As we explore Christian Christmas music more deeply, we see that the genre offers an abundance of timeless treasures that continue to inspire and uplift. While Volume 1 explored some of the most beloved songs by classic Christian artists, countless others deserve the spotlight.
In this continuation, we’ll highlight more unforgettable tracks that capture the heart of the season, blending profound messages of faith with the joy and wonder of Christmas. Whether you’re rediscovering old favorites or discovering new ones, these songs will deepen your appreciation for the true meaning of the holiday.
Downhere - “How Many Kings”
It’s pretty amazing how a song from a little-known Christmas compilation from a then-fledgling Christian music label became the most successful song for the Canadian band Downhere. Originally from the Bethlehem Skyline compilation, “How Many Kings” muses how, of all the kings and rulers in the world, only one gave his only son for us. And gave him not in some earth-shattering battle, but sent him to earth as a child in the most humble places.
Vocalist Marc Martel wrote this song, and it was so popular that it was used on several of the band’s subsequent projects. It was sung at concerts all year round despite the Christmas theming. To this day, it’s arguably the band’s most successful and well-known song and still a staple of Christian Christmas playlists. Despite the song now being old enough to vote, it has stood the test of time to become a legitimate classic.
Jars of Clay - “Bethlehem Town”
Originally from City on a Hill: It’s Christmastime, this song speaks about Mary and Joseph appreciating the moment when Jesus is safe and warm as a baby, despite the shadow of what He would one day do ultimately hanging over him. The contemporary band Jars of Clay was significant in Christian music for a good decade, and this song exemplifies why. Lead singer Dan Hastletine’s vocals are instantly captivating in their soft delivery, and the band’s low-key approach makes for fine reflective musical listening perfect for quiet evenings by the fireside.
Krystal Meyers - “King of Angels”
From a little-known compilation called Come Let Us Adore Him that more or less played as a sequel to the City on a Hill Christmas albums. Rock vocalist Krystal Meyers was a hot new player in Christian music for a few years in the latter half of the 2000s. With an aggressive brand of rock-edged Christian pop, she enjoyed a nice run of hits. Less known was her original contribution to this album. Lyrically, the song’s standard Christian Christmas fare, but with a more rock-driven delivery, gives it the energy to stand out from the pack.
Newsong - “The Christmas Hope”
It's different from the inclusion you might expect from the Christian contemporary band Newsong. At the same time, most known to Christmas music listeners for a specified sad song that people either love or detest, Newsong has a pretty deep collection of Christmas songs. This one, co-written with famous contemporary singer Matthew West, has always stood out. An encouraging Christmas anthem for those who fight depression and loneliness during the holidays, it reminds us all that Jesus is our hope and that He is the light that will guide us home. For those who might’ve been jaded by Newsong’s specific tale of a dying mother, perhaps this song is just the remedy you need to give the band’s Christmas repertoire another chance.
Phil Keaggy - “And On That Day”
An underrated and lesser-known song from one of Phil Keaggy’s regular non-seasonal studio albums, this song tells the story of the Annunciation to Mary and the story of John the Baptist’s birth. These stories illustrate how “on that day was put in motion the means of our redemption…through the young and Blessed Mary came the greatest gift of all.” Other than in the song’s bridge, "And On That Day" remains a relatively low-key acoustic number, with Keaggy’s restraint on the song serving to help its simple message resonate. While it may not have been marketed as a Christmas single, it’s an appropriate inclusion for the Christmas season.
Joy Williams - “2000 Decembers Ago”
I loved this song from the first time I heard it. Something about it, the opening beat or the anthemic delivery, makes you stop and pay attention. The song asks if anyone could have looked at the baby Jesus and seen only a child, not the king he was. The song’s musicality evokes the cold and dark night Jesus was born. Pop artist Joy Williams sounds flawless here, and the song is an underrated gem that you would do well to give a fresh listen to.
MercyMe - “Joseph’s Lullaby”
In Volume 1 of this article, I mentioned how songs sung from Joseph’s perspective were comparatively rare. This is another lullaby to the newborn baby that Jesus sang from St. Joseph’s perspective. Its title implies a certain depth. As a new father, I appreciate the song’s simple and soothing delivery. It is an acceptable conclusion to famous contemporary band MercyMe's more upbeat and fun The Christmas Sessions.
Relient K - “I Celebrate The Day”
“And the first time that you opened your eyes, did you realize that you would be my savior/and the first breath that left your lips/did you know that it would change this world forever.” It’s this chorus that carries this song to classic status. While known for their more playful and witty songs, this profound Christmas ballad from the punk rockers Relient K still stands as one of their crowning achievements. Simple questions and subsequent confessions of faith offer a profound and meaningful meditation for the holiday season.
Todd Agnew - “Did You Know”
Volume 1 of this article mentioned a particular song that asks what Mary knew. The above two songs on this list touch on asking what Jesus knew. But this song takes that theme and takes it to the next level. "Did You Know?" Dares to ask, “How much heaven and earth were in this baby at his birth?” It’s a thought-provoking question, and contemporary artist Todd Agnew is known for theologically challenging songs. His mighty vocal delivery hammers the song home even more, and his imagery offers potent imagery that is hard to get out of your head. “Did the cross cast a shadow over your cradle/did you shudder each time your hammer struck a nail?” Look no further than this song for Christmas music with some more challenging and meaty lyrics.
Yes, the number of quality Classic Christian Christmas songs (let alone all the ones that will one day be classic) still needs to be more apparent. What songs would you want to see in a future list? If you missed it, you can check out Vol. 1 here.
J.J. Francesco has been a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new Christmas novel, When Miracles Can Dream, is out now! ChatGPT helped with this article.
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