You know the carols that have been around centuries and have about a zillion and a half covers? You also know the songs that are decades old that are themselves cementing themselves into the canon of Christmas standards? Christian music’s contributions are themselves starting to leave such a legacy. Mark Lowry’s “Mary Did You Know” is becoming as famous as the aforementioned centuries old hymns. And contributions from the 80s and 90s CCM (that is, Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven” or Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Christmas is All In The Heart”) are also rightfully on the cusp of such a status, too. Even stuff from about a decade ago, such as Downhere’s “How Many Kings,” are on their way to becoming new classics.
With Christmas music becoming more popular by the year, it is easy for so many songs to get lost in the shuffle. But, there are some that instantly stand out and have a decent change at joining their predecessors in “classic” status down the line.
Here are just a few contenders.
Casting Crowns "Make Room"
Casting Crowns reinvented “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” with a new melody and chorus on their first Christmas album. And it seems to have caught fire. Their second Christmas project came out two years ago as of this writing. Initially, it seemed like “Somewhere In Your Silent Night” could become a new classic with early inclusion on a WOW Christmas compilation and signature Casting Crowns lyrics. Then it seemed liked “Gloria (Angels We Have Heard On High)” would follow in the footsteps of "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day" with its own carol reworking. I even intended to include one of them on this list.
But, this year, the band released the quiet closing track, “Make Room,” as a single. And, the more I hear it on the radio, the more it feels like it may end up being the “classic” from the album. With a worshipful vibe and a timely and challenging message (classic Casting Crowns), it feels like the type of holiday song that could resonate beyond the holiday season. I could definitely see this being the “legacy” song from this EP, even if a few others are my personal favorites.
for KING & COUNTRY "Glorious"
The brothers Smallbone already gifted us a classic in “Baby Boy.” And their rendition of “Drummer Boy” is already legendary. Add their original from a few years back, “Glorious” to the list. This is such a singable and catchy tune that it’s hard to see it not being the type of song to really find a place in the carol canon at some point.
Mallary Hope "Just A Baby (Mary's Song)"
Mallary Hope was a virtual unknown when she released her debut Christmas single, “Just A Baby” a few years ago. The song’s calm and ethereal atmosphere coupled with the words sung from Mary’s perspective call to mind a similar Christmas song from the early 90s made famous by Amy Grant's “Breath of Heaven.” Given enough years of holiday airplay, I definitely could see the warm vibes of “Just A Baby” helping it to follow in the former’s footsteps.
Matt Maher "Glory (Let There Be Peace)"
Matt Maher is continually adding to his growing list of classic worship standards. Adding a Christmas one a few years ago, “Glory (Let There Be Peace)” promises to be another song that will resonate with the Christian community at large. It’s been in the credits of faith-based Christmas films. And, it just carries the “lots of artists will love to cover this song down the road” vibe that many of Maher’s worship standards do. Don’t be surprised to see this one at your next Christmas worship service.
Hillsong "Seasons"
While I am not much for much of the modern “corporate worship” musical genre, Hillsong Worship’s “Seasons” is a unique highlight. With quiet verses that would musically feel at home on a television drama’s closing minutes, the song’s passionate chorus takes on a life of its own. Thematically, the song strives for deeper meaning than either the fun “the holidays are great” type songs, and even many of the worthy songs about the birth of Christ built from common Christmas phrases. The song speaks of the loneliness and negativity we can all feel, but how it is just a season that will pass and just because we are “in the winter” season doesn’t mean God has forgotten us. In a time of year when isolation can become highlighted, this song has room to really resonate with a lot of listeners across the coming years. (Add an Honorable Mention for “Prince of Heaven,” a worshipful cut from the same LP that could also find itself a Christmas staple.)
Francesca Battistelli "Messiah"
Franny had already had a hit Christmas record under her belt when she released a Greatest Hits compilation a few years ago, complete with a new song that found itself on the radio just in time for Christmas. It carries a lot of the same vibes as “Holy Spirit." “Messiah” follows a similar worshipful formula while also enjoying a nice seasonal vibe that could make it ideal for choral arrangements and caroling.
We Are Messengers - God With Us EP
Okay, I am kind of cheating here by including a whole EP. I reviewed this EP when it first came out a few years ago. I liked it a lot at first, but partially due to it missing a track, I didn’t really realize just how special it was until the next year when I saw the band at the K-Love Christmas Tour. The songs just began to really speak to me in a new way. “Joy To The World (From Heaven To Earth)” injects so much energy and originality into the carol, I could easily see it becoming a standard arrangement. The title track is overflowing with passion and accessibility that it stands out among similarly titled songs. Other offerings like “Christ Our King” and this year’s new addition, “This Is Jesus,” each do their own to create a unique and memorable impression on the listener. For me, it’s “Flesh and Bone” that packs the most wallup. It’s a slow-burner of a tune that captures emotion both musically and lyrically, building to a crescendo climax that few songs can touch. These tunes are definitely all songs I could see becoming classics in their own right.
What songs from the past few years do YOU think could become Christmas classics in the future? Sound off over on our Facebook thread here.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1296 - Mary-Clair
A candid conversation about faith, vulnerability, and finding God
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!MOVIE REVIEW Miracle
NRT reviews the new movie after attending the premiere
NEW!SERIES REVIEW
A Night At Wingfeather
We attended the show's premiere of the Angel Studios animated show
NEW!NRT LISTS
Worship Into 2026
Standout new worship releases that invite the Church to sing and reflect
NEW!THE CHH DROP
#261 - Gavin the Hotrod
What's new this week in Christian rap and hip-hop
