When I think about some of the most meaningful moments from Christmases past, it occurs to me that most of them involve music. Whether it be putting up garlands to the rich tones of the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers, whispering the melody of “Silent Night” at the end of a Christmas Eve candlelight service, or cajoling my sister into playing duets from our old Christmas piano recitals, there’s something about music that can make even the simplest moment sacred, that can tell a story more powerfully than speech, that can bring splendor and wonder and awe and joy.
So perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that when the Lord wanted people to know about the birth of His son, He sent a choir.
This year, as Christmas nears, I’m expanding my holiday playlist. Friends from across the HOPE network took a moment to share the songs—both reverent and lighthearted—that they most enjoy, and their recommendations helped create this special HOPE Christmas playlist.
Please join me—and HOPE’s partners, clients, and staff around the world—in celebrating the coming of the Newborn King!
1. From Zambia
2. From Haiti
3. From Malawi
4. From Ukraine
5. From the Philippines
6. From Rwanda
Kristine serves as a writer on HOPE’s Marketing Team. Last month, she traveled to visit HOPE’s programs in Haiti and Peru, where she was able to join in singing, clapping, and worshipping with HOPE clients there. If she were to add a song to this playlist, she’d go with this arrangement of “O Magnum Mysterium.” Kristine lives with her husband and their 1-year-old son in Columbia, PA.
Feature image: A client of HOPE Congo attends a group meeting.
