Do You Hear What I Hear?
by Kelly Sheads

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to dust off those decorations, break out the Christmas china, and find that fruitcake recipe. While you’re scurrying around the house, wondering which box contains your favorite light-up sweater, here is some great music to herald the season.

This year, some of your favorite Christian artists are doing their part to make the holidays a time of joy and reflection. Putting their spin on those familiar tunes and introducing new favorites … there’s something for everyone this holiday season.

Both Amy Grant and Point of Grace have put together collections of their favorite tunes from past Christmases that are sure to bring back memories, as well as a few written just for this season.

BarlowGirl, David Phelps, Mandisa, and Faith Hill are sure to wow you with their supreme vocal talents.

Your Christmas parties will be hoppin’ with the fun sounds of pureNRG and Mannheim Steamroller.

If you like your winter nights quiet and reflective, pop in Sara Groves, Fernando Ortega, Sixpence None the Richer or the Annie Moses Band.

You can never go wrong with Casting Crowns or Shane & Shane, as they remind us of why we celebrate this time of year.

If you’re in the mood for a little variety, check out the CDs featuring various artists.

So put another log on the fire, grab that cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and wrap yourself in the sounds of the season. You’ll be glad you did!

For details on what you can expect to hear once you pop in that CD, click on the corresponding albums in the column on the right.

If listening to a CD just isn’t enough and you’d like to hear your favorite songs live, some artists are bringing the Christmas spirit to a city near you.

Click here to find out when Amy Grant and Vince Gill are coming to your town.

Point of Grace and Ronnie Freeman will be crisscrossing the Midwest this season, so be sure to check out www.pointofgrace.net for details.

Michael W. Smith and Melinda Doolittle are again bringing the joy of the holidays to you. Click here for more info.

Casting Crowns may be headed your way with special guests Natalie Grant, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, Avalon, Michael English and pureNRG. Go to www.castingcrowns.com to learn more.

Shane & Shane, Bethany Dillon and Phil Wickham may be stopping by to spread some Christmas cheer. Log onto www.myspace.com/shaneandshane for tour details.

Hitting the road this December will be Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, Sara Groves, and Leeland. Check out www.jarsofclay.com to find out when they’re headed your way.

Once again, the Winter Wonder Slam Tour is bringing the energy of the season to your city. Find out when tobyMac, Relient K, Family Force 5, and B. Reith are headed your way at www.myspace.com/winterwonderslam.

And if you like the live performance, but would rather stay home curled up in a warm blanket, pick up Third Day’s new DVD “Christmas Offerings: Live In Concert” which brings the experience of last year’s tour to the comfort of your living room. Click here for more information.