I love the Christmas season! I genuinely enjoy the time spent with family, glittering decorations, fun-filled parties, gift giving, must-see movies, scrumptious recipes… the whole experience evokes something uniquely joyful in my heart.
At the top of the list of my favorite things about Christmas is the music! I own more Christmas music than any other genre. There are a number of artists’/composers’ albums that I spin every year, without exception: The Carpenters, Harry Connick Jr., Amy Grant, David Foster, The Chipmunks (don’t judge me!), Take Six, The Tijuana Brass, Andy Williams, George Frederick Handel, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and many more! Even more than these and countless other artists, I adore the carols of Christmas! These timeless treasures have a special way of indelibly imprinting our hearts and souls. Here is a short list of only a few of those that I cherish:
The simplicity of the music draws me in and moves me every time I hear it.
The poetic and poignant lyric is brilliant complimented by a contemplative melody.
– Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming
The well-crafted lyric and Germanic tune stir my heart with passion.
– It Came Upon the Midnight Clear / O Little Town of Bethlehem
Both of these carols are filled with inventive and inspiring harmonies, which I find refreshing and heartwarming.
This song, like very few others, lifts my heart and awakens my soul to rejoice and sing.
Part of what makes carols so endearing to me is the mysterious way that memories of specifically significant performances and/or gatherings are mingled with the music in my heart. At the instance I hear or sing many of these songs, I am supernaturally transported to another time and place.
Ultimately, carols build a bridge across more than two thousand years and call us all to worship the Christ Child in the manger. These songs connect us to the redemptive and merciful heart of God.
What are some of your favorite carols? What makes them special to you?
Craig Adams is Director of Creative Development and Publishing for LifeWay Worship. He is a devoted husband, father of two, and member of Brentwood Baptist Church. His life-long hobbies include tennis, landscaping, any excuse for a laugh and a cup of coffee, and all things Disney. Craig can be found on Twitter @craigadams_lww and on facebook.com/craig.adams.927.
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