Christmas Music That Will Nourish Your Soul

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

I never was much of a winter person, until I didn’t have to de-ice my car to go to work. Now, as a stay-at-home mom of two (and very soon to be three), I do nearly all of my work inside the house, especially in the winter months (aside from playing outside in the snow, of course—which, if I’m honest, does force me to gather my courage).

But working almost entirely from inside my home means that the intimidating task of defrosting my vehicle and driving in inclement weather are usually not on the table for me anymore. It means that “winter” conjures up fond images of waking up early to read an advent devotional while drinking a steaming hot mug of coffee with a sleeping baby in my arms, roasting orange slices and stringing up garlands of them to deck our home, piling up picture books to read on the couch, lovingly placing our many nativity sets around the house and talking with my children about each of the tiny figures, and… streaming our favorite Christmas music all the day long. 

Now, lest I make our home sound like a winter wonderland where everyone is always peaceful and content, I must say a few things that will not surprise anyone who has ever cared for small children, or anyone similarly needy.

Our home is rarely quiet. There are usually fingerprints to be found on the windows. We are navigating some significant transitions with our children, such as the advent of a new sibling within a couple of short weeks, and these transitions have led to some big feelings that all of us are still learning together how to express lovingly.

This means lots of tears, a few tantrums, rarely being on time, and the daily, hourly necessity of prayer, reliance on God’s grace, and taking our thoughts captive so that the expression of our feelings build up, love, and protect others rather than isolate and tear them down. It is the hard labor of cultivating a home of belonging, love, and security. It requires a thousand small sacrifices, by God’s grace, for the love of God and others. 

In the car this morning my son noticed a shed that reminded him of what he called “Mary and Jesus’s house.” Assuming he meant the stable where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus spent the first hours of Jesus’s life on earth, I went on to tell him about how they had to stay in an animal barn because there was no room for them in the inn. 

The stable in which Jesus was born was likely cold and dirty. But it was, obviously, blindingly, stunningly, a sacred space. It was a place of worship. 

As I approach a winter with a new baby in our family and two other children under the age of four that will likely see a decrease in outings and outdoor playtime, I expect that our home will not likely look as outwardly beautiful as my daydreams would wish. It is not wrong to desire beauty and order, but I pray that my priorities will stay in check. Relationship and connection must take precedence. 

Our outfits will not likely be coordinated, and indeed there may be days where we stay in our pajamas longer than I would hope. I will probably earn a few more wrinkles and grey hairs. But I pray that our house will be a safe place of true peace, joy, and love. A place where all who enter will be greeted warmly by a rush of unconditional love and acceptance. A place of confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation. A place of worship where there is always enough room. A place of beauty and order, yes, but a place where these qualities begin in our hearts, even if the outward trappings of them look different from Pinterest. 

One simple way I hope to cultivate this kind of home, even on days where the visual aesthetic of my home may not match that of my dreams, is through the streaming of our favorite Christmas music. Whatever stage of life you find yourself in, whether married, single, with children or without, I pray that these songs will minister to and feed your soul. 

01 | Lowland Hum’s Songs for Christmas Time

Listening to Lowland Hum, a husband and wife duo with hauntingly beautiful harmonies and grounded, acoustic instrumentation, calms my heart and helps me lift my eyes to what is good, true, and beautiful.

This Christmas album of theirs includes classic carols like “Joy to the World,” a lesser-known, but delightful carol called “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree,” and the most soothing and beautiful rendition of the classic Charlie Brown Christmas song, “Christmas Time is Here.” The album manages to have variety while also being beautifully cohesive and calming.

02 | The Oh Hellos’ Family Christmas Album

One of my favorite bands, The Oh Hellos, has released one of the most stunning Christmas albums I’ve ever heard. The album is organized into four “movements,” each one seamlessly leading into the next, making the listener feel as if they’re walking through the sublime, perilous, soul-healing journey of awaiting and celebrating that Christ-child.

When I hear it I feel like a lowly shepherd being blown away by the angel’s announcement of the birth of Jesus. I also recommend watching their holiday Tiny Desk Concert with NPR. The sweaters! The joy! The raucous celebration! Need I say more?

03 | House of Heroes’ “Hark! The House of Heroes Sing”

I was introduced to this band by my husband, who is a big fan. Their music never ceases to surprise me with its ability to capture the youthful and fun side of life, while at the next turn (and sometimes simultaneously!) making me cry as I’m reminded of its beautiful gravity.

This Christmas album is great to play when you need to shake up the energy of your home a bit by starting a dance party or joyously stringing up lights on the Christmas tree.

04 | Kings College Choir Christmas Music

A college housemate of mine introduced me to the joys of choral Christmas music. I am so grateful. Now I have set up a Pandora station based on Kings College Choir (holiday) and stream it nearly all day starting after Thanksgiving.

While I choose to play the other albums I mentioned at specific times, the Kings College Choir holiday Pandora station is a mainstay, reminding me that even the most mundane tasks of changing diapers and making oatmeal are sacred. 

In short…

I hope this music nourishes your soul this advent and Christmas as you welcome and celebrate your Creator, the child in the lowly manger, who longs to be your all in all. May it also inspire you to delight in the love of Him and others.