brings to the weary soul seeking him. Given the trials many of us have been through these past few years, it's easy to forget that Christmas represents a fresh chance to renew ourselves in Christ. This song is an encouraging reminder of the release that comes with following the star to the savior.
Did I miss a song? The answer, of course, is yes. Christian music is overflowing with classic original goodies, both renowned and unknown. But that will be enough for this article. For more classic Christian reads, check out my editorials of Christmas albums by Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Rebecca St. James, a classic Christmas artist compilation, and my new one for Michael W. Smith this year. These are only some of the classic Christian Christmas write-ups featured here on the site. Please let me know which classic Christmas songs should be excluded in future articles since this list represents only the tip of the vast holiday music iceberg.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new Christmas novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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