Don't get me wrong, I love fun Christmas songs! Simple melodies about snowfall, cookies, and holiday parties really brighten my mood and put me in the Christmas spirit! However, when a song can successfully be a powerful piece with a strong message as well as a song used to celebrate the Holiday Season, it's truly a wonderful thing. Here are five Christmas songs with a powerful message.
Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid
This song is special for a few reasons. There are three versions of it, one produced in 1984, one in 1994, and one in 2014. All three were made by groups of various pop artists who donated all proceeds to a cause, the first two to the famine that occurred in Ethiopia, and the third to the Ebola crisis that occurred in Africa.
The song touches on the idea that while a majority of people in the United States who are free of poverty, disease and famine are celebrating Christmas, there are others who's concern is survival rather than celebration.
"Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime"
This song encourages charity, love, and conscientiousness; truly aligning with the spirit of Christmas.
Believe - Josh Groban
This song, from the soundtrack of the holiday classic, The Polar Express, encourages everyone to channel their inner child, full of imagination, dreams, and belief.
"Believe in what you feel inside and give your dreams the wings to fly"
You can limit this encouragement to the belief in Santa, or you can apply it to belief in the good nature of humankind and belief in one's self and their dreams.
Someday At Christmas - Stevie Wonder
Even the most positive of people must admit that our world isn't in the best of places in terms of peace and prosperity. War, greed, hate and injustice are things that conflict with the types of values and ideas that the Christmas season encourages.
"Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars, when we have learned what Christmas is for. When we have found what life's really worth, there'll be peace on earth."
This song exemplifies and encourages hope in a better tomorrow, a better world; because someday at Christmastime, that's what we'll have.
The Christmas Shoes - NewSong
I dare you to try to make it through this song without crying. This song touches on the fact that often times, we are blinded by the societal stress of The Christmas Season to the point where we forget the meaning of it. A man waiting in a department store line encounters a boy buying a gift for his sick mother.
"And when it came his time to pay I couldn't believe what I heard him say. Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please. It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size. Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time You see she's been sick for quite a while. And I know these shoes would make her smile; And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight."
The man states that this encounter must have been a sign from God to remind him of the spirit of love and giving.
Happy Christmas War Is Over - John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Written by one of the biggest peace activists of his time, this song spreads a political message in a perfect way. Through out the song, we hear children singing the words, "War is over, if you want it", reminding us that peace is entirely up to us.
"A very merry Christmas, and a happy new year. Let's Hope its a good one, without any tears"
This song spreads the message of unity, resolution, optimism, and peace all in the context of The Christmas Season.
