Finding joy through music this Christmas season

By Tom Tillman

This season—and every season—we need encouragement, hope and a little Christmas spirit! I encourage you to listen to Christmas music as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child in a world desperately needing the Messiah.

Make it a priority to listen to the beautiful old songs, as well as the many fun Christmas songs available on streaming services such as Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, etc. Some of you may even wish to go old school and get out your old vinyl and record player!

Below are links to a few of my favorite Christmas tunes. And there are many, many more. Get in the spirit! Share some joy! Some of you may even wish to gather a few friends and family and go caroling in your neighborhood!

• It Came Upon a Midnight Clear – Frank Sinatra

I love this one because, well, it is Frank Sinatra, but it’s almost like hearing angels singing in the choir background. When I lead this hymn as a congregation, I always like to do it at a brisk tempo, but the slower pace that Frank does is very beautiful and thoughtful. Lyrically, this tends to focus mostly on the angels, but they were a big part of the event that blessed Christmas Eve!

• O Little Town of Bethlehem – Nat King Cole

Another classic. With this Christmas song, I want to hear Nat!

• O Holy Night – Sandi Patty

"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices!" David Clydesdale captured the excitement of this favorite holiday and Sandi Patty sings it like no other.

• It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Amy Grant

This is one of the happiest Christmas songs there is in my opinion, and Amy’s arrangement has become a classic. I love the large symphonic orchestra and choir that back her up on this!

Find your Christmas songs—those that are meaningful to you this year. Listen to them. Find joy in them. Thank God for the gift of music that we can celebrate the birth of our Savior this season!

Tom Tillman is director of Music & Worship for Texas Baptists.