This year, more than ever, I have been savoring an overwhelming number of new Christmas albums released by Christian artists, and I have enjoyed singing along with the original and traditional Christmas songs of the faith that have emerged. 

 

Looking back over the past 15 years, these are my top 10 recordings of my favorite traditional Christmas songs. I'd love to read about any recordings I may have missed, so please leave a comment if you have few minutes.

May the Lord bless you and your family this blessed Christmas season!

 

I love everything this band does and if hearing Tim Skipper's stellar vocals rise to proclaim "Israel" wasn't enough, in true Heroes fashion they reeled me in with a ripping guitar part.  This version from ‘Tis the Season to be Gotee is too good to just play in December. I'll be playing this one all year long.

 

I think I have more recordings of this song and "Silent Night" than any other song and after many careful listens, I determined that Big Daddy Weave's take on this amazing hymn of faith "O come let us adore Him" from Christ Is Come is my favorite musical arrangement and Mike Weaver's vocals are excellent.
 

One of my all-time favorite Christmas songs from Advent Christmas Vol. 2 and this version is incredible. The song starts quietly but rises to an incredible crescendo with ringing bells and Coldplay-like guitar riffs. Eric Owyoung sings with passion as the song declares, "pray for peace people everywhere." 

 

Many artists include this song on their Christmas albums and it is an amazing song of faith. The first verse floors me, "Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth." This is one of the most worshipful songs ever written and worthy of our King, Jesus. This very reverent recording will have you hanging on every word that Laura tenderly sings. Her vocals will soothe your soul and the vertical lyrics will all direct your attention on our King, Jesus. The song was recently released as a digital single.
 

Phil is my male vocalist of the decade and his entire Songs for Christmas album is phenomenal. His version of this song is a stand-out track for me with Phil's signature musical stamp and incredible vocal passion. You'll be singing and clapping along with this great upbeat recording of an incredible song of faith.

"Angels We Have Heard On High" by Third Day

My youngest of three daughters, Bethany, is 6 years old, and she loves to sing the "Gloria" chorus of this song. It comes right from Luke's Gospel account. Mac Powell belts out this version in true Third Day musical and vocal form from Third Day's excellent Christmas Offerings album.
 

I grew up listening to Amy Grant's Christmas albums and her recordings of "Tennessee Christmas" and "Breath of Heaven" are all-time favorites. This might be the most famous Christmas song ever and Amy's incredible vocals and reverent recording on the O Come All Ye Faithful album makes it my favorite version.

 

I love this band who recently announced their retirement and How Many Kings is an amazing Christmas album which includes a fantastic version of this wonderful song. Marc Martel and Jason Germain harmonize beautifully to deliver a perfect vocal and musical rendition of this song.

 

Peace on Earth is another great Christmas album and along with "While You Were Sleeping," this is my favorite song. Mark Hall's vocals are tender and reflective and put me there at the birthplace of Jesus.

 

Rebecca's Christmas album is still in heavy rotation for me for over 15 years now and her new recording of this classic hymn appears on the 2010 Essential Christmas album.  Don't miss it!