Unwrap the Season!
by Kelly Sheads

Break out the winter coats, dust off the decorations and chop some logs for the fire. It’s Christmas time! Do you smell pine, peppermint and roasted almonds? Are the trees where you live glistening with snow? Are brightly colored lights silhouetting the rooftops? So many great things come along with this time of year. But think about this:

What really make this special season come to life are the old familiar tunes we hear everywhere we go. They fill the winter air as we rush in and out of shopping malls. They serenade us as we sit by the fire sipping cocoa. … It just wouldn’t be Christmas without “Silent Night” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” Maybe we enjoy hearing these songs every December because they conjure special memories of Christmases past with family and friends. While this may be true, more importantly, these traditional tunes remind us why we even celebrate Christmas.

Four of Christian music’s favorite artists — Michael W. Smith, Bebo Norman, Jars of Clay and Relient K — are celebrating the season with unique compilations. These albums represent various musical styles while the artists’ individual sounds shine through, regardless of the songs’ familiarity. If you’re in need of extra Christmas spirit, check it out — there really is something for everyone on your list!

Michael W. Smith:  It’s a Wonderful Christmas

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With two Christmas albums already under his belt, Michal W. Smith is a pro at bringing the holiday season to life through music. This year he enlisted four amazing choirs, including a 100-voice choir and a 16-member London boy’s choir. Almost every song features a 67-piece orchestra, generating a fullness and depth to the entire collection. Describing the album, Smith says, “It feels like you’re going to get to the end of the record and you’ll want to see the movie. It sounds like a soundtrack.” Containing original songs — with the exception of “What Child is This?” — It’s a Wonderful Christmas is sure to be a holiday collection favorite. If you’d like to experience the album live, Smith may be heading to a city near you this December for the “It’s A Wonderful Christmas” tour, featuring special guests Melinda Doolittle and The Katinas, as well as a full symphony orchestra for your listening pleasure. Visit www.michaelwsmith.com for tour dates.

Bebo Norman:  Christmas…from the Realms of Glory

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Releasing the first Christmas album in his 13-year career, Bebo Norman took his time to make sure this record reflected the true meaning of the season. “This album isn’t just about the feeling of Christmas,” Norman says. “It’s about digging into what Christmas really is. That’s what I wanted this record to communicate.” Including traditional holiday favorites along with several original tunes, Norman weaves his unique musical style into each song. With a deep and thoughtful look into what it really meant for Jesus to enter our world, Christmas…from the Realms of Glory reminds us why we celebrate this time of year, making this album well worth the wait. Visit www.bebonorman.com for more information about the record.

Jars of Clay:  Christmas Songs

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For long-time fans of this band, Christmas Songs may be the best gift they unwrap this year. After all, Jars of Clay has been writing and performing for 12 years before releasing a Christmas album. Adding the band’s distinct flavor to well-known holiday hits, Jars of Clay creatively brings new life to old favorites. Christmas Songs features original tunes, including “Winter Skin” and “Evergreen,” both intended to carry the listener into the quiet of a winter night. “I wanted to have some songs on this record that reminded me of those silent moments … something like a walk in the snow, or a lullaby … these two songs represent a musical expression of the act of escaping the noise and walking into the clear night,” says lead singer Dan Haseltine. With this holiday release, Jars of Clay gives Christmas a fresh sound. If you want to hear the album live, Jars of Clay is heading out with Third Day on the “Christmas Offerings” tour this December. You can visit www.jarsofclay.com to find out when they may be coming to a city near you.

Relient K Let It Snow, Baby…Let It Reindeer

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On Relient K’s Web site, lead singer Matt Thiessen humorously describes the band’s decision to record its first full-length Christmas album. “We just got off a conference call with Santa Claus and baby Jesus … they told us they’d like to hear some new Christmas songs this year.” Not only does this silly story reflect the band’s fun-loving personalities, but it lays the groundwork for the type of record one can expect. By putting a fun spin on Christmas favorites, Relient K ushers in the winter season with high energy and maybe even some laughs. While the album does portray the lighter side of Christmas, the guys aren’t afraid to tone things down once in a while with beautiful harmonies and thought-provoking lyrics. With its 17 tracks, Let It Snow, Baby … Let It Reindeer is sure to brighten your holiday as only Relient K can. Visit www.relientk.com for more information about the album.

Here are other Christmas albums you may want to check out (pictured to the right as listed):

• WOW Gospel Christmas featuring various artists
• One Wintry Night by David Phelps
• What A Wonderful Time by Yolanda Adams
• Songs4Worship Christmas: Joy featuring various artists
• Acoustic Hearts of Winter by Aly & AJ
• Happy Holidays from Vickie Winans Vickie Winans
• Bethlehem Skyline featuring various artists
• Mary, Did You Know? featuring various artists
• Songs of the Season Randy Travis
• Christmas with Johnny Cash Johnny Cash
• Christmas Song by Mannheim Steamroller