How beautiful are Christmas hymns for getting into the spirit of the holiday and praising the glory of Jesus Christ! Listen to these beloved Christan songs through the Advent season in joyful anticipation of Christ's birth and the fellowship of Christmas. Also, take time to thank God with Christmas prayers and refresh your knowledge of the Christmas Bible story.
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11
We hope you enjoy these wonderful performances of the best Christmas songs and hymns of all time. Be inspired by the power of music to rejoice and give thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ!
8 Beloved Christmas Songs
Here are five of the most popular and beloved Christmas songs of all time:
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby (1942):
This iconic song captures the magic of a snowy Christmas perfectly. Crosby's smooth vocals and the dreamy melody make it a truly heartwarming listen.
"The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by Nat King Cole (1946)
This nostalgic tune is a perfect way to wind down and relax during the holidays. The warm, inviting sound of the orchestra and Cole's velvety vocals make it a timeless classic.
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams (1963)
This upbeat and cheerful song perfectly captures the excitement and joy of the holiday season. Williams's warm vocals and the festive arrangement make it a true classic.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland (1944)
This classic ballad is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas – love, peace, and hope. Garland's heartfelt vocals and poignant lyrics make it a truly special song.
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Bing Crosby (1963)
This beautiful and moving song is a perfect reflection of the peace and tranquility of the Christmas season. Crosby's gentle vocals and the heartwarming lyrics make it a truly special listen.
"I'll Be Home for Christmas" (1943)
This classic ballad is a poignant reminder of the importance of family and home during the holiday season. Bing Crosby's heartfelt vocals and the touching lyrics make it a truly special listen.
"Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano (1970)
This infectious Latin Christmas song is a favorite among many. Feliciano's playful vocals and the catchy melody make it a fun and festive addition to any holiday playlist.
"Carol of the Bells" (1914)
This traditional carol is a beautiful and festive addition to any holiday playlist. The soaring melody and the intricate harmonies make it a truly special song.
These are just a few of the many great Christmas songs out there. With so many choices, you're sure to find the perfect ones to make your holiday season merry and bright.
10 Christmas Hymns
Christmas hymns are songs of praise and worship to God that are specifically written for the Christmas season. They are typically sung in church services, but they can also be heard in homes, schools, and other public places. Christmas hymns are often based on biblical stories and themes, and they often express the joy, peace, and hope that Christians associate with the birth of Jesus Christ.
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
This beautiful hymn was written by Edmund Sears in 1849. It is a gentle and reflective meditation on the birth of Jesus Christ, capturing the peace and serenity of that holy night.
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" is a hymn and Christmas carol written by Edmund Sears, pastor of the Unitarian Church in Wayland, Massachusetts. Sears' lyrics are most regularly set to "Noel," modified by Arthur Sullivan from an English melody, or to "Carol," arranged by Richard Storrs Willis. This hymn centers around the theme of angelic singers sharing the message of "Peace on earth, good will to men." Discover the lyrics and story of this renowned hymn at Godtube.com.
O Little Town of Bethlehem, Phillip Brooks
This beloved hymn was written by Phillips Brooks in 1868. It is a meditation on the humble beginnings of Jesus Christ, and it is a reminder that God can come to us in the most unexpected places.
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The lyrics refer to the town of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born of Mary. This hymn describes the setting of Christ's birth and the wondrous gift that would be his life, teachings, and sacrifice.
Coventry Carol
The "Coventry Carol" is an English Christmas carol dating from the 16th century. The song originates from an English Christmas play about the Bible story of Jesus' birth. Find the lyrics of this hymn, plus the background story, at Godtube.com.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is a Christian hymn for Advent and Christmas written by John Mason Neale. Listen to a beautiful traditional version of this renowned hymn below:
This glorious hymn calls upon various divine bodies to give wisdom, salvation, victory, and safety, among other requests.
O Come All Ye Faithful
This Latin hymn was written in the 11th or 12th century. It is a call to worship the newborn king, Jesus Christ, and it is a popular choice for Advent and Christmas Eve services.
This popular Christmas Hymn harkens to the biblical story of the birth of Christ. It is considered a reference to the shepherds, after hearing the angels singing, coming to Bethlehem to adore their new-born savior. Today, this hymn signifies and celebrates our coming together in worship to adore the loving blessing of Jesus as He sacrificed himself for our salvation.
Rejoice in the birth of Christ with a FREE 25 Days to a Joyful Christmas Prayer Guide!
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
There's nothing better than hearing a beautiful hymn right around Christmas time. 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' is an all-time classic, and it's been performed by numerous different artists over the years from a variety of genres. Today, we're learning more about this powerful Christmas hymn and the story behind its origins. There's truly nothing like singing these words with all your heart to our Father in Heaven above. Amen!
This triumphant hymn was written by Charles Wesley in 1739. It is a celebration of the angels' proclamation of the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is a popular choice for Christmas services.
In the Bleak Mid-Winter
"In the Bleak Midwinter" is a popular Christmas carol that was written by Christina Rossetti in the 19th century. Listen to the popular version by Gustav Holst in the video below:
Its lyrics poetically describe the birth of Jesus and the scene of His nativity. In verse one, Rossetti describes the physical circumstances of the Incarnation in Bethlehem. In verse two, Rossetti contrasts Christ's first and second coming.
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
"God Rest You Merry Gentlemen" is a traditional English Christmas carol. It is also known as "Tidings of Comfort and Joy," the phrase that ends each stanza of the lyrics. Listen to a beautiful performance of this Christmas hymn by the family band The Petersens below!
This carol is an affirmation of the birth and salvation of Christ, recounting His nativity event and the love of God.
Silent Night
"Silent Night" is a well-known Christmas hymn with lyrics written by Joseph Mohr in 1816. We included another great performance by The Petersens for this famous Christmas hymn. Enjoy!
Inspired by the Christmas story of Jesus' birth, Mohr wrote this hymn to celebrate the anticipation of the arrival of the newborn savior. Discover the lyrics and story of "Silent Night" on Godtube.com.
O Holy Night
There's truly nothing better than hearing an old-fashioned Christmas song right around the holidays. One of those classic hymns is 'O Holy Night.' It brings up such great memories and thoughts of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It was truly a glorious night when Jesus was born. The angels rejoiced, and the whole world received their King. God granted us eternal salvation when He sent His Son to die for our sins.
Now that I know the story behind this powerful hymn, I'm even more in awe of this song.
Find more popular hymns and carols from Godtube with song lyrics and the stories of the authors.
Photo by Getty/gorodenkoff
This article is part of our larger Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his Son, Jesus Christ!
What Is Advent: Definition & Meaning Behind Christmas Tradition
Advent Bible Verses
Advent Readings
Advent Wreath and Candles Meaning and Symbolism
Advent Prayers
Advent Week 1: The Candle of Hope ~ First Sunday of Advent Prayers and Readings
Advent Week 2: The Candle of Peace ~ Second Sunday of Advent Prayers and Readings
Advent Week 3: The Candle of Joy ~ Third Sunday of Advent Prayers and Readings
Advent Week 4: The Candle of Love ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent Prayers and Readings
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