Modern Christmas Hymns

Merry Christmas to all who gather here! Below are just a few of my favorite Christmas songs that you may not have heard before. While they may not all be well-known classics, I believe they each honor the beauty and awe of the greatest miracle in human history: Our infinite and holy God humbled Himself and took on finite, human flesh in order to redeem His people from their sins!

This list may grow over the years as I discover more, as well! I may even expand it to include especially incredible versions of the classics (there are many). Share your own favorites in the comments!

1. It’s About the Cross (Go Fish, the Ball Brothers)

Let’s kick of this list with one of my absolute favorites!

Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Charlie Brown

That famous question is one that deserves an answer, and while Linus’ recitation of Luke 2 does scratch the surface, it misses the ultimate point, the ultimate reason for Jesus’ birth. This song below gets it!

While I adore the original version above, it is rather limited to Christmas itself (which is totally fine). The Ball Brothers, however, have expanded the scope somewhat in the second verse and I highly recommend this one for an all-year reminder of what everything is all about!

2. This Is Christmas (Kutless)

One of my all-time favorite Christian bands, which has still not (to my knowledge) apostatized like so many others, is Kutless. From hard rock to more reflective title exploring the glory and majesty of our God, their music consistently explores the glory and majesty of our God; it is high, lofty, and God-centered.

These traits are on full display with “This Is Christmas,” a beautiful reminder of why Christmas is celebrated in the first place; they also do some really cool things toward the end, incorporating some more traditional hymns. Worth a listen!

3. Mary, Did You Know (Kutless, Clay Aiken)

Okay, I realize I am cheating a little bit on this one because there is very little chance you have not heard this one; it seems that everyone, from Christians to anti-Christians have covered this tune. But it really is one of my favorites.

The questions posed to Mary in this song are logical and pondering them ourselves can (and should) lead to greater reflection on the majesty and glory of the incarnation. How much did Mary and Joseph know? How would we have responded to the angel’s message that we would parent the Messiah?

The final line of the song rightly reminds Mary (and us), that this baby born in a manger was none other than the Creator of the universe, the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and the great I AM who spoke to Moses and the prophets! How incredible!

I present two versions below because I adore them both, though they have different musical styles. Enjoy!

4. Heaven Has Come To Us (Sovereign Grace)

This was a new one to me, discovered recently when it was beautifully performed by a soloist at my church. Once again, this is a beautiful reminder of exactly what the birth of Christ signifies, the love and grace of our God to come to us, while we were yet sinners!

5. O Come, All You Unfaithful (Sovereign Grace)

This second modern song from Sovereign Grace has significant meaning and impact to me and my family.

While I will not get into detail here, my wife and I have been struggling to have children; this song addresses that pain (and others) directly and seeks to redirect that pain toward the Lord of Peace. Christ has already solved our greatest need: forgiveness in Him!

If you are hurting this Christmas, for any reason, may this song be a blessing to you and your family!

6. The Sweetest Gift (Craig Aven, Piano Guys)

Finally, for those who are entering into the holiday season without a loved one this year, I offer this beautiful piece.

John Schmidt of the Piano Guys lost his daughter, Annie, in 2016. Shortly afterward, he came across this song by Craig Aven on YouTube and it spoke directly to his grieving heart.

Believers in Jesus Christ, those who have been redeemed by His blood, will be reunited once again when we enter into eternity with our King and Savior. But even greater comfort than that is to remember where they are at this very moment: they are with the King of Kings and the Prince of Peace!

Merry Christmas to you all out there! And if you have any modern Christmas songs that you adore, please share them in the comments; I am certain I have missed many myself!