7 Christmas Songs that Make me Cry

Music has always been an essential part of the Christmas season. While I like some of the fun, classic songs of the season, my favorite Christmas songs will never be heard on the radio. The songs I revere most are the ones that move me, whether for the gorgeous instrumentation, the vocals, or the text to which its set.

Here are seven Christmas songs that make me cry.
 
 

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

This is my favorite Christmas hymn. I love the mystery of it. This arrangement by The Piano Guys is so beautiful and mysterious and simple, it moves me.
 

O Nata Lux

I am a sucker for choral arrangements, and this one is probably my favorite Christmas piece. Composer Morten Lauridsen sets Latin text to glorious music, creating a sense of wonder and awe as Jesus, the Light, enters the world. The translation of the text, included below, is enough to bring tears to my eyes.

O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, with loving-kindness deign to receive suppliant praise and prayer. Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be members of thy blessed body.

Lux Aurumque

Light, warm and heavy, pure like gold. Angels sing to the newborn babe.

All is Well

I first heard this song a few years ago, and what struck me about it was way it transitions from a gentle lullaby to a glorious proclamation of Christ’s birth. Michael W. Smith Christmas music is especially nostalgic to me, and his voice tends to stir up a well of childhood memories. Regardless, this song is just lovely.

I Celebrate the Day

The Hallelujah Chorus

Fine

Gorgeous music can definitely be a part of your celebration of the holiday. I find that songs like these help orient my heart toward Christ, and help me remember why it is we are celebrating in the first place.