Top 10 Favorite Christmas Songs (part 1)

So as not to be thought of as a complete Scrooge, I've also compiled a list of my favorite Christmas songs of all time. Admittedly, some of these are probably a bit less known by the masses, and that's fine. Perhaps if more people were to take my recommendations, they would get the airplay they deserve (Yes, Virginia, in my dreams I am that influential).

10) “In The First Light” (Glad) – I’m not sure who actually wrote the song, but Glad’s arrangement was the first one that I remember listening to. It’s a great song, simple, poignant, and filled with the joyous hope of the season. It also serves as a reminder that we can often get caught up in the business of the season, but Christ is here, quietly with us, and anxious for us to come to Him if we’ll only slow down a little and pay attention.
9) “Heirlooms” (Amy Grant) – going a bit ‘old school’ here. This is one of those songs that always hits home with me. I am a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas. I refuse to listen to Christmas music until Black Friday. I always listen to the same CD when putting up our tree. And this song always reminds me that the memories of Christmas are, perhaps, the most cherished Christmas present we can give each other year after year.
8) “Little Drummer Boy” (White Heart) – Perhaps not the most popular arrangement of this song, it is still my favorite arrangement of this song. Ric Florian’s soaring vocals over the perfect blend of guitar and drums makes this song worth listening to over and over again.
7) “Christmastime Is Here” (Mercy Me) – classic song from “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” redone in a contemporary style, yet maintains the perfect jazz feel of the original. The trumpet solo in the middle sets the tone for the whole song.
6) “The New Twelve Days of Christmas” (First Call) – Here’s a more relevant list… 12 Diets Slimming……11 Trees For Trimming……10 Stockings Brimming…… 9 Cash Dispersals (ouch)……8 Choir Rehearsals……7 Plates With Dressing…… 6 Cards With Blessing……5 Shopping Malls……4 Manger Scenes…… 3 Fruit Cakes…… 2 Evergreens…… And a Child born to set the world free!