Tennessee Christmas – Amy Grant
What constitutes a Christmas classic? Whatever the
criteria, “Tennessee Christmas” by Amy Grant makes the grade. I have no
connection to the State, but I feel an instant bond with the song. The acoustic
tones and the harmonizing make it warm and inviting. It exudes a goodness whose
ultimate source is the Father of lights (James 1:17).
Wexford Carol – Jeff Johnson
“Wexford Carol” by Jeff Johnson is in a world all its
own. I imagine the stark and rumbling sounds echoing between snow-covered
hills. Trees like sentries stand silently as the notes soar above a landscape
untouched by all but the Divine. It makes me think of eternity and one “whose
coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2 ESV).
It is the final track of Centerpoint: Poetry and Music for Christmas (1990). The short original
intro serves as background for a poetry reading before transitioning into an
instrumental folk song. On the Johnson produced Christmas sampler, Spirit of the Season (1994), you get the
sounds without the poetry.
In this and other Christmas recordings Johnson manages to
capture something of the beauty, wonder and mystery of the season.
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