Yes, Christmas has been commercialized by our culture, but I still firmly believe that the season has maintained its true spirit. There is something about Christmas. It has nothing to do with presents or anything material. It is the season. It is a season of joy. A season of coming together. A season of selflessness. A season of giving.

I truly believe that it is the music that continues to draw us back to what Christmas is really about. I am a strong believer in the power of music. I have seen music heal and lead to breakthrough, and I think that Christmas music is no different. It is hard to sit in bitterness and hard-heartedness when sweet Christmas melodies swirl around us throughout the season.

So, with that said, here is my list of must-listen songs for the season. These are the songs that I come back to every year because they embody what this season is about. They are the songs that remind me of why I have hope, no matter what I am battling through that particular winter.

Enjoy.

Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix

This is probably my favorite Christmas song ever. This song is timeless, and although the lyrics are simple, if you really listen to them, they are powerful. They capture the humility of our humanness perfectly. The little boy in the song has nothing to offer except who he is. And so he gives it in full. He is a drummer boy, so he plays his drums. He drops all pretenses. He does not try to impress. He does not pretend to be what he is not. He simply gives all that he has, and it is more than enough.

Oh Light - Gungor

This song is beautiful. It is powerful. Its soul-shattering lyrics demand to be taken in by the heart.

“oh light

mending fractured earth

the soul now felt its worth”

I cannot think of any lyrics that better sum up what Christmas is really about than these. Honestly, nothing I have to say about this song will do it any justice, so just go listen for yourself.

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him - Hillsong Worship

I love this song. It is Hillsong’s version of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ and I cannot help but be reminded of the triumph that I walk in when listening to this song. Each year I listen and am reminded of the battles I have fought and won during the past twelve months. There is something about this time of year that always draws me back to hope and joy despite my circumstances, and this song tends to be my anthem as I go about the season.

Christmas Lights - Coldplay

I cry almost every time I listen to this song. It is raw and real. It speaks to those moments during the Christmas season where life is still life and your troubles are not yet gone. It will forever be one of my favorite Christmas songs for that very reason.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - The Civil Wars

The Civil Wars’ rendition of this song is haunting. The stunning melody they create is unlike any other version of this song, and it forces you to stop and truly listen to the lyrics. The lyrics capture the human struggle of staying rooted in joy even when the world seems dark and gray and lonely.

Joy to the World - Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens is a great musician, and this song is just lovely. It is Christmas in my heart every time I listen to this song, and I will honestly probably have it on repeat for the entire month of December.

Winter Song - The Head and the Heart

I love The Head and the Heart. Although this song isn’t necessarily about Christmas, it does make me want to cozy up by the fire and enjoy the sweet winter season.

Hallelujah - Pentatonix

This song also isn’t technically a Christmas song, but Pentatonix released it on their Christmas album so I’m considering it a Christmas song this year. There is something about this song. It carries power. It speaks to something deep within each of us. It has been remade so many times, but this rendition is my absolute favorite. It is breathtaking, and has captivated my heart this year.

So there you have it. It is the most wonderful time of the year and hopefully now you have some new songs to add to your most wonderful playlist of the year. May your season be merry and bright, and may you stay firmly rooted in love and joy and peace this year.