We all have out favorite Christmas songs we know by heart. Some we like because they arouse pleasant or sentimental memories. My top 5 are likely completely different from your faves and the reasons why are, too.
Little Drummer Boy
This is my top pick every Christmas. It was my mother's favorite song by Bing Crosby. The version I prefer features Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Both are now deceased but their perfect pitch lives on.
The song reminds me of past Christmases we had together as a family, and some of the traditions that I follow to this day. One tradition is that we make cake to eat for breakfast with our coffee on Christmas morning. Of course, as I've said before, I know Jesus wasn't born on Christmas Day.
Another tradition my family holds today is opening up one gift on Christmas Eve. Usually it is clothes of some type to wear the next day, but not always. Here in the Philippines a lot of the Filipinos open up all their gifts on Christmas Eve. I find it kind of funny because Filipinos are a sweet people but their sense of time is "just time" and rarely will one ever be on time for an appointment or a meet up.
O Come All Ye Faithful
This comes in at number two for me. I prefer Anne Murray's version, though I think Kelly Clarkson does it pretty well, too.
The song highlights the announcement of the birth of a new king, Jesus Christ. It also speaks of the joy we have in Christ Jesus as believers and the triumph we share with Jesus when He overcame death for all who believe.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
I really like this song. It was tough to out it at number 3 so I'll call it 2 -1/2. Again, it's an old Bing Crosby classic. I guess I've always liked crooners like Bing, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tom Jones, Perry Como, and Michael Buble'.
This is the 1963 version. Most of us weren't even a thought in the minds of our parents when this song was sung, but I assure you that God knew each of us before the creation of the universe.
The Prayer
Hard to put this at #4 but it had to so somewhere. My favorite version is by Marcelito Pomoy. He does the impossible by changing his voice to perfectly imitate both Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.
If you haven't heard this version, it is simply one of the best ever. But there is an other version I can really relate to here:
It features two unlikely contestants who blow the audience away on a show I used to work for: America's Got Talent (though this is the British version where they got their start). The duo is called Charlotte & Jonathan.
Mary, Did You Know?
This song is definitely a fan favorite and the lyrics are powerful. The best rendition I prefer is by the Pentatonix.
The harmony is pretty awesome and the lyrics, as I mention will touch your heart. Just close your eyes when listening and imagine this group singing to Mary.
From my family to your family, have an advanced and very Merry Christmas.
So that's my top five. What are you five favorites and why?
Images from https://pixabay.com/
I'm glad it's not a traditional mainstream list. I honestly didn't know most of it, but what I looked at was such an amazing selection!