Christian contemporary music (CCM) artist Chris Eaton is one of Christian Christmas music's unsung heroes. He's written or co-written several classics. However, since other artists often record his songs, they aren't usually associated with him. Of course, Eaton's voice is an excellent fit for the gentle and melodic holiday season. So when he does record one of his Christmas originals, it's always a treat.
In recent years, I've increasingly delved into his Christmas-themed output. He has quite a few classic hits to his name, and I've loved just about all of them. Rumor is that he's working on a legacy Christmas album, although there haven't been many updates on this since the mention of it broke on his website. We'll surely let you know more details if and when there's an update.
Here's a look at some of his best Christmas songs through the years, whether recorded himself or popularized by another artist.
"Little Town"
Putting new melodies to classic Christmas carols is a popular trend in Christian music. Eaton was one of the first to do it. His reworking of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" has become sort of a classic in its own right. It was popularized by fellow British singer Cliff Richard, as well as recorded by CCM superstar Amy Grant on her first Christmas album. While the original's solemn melody is a timeless classic, it's hard not to fall in love with Eaton's joyful and exuberant arrangement.
"Saviour's Day"
As I've mentioned before, this song is another Christmas classic from Eaton's. Also recorded by Cliff Richard and Eaton himself, this song is a genuine Christmas anthem. With a very iconic hook, the music evokes a hint of Renaissance flair. You'll find yourself singing along to the chorus with a genuine contender for a timeless Christmas carol.
"Breath of Heaven"
The most famous classic on this list. This song was co-written with Amy Grant. Eaton wrote the melody. Amy Grant wrote the lyrics that most people know. (Eaton actually wrote a completely separate set of lyrics that he used in his recording of it, albeit his version was a straightforward worship song rather than a Christmas song.) Grant's version is so well-known that it has become one of the most famous and frequently covered modern Christmas songs. Eaton's melody is truly haunting in the best of ways. It perfectly evokes the reverent atmosphere of the birth of our Lord.
"Emmanuel, God With Us"
Another one co-written with Amy Grant from her Home for Christmas album. This song goes a bit less for the cinematic crescendo and keeps the music in a beautifully subdued sound. The music combines nostalgic Christmas imagery with that of the birth of Christ. The pairing works very well to make this a memorable Grant and Eaton collaboration.
"When Love Came Down"
While Eaton's songs have been popularly recorded by the likes of Cliff Richard and Amy Grant, many 1990s and 2000s CCM artists used one of his songs as one of their own originals. So it wasn't surprising when veteran CCM band Point of Grace recorded this song for their first full-length Christmas album. The song delivers a beautiful invitation for listeners to envision experiencing the first Christmas. Point of Grace's rendition stands out as perfect in its own way. Eaton hasn't recorded his own version. I certainly wish he would. The song is also a popular choice for children's choirs to perform, with its easy-to-sing, lively melody making it perfect for Christmas pageants.
"A Christmas To Remember"
Another of Eaton's songs that Amy Grant first recorded and popularized. This song isn't as well-known as the country superstar duo Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' song of the same name. But it's just as magical. The music evokes several holiday traditions that make the holiday memorable. Grant's version is classic, but I believe Chris Eaton's rendition with his wife, Abby, offers more nuanced and superior qualities. Check this one out for a true underrated holiday gem.
"Santa's List"
Performed by Cliff Richard, the song overflows with Chris Eaton's signature melodic hallmarks. You can tell he wrote it even before checking the credits. Thematically, it's kind to the Christmas song "Grown Up Christmas List," arguing how all of the usual festive trappings of the holiday would take a back seat to truly bringing peace on earth. I included a rare video of Eaton performing the song live since it's also one he hasn't, as of this writing, recorded himself.
"1914, The Carol of Christmas"
I heard and was enamored with this song before I even realized Chris Eaton wrote it. The music performed as a charity single by Military Voices is an epic, atmospheric choral production that weaves in haunting solos and inspiring choral harmonies. It's one of the most underrated Christmas songs of the 2010s and one well worth checking out.
"Now More Than Ever"
One of Eaton's newest Christmas originals, written with songwriter Dave Bell, this song is a timely addition to Eaton's Christmas discography. In the tumultuous past few years, it's easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the bad things that have happened. But these serve to underscore that now more than ever, we need Jesus.
And there's still more than featured in this list. Did we miss your favorite? What is your favorite Chris Eaton-penned Christmas song?
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!
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