Three French Hens (Day 3 of the 12DoC link-up): Favorite Christmas Songs and Why I Love Them

Back again with this fabulous link-up on this, the third day of Christmas. ;)
Today, I'm going to sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs with you and why they made it onto this list. Ready? Good. B-)

~ Leaving Heaven ~

(by Matthew West)

This is my ALL TIME FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG. It was hard to pick from all of them, but this came out as my absolute favorite. I love this song for the lyrics, the music, and the message. You'll probably be hearing this a lot because this is the main reason I love songs generally, and those three things are the filter every song goes through before making it onto my favorite list. I'm including the music with every title, so you can listen to them too and hyperventilate about them afterward with me so I'm not alone. :)

~ Once a Year ~ 

(ft. Andrew Peterson)

Music: 4 out of 5 stars

The tune is pretty catchy, and it's original, but it CAN get annoying if you listen to it too many times in a row. I know exactly how many times I can have it repeat without getting annoyed. That's how often I listen to it. ;)

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

The words are well written and put the message clearly. Also, fairly easy to memorize so I'm not stuck singing one phrase over and over again, which is a definite plus.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars

One word: convicting.

~ Easier: The Song of the Wiseman ~ 

(by Jason Gray)

Music: 4 out of 5 stars

Again, I love the music mostly, but I think it could be better. Not by much, but it could be. (Refrains from saying that phrase in Matt Meese's voice. XD)

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

I love how Jason Gray writes his music. It never fails to be thought-provoking and deep, yet simple enough for a child to understand. And this song was no different. :) And to use the Wiseman's perspective in a Christmas song is an uncommon way to make his point, but a brilliant way.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars

I think the message of this song is something we all need to hear, and it really speaks to me every time I listen to this song. Without fail.



~ I Saw Three Ships ~

(by The Piano Guys)

Music: 5 out of 5 stars

Can we just all agree that a piano controlling Christmas lights is EPIC?? I mean, come on, guys! I would never call this song a favorite, but seeing this video of The Piano Guys preforming it blew me away and now I can't get enough of it. :) Anyone else with me on this?

Lyrics: (N/A)

Message (N/A)

~ How Many Kings ~

(by Downhere)

Music: 5 out of 5 stars

I just love this song. Probably the closest to taking first place alongside "Leaving Heaven", but lost by a hair. The music is beautiful, and the melody is so beautiful I don't think one could ever tire of listening to it. (I mean, I guess with God all things are possible, but I haven't found a way yet to find this song annoying AT ALL.)

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

The words are drop dead gorgeous. I just love them so much. Not only is it easy to learn and memorize so you can sing it at the top of your lungs in the shower and while decorating your house for Christmas, but also they are meaningful and well written.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars

With Christmas being turned into a holiday that focuses on ME and what I GET, this message is such a good reminder on what this season is REALLY about.

~ 12 Days of Christmas ~

(by Straight No Chaser)

Music: 5 out of 5 stars

I have a special place in my heart for this song, because not only does it go really well with the whole theme of this link-up, but it has been one of my personal favorite parody's of all time. The way this group of guys incorporates so many awesome Christmas songs into one never ceases to astound.

Lyrics: 4 out of 5 stars

Take a moment to appreciate the genius that went into incorporating this song into 12,345 tunes, ok?

Message: 0 out of 5 stars

Well, let's face it...there really isn't a message in this song. HOWEVER everything else that it had going for it was enough to help this song make it into my favorite's list.



~ While You Were Sleeping ~

(by Casting Crowns)

Music: 4 out of 5 stars

I love the tune that this song has, and I've been learning the piano part ever since purchasing their music this last month, so the fact that I want to spend some of my hard earned money on the sheet music tells you something about how much I love it. :) I appreciate the fact that the piano part is easy enough that even I (as a very poor piano player tbh) can put some effort in and learn it.

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

"As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children..."

^^ Those were just two of the powerful lines that this song has. I love the entire song, but I think the lyrics are the best part if I had to choose one, and are the main reason the message got such a shiny review.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars

This song is a wake up call to America, and its a message we REALLY need at any time of the year.

~ O Holy Night / Ave Maria ~

(by The Piano Guys) 

Music: 3 out of 5 stars

I wasn't completely thrilled with the whole sound of this song, but I loved how they incorporated the melody of Ave Maria with the words of O Holy Night. Both beautiful songs that become even more so when entwined together in this magical medley.

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

I almost like the way these lyrics are written better than the original, and the way they are worked into Ave Maria is gorgeous.

Message: 4 out of 5 stars

You really cant go wrong with the words of a timeless hymn, right? Even though O Holy Night isn't necessarily my favorite of the "original" Christmas hymn cannon, I still love the way the message still gets across in this stunning performance.  

~ Joseph's Lullaby ~

(by MercyMe)

Music: 4 out of 5 stars
This song definitely has the lullaby feel to it with the simple, yet beautiful melody and the over arching themes of wonderment, peace, and prayerfulness.

Lyrics: 4 out of 5 stars
As a writer, I appreciate songs and poems from an unexpected point of view, and this song caught my interest first because of just that. After I listened to it more though, I fell in love with the way it portrayed Joseph as a caring father who wants his son to have a peaceful night of sleep, despite being the Savior of our world and all the cares of that responsibility on his shoulders.

Message: 4 out of 5 stars
Really, this song has a sweet message. An earthly father of a heavenly Son who cares about Him and wants Him to have a semi-normal life even though he knows Jesus isn't exactly a normal child. I just love how down-to-earth and caring Joseph is portrayed because it was his character to be caring of the people he was close to, as shown when Mary was pregnant with Jesus and Joseph knew it wasn't his son. 

~ Somewhere In Your Silent Night ~

(by Casting Crowns)

 

Music: 4 out of 5 stars

Maybe not the greatest tune ever written, but I still love it. Though a tad repetitive, it has the potential of becoming a well recognized Christmas tune, and honestly, its not that bad.

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

These words...just <3. I love them so much. Not only are they super relatable sometimes, but also they are levels deep. Not surprising when coming from Casting Crowns, since they're known for their amazing lyrics, and that's partially why two of their Christmas songs made it into my favorite's list.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars
God came down to earth as a man and He knew our pain. Such a comforting thought. Whenever we feel like the world is against us, or feel broken beyond compare, there's that knowledge that God knows. He is there for us. With us. Emmanuel. The biggest Christmas miracle of all times.

Trust me when I say I could have picked a TON more, but these will be all for now since y'all probably don't have hours of time to listen to all my favorite songs. ;)

If you really want to see more favorite's of mine, you can find and follow my Awesome Advent list on Spotify (my username is rebafour). ;)

Welp, that's all for now folks. Be sure to check out all the other blog posts going up across the blogosphere, and enjoy this, the third day of Christmas! :)

Until next time, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!