FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.

Jesus Is the Reason for the Season: Make a Playlist to Celebrate

Between the tinsel and festive gift wrap, the Christmas cookies and the mistletoe, it's all too easy during the busy holiday season to become distracted by all that is bright and shiny. It's too easy to forget the purpose of Christmas.

Even those among us who are spiritual but not religious probably have fond memories of once attending Christmas church services or participating in a church play or performance as a child. (My younger brother was once a reluctant wise man.)

Celebrate the reason for the season with a playlist of favorite religious Christmas songs by popular pop, rock, country, R&B, and contemporary Christian artists. We have a long list of good ones to start you out.

Reader Poll

1. "Noel" by Chris Tomlin (featuring Lauren Daigle)

This contemporary Christian Christmas song from 2015 celebrates the birth of Jesus. It was written by Chris Tomlin and performed by Lauren Daigle, whose voice is simply inspired. An unsuccessful American Idol contestant in 2010 and 2012, she became a popular Grammy-nominated Christian artist within five years. Listen to this song and you'll understand why.

2. "Away in a Manger" by Martina McBride

Country singer Martina McBride was introduced at a CMT Awards ceremony as “one of the greatest voices ever created by God.” Although this 1998 Christmas carol doesn't showcase her range, she performs it exquisitely.

"Away in a Manger" was first published in the late 1800s throughout the English-speaking world and commonly misattributed to German theologian Martin Luther. It is now believed to be entirely American in origin, however.

3. "Mary's Boy Child" by Boney M

Here's another celebration of the birth of Christ which set the world aglow and made heaven's angels sing. This Christmas song is non-traditional, an upbeat 1981 calypso tune sung by German group Boney M. The group was internationally popular during the disco era.

4. "Angels We Have Heard on High" by Pentatonix

In this Christmas carol, the angels exclaim, "Glory to God in the highest." They gleefully celebrate the newborn King with sweet melodies that exalt the momentous event.

Derived from a French song, this Christmas favorite has been recorded by artists as diverse as REO Speedwagon, The Carpenters, and Christina Aguilera so you definitely have your pick of singers. The a capella group Pentatonix 2012 offers a laudable version.

5. "O Holy Night" by Josh Groban

Josh Groban delivers a masterful performance in his 2002 version of this traditional Christmas carol. It paints the setting for the night of the Savior's birth, describing the manger scene, the wise men, and the hope that Jesus brought to the world.

Especially in these troubled times, it is meaningful to turn to the message of redemption offered in this song:

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.

6. "The First Noel" by Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood's 2007 cover of this simple, joyous Christmas carol lends a light, airy quality to it. The song commemorates the holy birth, describing with wonder the bright Star of Bethlehem.

7. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Barenaked Ladies (featuring Sarah McLachlan)

How ironic that a group named "Barenaked Ladies" can deliver such a memorable performance of this Christmas song, but it absolutely works, particularly with the angelic vocals offered by Sarah McLachlan. If you've never listened to their 2004 rendition, stop what you're doing and give it a try. Together they have transformed one of the oldest Christmas carols (dating to the 16th century or before) into one that fits seamlessly with contemporary culture.

8. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Amy Grant

She may not have the high flying voice of Mariah Carey, but the versatile pop, Christian, country, and pop artist Amy Grant does a lovely job in her 1983 version of this hymn. Dating back to the 1700s, the Christmas song was originally slow and solemn. It also contained several now-deleted verses about Jesus redeeming the entire environment rather than focusing on humanity alone. (I wish they had retained those verses.)

9. "Silent Night" by Kelly Clarkson (featuring Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire)

Listening to this Christmas song, one can almost imagine being in the hushed presence of the newborn Savior. The song highlights the tranquility of the manger setting as the blessed infant is urged to "sleep in heavenly peace."

The 2013 rendition by original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, backed up by two divas of country music, is powerful. "Silent Night" is so culturally significant to Christianity that it was named by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2011.

10. "O Come All Ye Faithful" by Anne Murray

This Christmas hymn is a birth announcement that beckons the faithful to Bethlehem to celebrate the arrival of the newborn King. The richly textured voice of Canadian pop and country singer Anne Murray provides a beautiful 1988 cover of this traditional tune.

11. "The Christmas Shoes" by NewSong

Some might call this original Christian song from 2000 sappy although others may consider it bittersweet and touching. Told from the perspective of a bystander, the Christmas song recounts the tale of a poor little boy who seeks to buy his dying mother a pair of shoes she had been wanting. As he attempts to make his purchase, the child comes up short, but the stranger helps him out so that the boy's mother can have the pair of shoes she wanted in case she met Jesus that night.

12 Ideas for Keeping the Christ in Christmas

12. "Hallelujah (Light Has Come)" by BarlowGirl

This all-female Christian rock group memorializes the birth Christ in this 2008 Christmas song:

Hallelujah! We've been found
A child is born to save us now
Jesus, Hallelujah light has come
A savior set us free.

13. "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by Dolly Parton

Backed up by a choir, country singer Dolly Parton delivers a rousing performance in the 1990 release of this traditional African American spiritual describing the nativity scene. In a celebratory manner, the song encourages the listener to spread the good news of the Savior's birth.

14. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)" by Amy Grant

With its Celtic influences, this 1992 Christian song doubles as a Christmas tune, too. It details the Virgin Mary's thoughts and feelings as she faces impending birth. She is cold, weary, frightened, and confused. Wondering if she is up to the challenge, she asks God for help as the future unfolds.

15. "Mary, Did You Know?" by CeeLo Green

A modern Christmas classic, this tune addresses Mary and asks whether she foresaw that her son would be the Redeemer of mankind. Although recorded by various country, pop, and Contemporary Christian artists, I like this 2012 R&B version because it perfectly showcases CeeLo Green's versatility as an artist. The tune was featured on the 2014 soundtrack for the movie, "Son of God."

16. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" by Norah Jones

This traditional Christmas carol is different in that it doesn't focus on the nativity but rather on war and peace. Singing against the background of a conflicted and pained world, the angels spread their wings and strum their harps. They call for peace and goodwill to all. Norah Jones' 2012 jazz-influenced rendition of this Christmas song is simply dazzling.

17. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Sarah McLachlan

This popular Christmas carol concentrates on a description of the setting in which Jesus was born—Bethlethem and its dark, still streets contrasted against the light of the guiding star that announces the birth of Christ. In her 2006 verion, Sarah McLachlan's voice is so heavenly it simply floats, perfectly capturing the emotion of the setting she describes.

18. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Whitney Houston

No one could match the heavenly voice of Whitney Houston when she was in her prime. This 1995 release by the late pop diva lends an impressive vocal range to the 1962 Christmas song. It was written about the threat of nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis and features a little lamb telling a little shepherd boy to pray for peace.

19. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Casting Crowns

This Christmas song is based on a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the era of the American Civil War. Wadsworth endured personal heartbreaks, including a house fire that left him severely burned and killed his beloved wife. He was also left crestfallen by his son's sudden enlistment in the war and subsequent battle wounding.

The song initially echoes the poet's personal despair: "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men." However, it then takes a more joyous turn with the rediscovery of hope:

God is not dead, nor doth he sleep,
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.

The 2008 rendition of this song by contemporary Christian group Casting Crowns is splendid, particularly with a children's choir as backup.

Reader Poll

20. "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill

A contemporary Christmas song that was written by the singer, this 2008 religious holiday song concentrates on Mary's perspective. The opening stanzas describe an unwed

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what's to come.

It isn't until the middle of the song that the listener learns that the young mother-to-be is actually Mary. With the birth of the newborn King, she appreciates that a baby changes everything.

Even More Religious Christmas Songs by Popular Artists

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: Can you identify a song which is sung by Mary asking God not to take her Son?

Answer: I believe the song you reference is "He's My Son" by Mark Schultz (2000). Here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l09AJ9lXSE

Question: There is a Christmas song that says as part of the chorus, "Jesus, this we remember your birthday." What is the name of the song?

Answer: This is the name of the Christmas song that you want: "Come On, Ring Those Bells" by Evie Tornquist (1977)

Sample lyrics:

Come on, ring those bells,

Light the Christmas tree,

Jesus is the king

Born for you and me.

Come on, ring those bells,

Every-body say,

Jesus, we remember

This your birthday.

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NruxzInhTs

Question: My church will be singing "The Best Present of All" for our nativity I have the lyrics but need the sheet music, can you help?

Answer: On the following website, you can get the sheet music and lyrics for this song and other worship music by creating an account. I don't know whether this song is in the public domain or if it's copyrighted. If it's copyrighted, they'll charge you. However, I couldn't find the sheet music anywhere else: https://songselect.ccli.com/Songs/785063/the-best-...

Question: What is a praise and worship song that has the lyrics, “Sleep baby Jesus, rest your weary head"?

Answer: The song you seem to want is "Mary's Prayer" by Bebo Norman (2007). Note, however, that instead of weary head this is weary eyes. Here are the lyrics and YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMyTRy6MshE

Sleep baby Jesus, close Your weary eyes

Hide Yourself in faithful dreams before You live Your life

And slip away to Heaven and rest in gentle peace

Never to awaken the Lord Your soul to keep

'Cause Your feet will walk on water

Your eyes will pierce the dark

And Your heart will save the souls of men

Your hands will bear the scars

Sleep baby Jesus, for now Your time has come

To heal the wounded leper, to calm the raging storm

With perfect steps of perfect grace You leave behind Your fear

And walk along these dusty roads though Your fate is clear

'Cause Your feet walked on water

Your eyes pierced the dark

And Your heart will save the souls of men

Your hands will bear the scars

Sleep baby Jesus, my Father and my child

Beneath this broken cross of sin stained with men's denial

And though You now are breathless with thorns upon Your head

Your body has been broken so Your children can be fed

Cause Your feet have walked on water

Your eyes have pierced the dark

Your heart has saved the souls of men

But Your hands now bear the scars

And Your feet have walked on water

Your eyes have pierced the dark

And Your heart has saved the souls of men

Your hands now bear the scars.

Question: Do you know the title or singer of the song with the following chorus? “All year long, we must worship day by day / All year long is the season to obey. / May the Christmas tree lights and the sleigh rides at night remind us all to stay / In God’s presence all year long.”

Answer: Yes, the song is called "All Year Long" by Larnelle Harris (1988), and here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fstm9hOIuyQ, as well as the lyrics:

He braced the old ladder with all of His might

And shouted, dad have no fear

As I stretched high to store the stockings and trim

In the attic for another year

We were busily packing our Christmas away

While singing a carol we knew

When I heard my son in innocence inquire

Do we store away Jesus too?

All year long

We must worship day by day

All year long

Tis the season to obey

May the Christmas tree lights

And the sleigh rides at night

Remind us all to stay in God's presence

All year long

I smiled at my boy as again, I explain

God's longing to reconcile

How He gave to the world the gift of new life

When His yearning became Mary's child

Though surrounded by all of man's goods we embrace

The hope of that Bethlehem night

We will never store this blessed gift away

With the tinsel and colored lights.

Question: What song starts off, "Mary did you know?" Who sang that?

Answer: "Mary, Did You Know?" is a Christmas tune sung by CeeLo Green (2012), but it's been covered very beautifully by a number of other artists as well.

Question: I'm looking for a song, but I'm not sure of the name. It might be, "Welcome Him" or "Let Him Come In." Can you help?

Answer: There is a song called "Let Him In" by Bishop Ronald E. Brown. The Gospel Legends, a young gospel group, cover it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jT7_XLFBMA. If this isn't what you're looking for, perhaps you could offer some key lyrics from the song.

Question: Who sings the song, "Christ Is Born?"

Answer: At least two artists have released it, Perry Como in 1968 with the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_ZFIsa9THg Another version is by The Carpenters (1978): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjvwcFJg6Og.

Question: What is the song that has the words "the beauty of Christmas" in it?

Answer: There's a song by an artist called Our Voyage that is called "Thankful." I could not find a YouTube link to it, but here are the lyrics:

Woke up, Christmas morning

Didn't quite know what was going on

but one thing I knew was

Everyone was here

I could feel it in the air

Loving hearts that care

Oh, the memories they knew about you

The beauty of Christmas isn't things

It comes from the hearts of the family.

I'm thankful, so thankful

To celebrate this day

That our Savior, Jesus was born on earth

And through Him, we are saved.

Looked outside the window

Last night's snowflakes on the ground

Everyone looked at each other's shining faces

and said, "Come on,

bundle up, it's time"

For what? They knew.

I said, "Let's go sledding outside."

I'm thankful

To celebrate this day

That our Savior, Jesus was born on earth

And through Him, we are saved

Thank you, Jesus, for the sun

Thank you for everyone

Thank you for the warmth

And coziness the fire brings

The air I breathe at night is cool,

Thanks for winter

Then you'll understand when you appreciate everything

I'm thankful

To celebrate this day

That our savior, Jesus, was born on earth

And through Him, we are saved.

Question: What hymn has the lyrics, "snow, snow, snow" in it?

Answer: Try the song by The Merrymakers called "Snow Snow Snow" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhCkCqvg6c8. Or a traditional hymn, "In the Bleak Midwinter." This latter song has the words "Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow." It's not precisely what you're looking for but is a traditional hymn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0aL9rKJPr4

Question: I'm looking for a Christmas song about Mary talking to baby Jesus that goes,"I know you are just a baby, so innocent and new. When I look into your eyes and suddenly you smile." What is the title of the song?

Answer: The closest I could find to that song is a very lovely song called "Just a Baby (Mary's Song)" by Mallary Hope. It doesn't have the precise lyrics you recall but the lyrics are below, and here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kin-va4e1uo

Breathe, just breathe

I can hear the chaos outside

All the fear that fills up my mind

Peace, You bring me peace

The kind that I have never known

To face the journey we are on

Here inside this stable, on this cold December night

I wrap my arms around You, hold my miracle so tight

A baby, You're just a baby

Who came to change the world

And save the hearts of everyone

King above all kings, hear the angels sing

You're worshipped and adored

'Cause You are so much more than just a baby

Hands, tiny little hands

One day You will heal the scars

Of every broken heart

Love, oh, how You'll love

From now and through eternity

Love will be Your legacy

But right now in this stable, on this cold December night

I'll wrap my arms around You and keep You safe tonight

A baby, You're just a baby

Who came to change the world

And save the hearts of everyone

King above all kings, hear the angels sing

You're worshipped and adored

'Cause You are so much more than just a baby

Round yon virgin Mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

People came from near and far

Following the star to see Your face

A baby, You're just a baby

Who came to change the world

And save the hearts of everyone

King above all kings, hear the angels sing

You're worshipped and adored

'Cause You are so much more than just a baby

You're more than just a baby, yes

You're more than just a baby.

Question: What Christmas song has the lyrics, "all the wonder of the Savior is my Christmas prayer"?

Answer: Although I could not find an exact match in an extensive search of several lyrics databases, I'm wondering if the following song is possibly it? "The Christmas Blessing" by New Song (2010) contains the similar lyrics, "Oh, the wonder of it all / This is my Christmas blessing / This is my Christmas prayer." Oftentimes, people mishear or misremember songs so I'm hoping this is it. The full lyrics and the YouTube link follow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOgg-0foB1Q

I remember our first Christmas

We were young and so in love.

Nothing to give, but we had each other

Somehow that was more than enough

I remember how I held you

Said I'll never let you go

Now here we are, another year, another Christmas

And there's something you should know.

This is my Christmas blessing

This is my Christmas prayer

No matter where the years would take us

Love would find us there

This is my Christmas promise

This is my gift to you

Forever we will be together

God will see us through

And you'll have me, and I'll have you.

I know that heaven sent her to me

I know that love's a gift from God

Am I a marked man every Christmas

Oh, the wonder of it all

This is my Christmas blessing

This is my Christmas prayer

No matter where the years would take us

Love would find us there

This is my Christmas promise

This is my gift to you

Forever we will be together

God will see us through

And you'll have me, and I'll have you.

Christmas is a time for us

To care for ones we loved

To show how much we love him

Because God first loved us.

This is my Christmas blessing

This is my Christmas prayer

No matter where the years would take us

Love would find us there

This is my Christmas promise

This is my gift to you

Forever we will be together

God will see us through

And you'll have me, and I'll have you.

© 2017 FlourishAnyway

Comments

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 11, 2020:

Peggy - I'm so glad you enjoyed this Christmas in April playlist. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful Easter!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 11, 2020:

Finally! You have a list here in which just about every song is well-known by me. Your ideas of how to keep the Christ in Christmas are all good ones.

Robert Sacchi on December 17, 2019:

Thank you and Season's Greetings.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 17, 2019:

Bob - I appreciate your stopping by. Hope your holiday season is a happy one.

Robert Sacchi on December 16, 2019:

Thanks for the list and the videos. It's a mixture of old memories and new songs.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 30, 2018:

George Xu - Thank you for the recommendations\ which I have added. Have a Happy and healthy New Year!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 26, 2018:

Danielle - Thank you for your kind comment and for sharing your custom holiday greeting. Offering people blessings of peace in these tumultuous times is a very loving thing to do. May you and your family have all the peace and good will that you wish for others.

Danielle on December 26, 2018:

I use "Happy Christmas and Peace to You and Yours". Some think it a bit long winded and some are taken back because it is not the expected greeting nor reply but I just don't have a shorter version in my heart to cover the intent behind it though I sometimes shorten it to 'Happy Christmas and Peace'. I love your page here, thank you for sharing it. I was looking for religious Christmas songs for myself and children to sing together for a devotional.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 25, 2018:

Pam - Merry Christmas to you as well!

pam on December 24, 2018:

I say, Have a blessed Christmas!

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 21, 2018:

KC - Thanks for expressing your favorite. You may want to check out the "Who Sang It Best?" article for "Mary Did You Know?" in which various cover versions and the original are compared, ranked and voted upon by readers. Merry Christmas. Go to my profile page and look at the list of articles to try to find it.

KC on December 21, 2018:

Mary dof you know is my favorite Christmas song.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 04, 2017:

Bill - I'm with you! Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on December 03, 2017:

Definitely the eating.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 22, 2017:

Patricia- It’s so hard to believe that the holiday season is here again already. It’s such a joyous time. I hope you are doing well. Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! And thanks for pinning. Have a wonderful holiday season.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on November 22, 2017:

Christmas cookies and festive feasting

the music, the merriment, and too much together time with loved ones

Jesus -- just Jesus

the presents, of course! I could not pick one...because it is some of each of these....love this time of the year when the kinder gentler side of even the grumpiest emerges.... love the secular and the religious music so much....music just takes me to another place....once again Angels are on the way ps pinned

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 22, 2017:

MomsTreasureChest - So you were the other person listening to that station! Me too! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful holiday.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 22, 2017:

Yves - My thoughts exactly. Why all of a sudden have a problem with the series starting with the one that has Jesus quotes and photos? Oh well.

I hope you and yours have a fabulous Thanksgiving with all of the best there is to offer. I'm usually so excited that on Thanksgiving I already have the Christmas decorations down from the attic and can barely wait. Sounds like you have beat me to it with your gift wrapping! Of course, I only have one child (a teen who will leave the nest soon), but I volunteer a lot with 200 teens at her school. So fun this time of year!

Yves on November 22, 2017:

Flourish, I'm disappointed that HP would refuse you unless... Times have changed in so many ways. You are very selfless to leave things as they are. Well then... phooey on them!! Your lists and everything else on this hub were great!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, my dear lady. Today I wrapped a bunch of Xmas presents. I'm ready to party...and give thanks for the reason for the season. :)

MomsTreasureChest on November 22, 2017:

A great list of songs, thanks for sharing. The music of the season puts joy in my heart. One local station started playing Christmas songs the first week of November; which is a bit early for some, but I enjoy them.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 21, 2017:

Yves - Thank you so much for your kind comment. An HP editor refuses to put this on Spinditty unless I take the photos with religious quotes out, as well as the map with locations and poll. I decided to just let it be. Your kind comment encouraged me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Christmastime is almost here!

Yves on November 21, 2017:

I really appreciated your List of Ideas, especially #9: Helping out a single mom. As for the Xmas songs, there are so many to choose from. Yay! My favorite might be "Joy to the World" because it's so doggone happy and uplifting. As always, another wonderful list, Flourish.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 20, 2017:

Catherine - I love your candor and practicality. I don't have religious feelings, especially Christian ones like my siblings, but I wrote this for many of my readers who do feel the special religious meaning of Christmas. I do like those songs though for the same reasons you do. It reminds me of my childhood. The closest I come to spirituality is in nature.

Catherine Giordano from Orlando Florida on November 20, 2017:

I don't keep the Christ in Christmas. I celebrate it as a secular holiday. Nonetheless, I like to hear the Christmas classics this time of year. Nostalgia, I guess.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 17, 2017:

Jo - What a lovely family Christmas tradition! I love Christmas music and the entire holiday season, although when it's over, I'm the first to have all the boxes down from the attic to pack up and put it all away. I added "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" as #42.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jo Miller from Tennessee on November 17, 2017:

I love the songs of Christmas, all of them. For years we decorated our Christmas tree to the strains of Emily Lou Harris singing Little Drummer Boy because we had a little drummer boy ornament that was the first item we placed on our tree. Nothing says Christmas for me now quite like Emily Lou Harris singing Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 16, 2017:

Kari - Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed this list! Have a rum-pum-pum-pum holiday season!

Kari Poulsen from Ohio on November 16, 2017:

Wonderful selection of tunes! I think my favorite is "The Little Drummer Boy". I first saw the animation as a child and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. :)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 16, 2017:

Mary - Thank you for your thoughtful comment. We enjoy both as well. Have a lovely week.

Mary Wickison from Brazil on November 16, 2017:

Another wonderful collection of songs. I personally feel no Christmas would be complete without religious songs.

With so much commercialization during the holiday season, these songs make everyone stop and reflect.

I think people can be too adamant one way or the other. Both religious and non-religious songs have always played in our household.

Great list and timely for people to get their Christmas playlist in order.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 16, 2017:

Kyriaki - Thanks for stopping by. This one is a follow-up to a non-religious holiday playlist for the "Happy Holidays" gang. Hope you are doing well!

Kyriaki Chatzi on November 16, 2017:

Even though I'm more of a "Happy Holidays" person (you never know what the person beside you believes in), I can't help but congratulate you on this list. It's a great reminder that Christmas is all about focusing on something spiritual and not presents. Even though I don't mind the occasional cookie. ;)

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 16, 2017:

Linda - It can be nice to mix it up on occasion with different voices. I've discovered so many new ones that I like. Hope you have found one or two that please the ear as well. Thank you for the kind comment, and have a wonderful week.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 16, 2017:

Devika - Thank you for your kind comments. Have a joyous holiday season.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on November 15, 2017:

Your list of songs inspires music to my ears. I enjoy listening to music and the choice for this time of year.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on November 15, 2017:

You've included many of my favourite Christmas songs in this article, Flourish, though I listen to them performed by other artists. Your article is a lovely reminder of the nearness of the Christmas celebration.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on November 15, 2017:

I wish we could give a thumbs up on comments on Hubs as we can on questions or the forums. Just sayin'

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 15, 2017:

Heidi - Thanks for the kind kudos. I've added Beyonce's version of the song (sorry to Babs Streisand) as #41. Hope you're having a wonderful week.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 15, 2017:

Shyron - Thank you for that suggestion! I have added it as #4o. Thinking of you. I hope you are doing well.

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on November 15, 2017:

Good followup to the non-religious holiday tune list! While most of my faves on that list, I gotta admit that my fave versions of the religious classics are Barbra Streisand's Christmas album renditions of Silent Night, Ave Maria, and The Lord's Prayer. Hard to believe that album is about 50 years old. Yikes!

Anyway, great list, as always! If I don't connect prior, have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on November 15, 2017:

Where is the line to see Jesus? I love this song.

Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee

a little boy tugged my sweater looked up asking me

Where is the line to see Jesus? Is he here at the store?

If Christmas is his birthday, why can't we see him any more.

This song will make you cry.

I love Christmas songs and this is one of my all time favorites.

Blessings my friend.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 15, 2017:

Dora - I'm so happy you enjoyed this. I wrote it with you and several others in mind.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 15, 2017:

Larry - I'm a more general holiday wisher, too, because I live amongst a lot of people who are of different faiths. A lot of times you just don't know, so I tend to default with the general term unless I know more about the person.

Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on November 15, 2017:

Wonderful list, as always. I'm going to focus on a tangent that bothers me regarding Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays.

There is nothing anti-Christian with using the term Happy Holidays. There are a boatload of holidays this time of year.

I tend to tell people Merry Christmas when they're celebrating Christmas on Chrismas or Christmas Eve. Otherwise it's happy holidays because that's more accurate.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on November 15, 2017:

Pleased that your article promotes Jesus as the reason for the season. Of course, I like the merriment and togetherness, but the joy and peace we sing about is because of Him. Listened to Chris Tomlin. The Pentatonix are my favorite in your line up. Thanks for a great Christmas list.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 15, 2017:

Bill - I agree that it's a beautiful song. Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on November 15, 2017:

"May Did You Know" will forever be one of my favorite all-time songs...not just Christmas but all genres, all times. I think it is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever written.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 14, 2017:

Anna - My husband loves that classic movie, too. We have to watch it at least a couple times every Christmas season and have kept our old VCR simply so we could play it. Have a terrific week! Thanks for stopping by!

Anna Haun from USA on November 14, 2017:

Such a nice list of songs. I enjoyed them all. Somehow I just knew you would make a wonderful list of songs to enjoy to remind everyone the true meaning of Christmas. If you do a movie list my favorite is "Its A Wonderful Life" every year I look forward to watching the movie, I wore the VCR tape out.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 14, 2017:

Linda - There were several artists (and Pentatonix was the primary example) that presented a challenge in that they sang many songs very well. But on the other hand, I wanted to provide some variety as well. Thanks for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed this.

FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 14, 2017:

Tamara - Glad you like this so much. Although I am not religious myself, I can sing all these songs (especially the high notes!) with the best of them and dearly love the religious songs as well as the non-religious ones. Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays, and all that to you and yours.

BBYCGN from Uninhabited Regions on November 14, 2017:

Okay, this is the song list I’ve been waiting for, and I just knew that Flourish would be the one to deliver these beautiful songs in which I take so much delight in! Thank you, my friend!

I was so happy to see in the poll that most still say: Merry Christmas, as I do!

I could not vote on first poll because all of them fit, except very last humbug answer.

Jesus is The Reason for The Season, indeed!

Love & Hugs,

Tamara

P.S.- My favorite is “Little Drummer Boy”.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on November 14, 2017:

What a beautiful compilation. My favorite from your list is #15, but I like the version by Pentatonix. They are such a great acapella group. Everything they do sounds amazing. Thank you for this playlist. I'll bookmark it--it should be good inspiration as I write Christmas-themed recipes.