My previous article looked at some classic Christian Christmas hits of the 1980s and 1990s. Since we're halfway through the 2020s, I suppose the 2000s qualify as a "classic" era too. Here are some Christian Christmas hits from that decade.
Joy Williams - "Here With Us"
Contemporary artist Joy Williams has written a few of the most underappreciated contemporary Christmas anthems, such as "2000 Decembers Ago." "Here With Us" is another one. Proclaiming how mysterious it is that God would incarnate as a tiny baby in such a humble birth. And yet the chorus declares "Hallelujah/Heaven's love reach down to save the world" all the same. This remains one of Christian Christmas music's best-kept secrets and is a must-hear this time of year.
Natalie Grant - "I Believe"
From her first Christmas project of the same name, this original song captures the mystical wonder of the Nativity. Proclaiming belief in the miraculous events we celebrate at Christmas, this song still inspires some 20 years after its release. (And it's a good way to get you in the mood to sample Christian music veteran Natalie Grant's new Christmas album, her first since this project came out.)
Downhere - "Glory To God"
While better known for their Christmas original "How Many Kings," this other inclusion in the Bethlehem Skyline compilation (and later their own Christmas album) is no slouch either. Featuring a more prominent role for Christian rock band Downhere's one vocalist, Jason Germain, this song takes a more direct approach to praise. Germain's softly delivered verses set the stage beautifully in Bethlehem, with other vocalist Marc Martel's vocals bursting through the chorus to give a true Christmas classic. This song highlights perfectly what worked so well with Downhere and their co-vocalists. If you're familiar with "How Many Kings" but haven't dug much deeper, give this one a listen.
Amy Grant - "God Is With Us"
Christian music icon Amy Grant has become one of a select group of artists who haven't just released some Christmas songs and albums, but have become intrinsically associated with the holiday itself. Her Christmas offering is played annually on both Christian and secular radio. And any of her Christmas projects seems to be prepackaged with nostalgia. But some of her most rewarding yuletide cuts aren't from her main Christmas projects. One such song is "God is With Us," from an early 2000s compilation called Gloria. The compilation is a rarity now, but the song has inspired several artists to cover it. Most notably, Casting Crowns covered it on their 2008 Christmas project, Peace on Earth. I'm willing to bet a lot of people think it was a Casting Crowns original. I was first introduced to the song by The Daughters of St. Paul, who covered it. It's a lovely Christmas song and one that should be more well-known amongst Grant's holiday offerings.
Sara Groves - "Child of Love"
A lullaby from Mary to the baby Jesus (lyrically similar to the similarly themed lullaby from the point of view of St. Joseph, by Christian contemporary band MercyMe), this song was a notable inclusion on 2002's City On A Hill: It's Christmastime compilation. Contemporary artist Sara Groves' voice is soft and solemn, and it complements the song's subdued, lullaby-like nature. While many Christmas offerings go for the upbeat and the cinematic, this song's a great one for late-night reflection on the miracle of the Nativity.
Relient K - "Merry Christmas, Here's To Many More"
While "I Celebrate The Day" is the more famous Christmas original from these notorious 2000s pop/punk/rockers, don't overlook this song. While not as overtly religious in its theming, this song is a relevant ballad for those struggling with the holiday season. The most joyful time of year can often be a source of sadness for those struggling with loneliness, a cold reminder of all of the things they feel they lack. But the song shifts to the hope found in Christ and the comfort that can be. "Jesus Christ, has blessed my life to know just who you are/You are my hope."
Capital Lights - "His Favorite Christmas Story"
Capital Lights seemed to be one of Christian rock's new "it children" in the late 2000s, but sadly, their career never really took off after the promise of their debut. Still, they came along just at the right time to score a spot on the X Christmas compilation, a Christmas edition of the X Hits series that served as a rock-centric counterpart to the popular WOW Hits series that was popular during the 1990s and 2000s. This Christmas original tells the story of a man who meets a woman on a fateful Christmas Eve, shares a single dance with her, and then they depart without exchanging names. The man then spends his whole life recounting this story to those he meets along his travels every Christmas Eve. Despite the upbeat musical approach, the story's a bit of a heartbreaker as it proceeds toward its bittersweet final verse. Still, when we have hundreds of versions of "Last Christmas" infecting the airwaves every year, it's nice to see a Christmas song about heartbreak that is refreshingly different and not nearly as obnoxious.
BarlowGirl - "Hallelujah (Light Has Come)"
I feel old calling this one a classic, even though it's turning 17 this year. (Older than I was when it came out.) I remember when it came out. It was a highlight of Contemporary rock trio BarlowGirl's Home for Christmas album, serving as a single and original from the Christmas project. It's slow-building musical approach crescendos into a cinematic, climactic finish that earns it a place among the better Christmas originals of the 2000s. BarlowGirl kinda-sorta came out of retirement (name stylized as Barlow and sans one of the sisters) to record "Auld Lang Syne" last holiday season. Perhaps there's more music in their future yet.
Theocracy - "Bethlehem"
Rock band Theocracy is known for its once-annual (now just periodic) Christmas singles. This is one of their few original Christmas songs, and the only one to actually be featured on an album. While it starts as a simple acoustic-guitar-driven song that feels like something you might hear from contemporary artist Phil Keaggy, the power metal kicks in with the first chorus and doesn't let go. While it's one of Theocracy's less intense songs, it's still a shining example of the overlooked power metal genre. Lead singer Matt Smith's vocals work whether they're soft for the verses or power metal in the chorus and the showstopping finale. The song combines a unique approach, offering the perspective of Simeon and an ode to the little town where Jesus was born. The song provides theological depth rarely found even in Christ-centric Christmas songs, giving those who crave lyrical meat in their Christmas songs a winner of a classic Christmas track.
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. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1285 - Brandon Heath
The singer/songwriter shares the story behind his Christmas song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT LISTS
Christmas Music Preview
New holiday albums and singles you won't want to miss
NEW!NRT LISTS
Christmas Worship 2025
Five new Christmas worship songs you need this year
NEW!WAYBACK
Classic Christmas Vol. 3
A look at classic Christian Christmas originals to add to your playlists
NEW!WAYBACK
Classic Christmas Vol. 4
A look at classic Christian Christmas originals to add to your playlists
