You'll find something for everyone in this top selection of Christmas CDs by Christian artists--from contemporary Christmas music choices to classic Christmas favorites, and from children's picks to nostalgic and memorable adult collections.
1. Glory In The Highest (CD - 2009)
Artist: Chris Tomlin
Topping my list this Christmas 2009 is Glory in the Highest, Chris Tomlin's first holiday album and one I hope to find wrapped up in my stocking. As a big fan of Chris Tomlin's passionate, devoted worship style, I know I will treasure this collection. It includes a few traditional Christmas favorites as well as original contemporary music recorded live with Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Ed Cash and Audrey Assad.
Topping my list this Christmas 2009 is Glory in the Highest, Chris Tomlin's first holiday album and one I hope to find wrapped up in my stocking. As a big fan of Chris Tomlin's passionate, devoted worship style, I know I will treasure this collection. It includes a few traditional Christmas favorites as well as original contemporary music recorded live with Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Ed Cash and Audrey Assad.
2. Peace On Earth (CD - 2008)
Artist: Casting Crowns
In 2008, my top Christmas CD pick was Peace On Earth, which also happened to be Casting Crowns' first holiday album. While the collection features several traditional Christmas songs like "Joy to the World," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and "Silent Night," true to their usual form, Casting Crowns presents each one in a unique way. Beautiful harmonies, rich strings and plenty of piano blend together for a very stirring, worshipful arrangement.
In 2008, my top Christmas CD pick was Peace On Earth, which also happened to be Casting Crowns' first holiday album. While the collection features several traditional Christmas songs like "Joy to the World," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and "Silent Night," true to their usual form, Casting Crowns presents each one in a unique way. Beautiful harmonies, rich strings and plenty of piano blend together for a very stirring, worshipful arrangement.
3. The Christmas Collection (CD - 2008)
Artist: Amy Grant
I'm not sure how she keeps it up, but no one knows how to do (and sell) Christmas music quite as successfully as Amy Grant. This new album is the greatest of her greatest Christmas hits, containing some of the best-loved songs from all three of her classic Christmas albums, along with four new numbers. Selections include Grant's popular hits such as "Breath of Heaven," "Tennessee Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," with new song titles, "Jingle Bells," "Count Your Blessings," "Baby It's Christmas," and "I Need A Silent Night."
I'm not sure how she keeps it up, but no one knows how to do (and sell) Christmas music quite as successfully as Amy Grant. This new album is the greatest of her greatest Christmas hits, containing some of the best-loved songs from all three of her classic Christmas albums, along with four new numbers. Selections include Grant's popular hits such as "Breath of Heaven," "Tennessee Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," with new song titles, "Jingle Bells," "Count Your Blessings," "Baby It's Christmas," and "I Need A Silent Night."
4. Christmas Songs (CD - 2007)
Artist: Jars of Clay
My favorite pick for the 2007 Christmas season was this Christmas Songs CD by Jars of Clay. It was the band's first full-length Christmas release, featuring the distinguishing harmonies of one of Christian music's most popular groups. Well-known holiday favorites along with several original pieces, including "The Gift of St. Cecilia," "Peace Is Here," "Drummer Boy," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," and "Gabriel's Message," are combined in a very unique, upbeat celebration of Christ's birth.
My favorite pick for the 2007 Christmas season was this Christmas Songs CD by Jars of Clay. It was the band's first full-length Christmas release, featuring the distinguishing harmonies of one of Christian music's most popular groups. Well-known holiday favorites along with several original pieces, including "The Gift of St. Cecilia," "Peace Is Here," "Drummer Boy," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," and "Gabriel's Message," are combined in a very unique, upbeat celebration of Christ's birth.
5. WOW Gospel Christmas (CD - 2007)
Artists: Various
You won't run out of Christmas inspiration with this 2-disc compilation of 30 gospel greats! From soulful praise to a full choir version of the "Hallelujah Chorus," and from sweet a capella harmonies to classical worship, this WOW Gospel Christmas CD will stir your heart with emotion, bring you to your feet dancing, and on your face in reverence before the King of Kings.
You won't run out of Christmas inspiration with this 2-disc compilation of 30 gospel greats! From soulful praise to a full choir version of the "Hallelujah Chorus," and from sweet a capella harmonies to classical worship, this WOW Gospel Christmas CD will stir your heart with emotion, bring you to your feet dancing, and on your face in reverence before the King of Kings.
6. Noel (CD - 2007)
Artist: Josh Groban
Joy is the theme of this 2007 release from the awe inspiring Josh Groban. You may want to stand amazed or bow in wonder at the gift of Christ as you listen to Josh's rich vocals combined with traditional Christmas carols, classical compositions, contemporary tunes and a few original creations on this 13-track holiday collection.
Joy is the theme of this 2007 release from the awe inspiring Josh Groban. You may want to stand amazed or bow in wonder at the gift of Christ as you listen to Josh's rich vocals combined with traditional Christmas carols, classical compositions, contemporary tunes and a few original creations on this 13-track holiday collection.
7. KidSing! Christmas (CD - 2007)
Artists: Various
This CD from Thomas Nelson will get your kids in the Christmas spirit this season and teach them Christmas music that will remain meaningful throughout their lifetime. Seventeen of the most familiar Christmas carols and favorite holiday hymns make up this cheerful and reasonably priced musical collection for children.
This CD from Thomas Nelson will get your kids in the Christmas spirit this season and teach them Christmas music that will remain meaningful throughout their lifetime. Seventeen of the most familiar Christmas carols and favorite holiday hymns make up this cheerful and reasonably priced musical collection for children.
8. Smooth Jazz Christmas (CD - 2007)
Artist: Various
Jazz up your holiday celebrations with this 2007 release from Star Song. This collection of 11 Christmas favorites is sure to relax and revive you with the smooth and cool sounds of the season, including "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night," "What Child is This?" and even a Spanish version of "O Holy Night."
Jazz up your holiday celebrations with this 2007 release from Star Song. This collection of 11 Christmas favorites is sure to relax and revive you with the smooth and cool sounds of the season, including "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night," "What Child is This?" and even a Spanish version of "O Holy Night."
9. Homecoming (CD - 2007)
Artist: Jim Brickman
Nothing else can stir the soothing, cozy feel of being home for the holidays like the heart-reaching, gentle notes produced only on the keys of a piano. For those quiet, nostalgic holiday moments, a Jim Brickman classic is an absolute essential in my Christmas collection. This Homecoming CD contains 15 songs including, "Thanksgiving," "Coming Home for Christmas" (featuring Richie McDonald of Lonestar), "Bethlehem," "Joy," "Stille Nacht," and "My Angel."
Nothing else can stir the soothing, cozy feel of being home for the holidays like the heart-reaching, gentle notes produced only on the keys of a piano. For those quiet, nostalgic holiday moments, a Jim Brickman classic is an absolute essential in my Christmas collection. This Homecoming CD contains 15 songs including, "Thanksgiving," "Coming Home for Christmas" (featuring Richie McDonald of Lonestar), "Bethlehem," "Joy," "Stille Nacht," and "My Angel."
10. The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs (CD - 2006)
Artists: Various
This collection of Christmas music is inspired by the film, The Nativity Story released in theaters December 2006. The compilation features Christian and Country music artists such as Jaci Valasquez, Amy Grant, Natalie Grant, Jo Dee Messina, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna, Mark Schultz and LeAnn Rimes. Two of my Christmas favorites, "O Holy Night," and "Mary, Did You Know?" are included. I loved this album's country flavor!
This collection of Christmas music is inspired by the film, The Nativity Story released in theaters December 2006. The compilation features Christian and Country music artists such as Jaci Valasquez, Amy Grant, Natalie Grant, Jo Dee Messina, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna, Mark Schultz and LeAnn Rimes. Two of my Christmas favorites, "O Holy Night," and "Mary, Did You Know?" are included. I loved this album's country flavor!
11. Messiah: The Complete Work (CD - 2007)
Artists: John Rutter, The Cambridge SingersSomehow Christmas would feel incomplete for me if I didn't listen at least once to the beautiful Handel's Messiah masterpiece. Recording Messiah for the first time is the great choral conductor John Rutter along with his select chamber choir, the Cambridge Singers, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. They perform the complete original and timeless Handel's Messiah with all of the wonder and majesty it deserves on this outstanding 2-disc set.













