5 After 5, Christmas Song Edition

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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was 5 of your favorite blogs and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here.

Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.

And if you've posted your own 5 After 5 list on your blog, I've turned this series into a link party - so be sure to get your own 5 things added below (or leave your answers in today's comments if you're not a blogger).  I loved reading everyone's comments from last week and I really can't wait to see what you share today!

List 5 of your favorite Christmas songs

If you're following along with my Celebrate the Season series, then you know I think there's a lot of great Christmas music out there.  I mention just about every album these five songs come from and even highlight most of these songs in those posts, but these five are my absolute favorites.

1.  Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)

 

As you can read in this post, there are many Amy Grant Christmas songs that I love.  At least three would show up on my top ten list, but only one soars to the top of my list of five.  

Breath of Heaven is sung from Mary's point of view.  I loved it even before I became a mama, but now that I am one, I love it even more.

It's also one of two songs (this song by Crystal Lewis is the other) that makes me want to get out and skate more than anything else.  I hear its opening strains and I feel like I just have to find some ice and express myself - take a look at this video and maybe what I'm saying will make more sense...

Did you watch it?  When I saw it for the first time, I experienced the same feeling I'm talking about when I hear this song.  If you've ever wondered what my skating style is like, watching that video and listening to this song should help you understand.

Do you have something that stirs you in the same way?  Maybe you have to sing, or dance, or play an instrument, or paint...am I the only one that can relate to this?

2.  You're Here

 

Another song from Mary's perspective, by one of my favorite artists, Francesca Battistelli.  I love this song so much, I keep it on my "favorites" playlist all year long.  You can read a bit more about the whole album in a post of mine here, as well as ideas for a festive activity, book, movie, and faith focus.

3.  Little Drummer Boy

 

There is no song that will make my dad change the radio station faster than this.  It's become such a joke in my family that we laughingly refer to it as his "favorite song."  I never thought much of the tune besides the fact that it can drive my dad crazy, but that was before this version (by Jars of Clay) came out.

So cool.  I especially love the little guitar riff that occurs right in the middle of the clip, if you click the link above.

Read more of what I had to share about Jars of Clay's Christmas album in this post here.

4.  Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)

 

This song is classic Chris Tomlin: he takes something traditional and breathes new life into it - this upbeat tune would make even the rocks cry out and praise God!

That doesn't mean there's not still a place for the traditional hymns, either.  That's one of the things I love about Christmas music:  there are so many different versions of the songs - you could listen to ten Silent Nights in a row and still not feel you heard the same song!

Also, check out this post where I talk a bit more about the whole album, as well as let you in on a super deal that I discovered (that's still available!) to make this music your own.

5.  Do You Hear What I Hear?

 

There are several versions of this song that I really like, but this one by Third Day is especially groovy.  Whenever I hear this song, I can't help but think of my favorite part of my childhood church's Twin Singing Christmas Tree production (see this clip for a sample of a recent performance).  

Picture those two, massive trees hiding in the shadows of a dark auditorium.  The song begins with several hundred voices quietly singing.  When they reach the point in the song where the line "A Star" is sung, the stars light up on the top of each tree.  This is followed by one tree echoing the other, which is further enhanced by the 250,000 lights that blink on and off, depending on which tree is singing at that moment in the song.

The song's momentum continues to build, ending with both trees fully lit and the entire choir singing as one.

It's really something to behold, and this song takes me back to that special memory whenever I hear it.


So, were you familiar with all these choices already, or have I introduced you to some new little ditties?

For next week:

List your top 5 favorite Christmas movies

We've covered the music, next week we'll hit the movies!  I can't wait to see which ones are on your "must see" list every year!


What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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