Are you on the hunt for that perfect Christmas worship song? In a previous post we explored a comprehensive list of Christmas worship songs designed to help you navigate the beautiful tension of honoring tradition while embracing fresh expressions of worship.
We know that Christmas planning is complex and adds an extra layer of responsibility while you are still keep regular services afloat. So today, we wanted to share 32 additional Christmas worship songs that will help you keep your services fresh, engaging, and deeply rooted in the wonder of the Advent season.
Remember that variety matters during the Christmas season. The last thing we want is for our congregations to feel like they’re hearing the same songs on repeat. When that happens, people tune out, as the profound truths we’re singing about can start to feel stale. To avoid this, the song ideas below span everything from traditional hymns with new life breathed into them, to powerful modern Christmas worship songs. It is our prayer that as you intentional plan your Christmas services, these curated lists will serve you in your Christmas set planning.
More Traditional Christmas Hymns & Classics with Fresh Arrangements
Traditional Christmas hymns remain treasures troves of the faith. Their theological depth and poetic beauty have shaped Christian worship for generations. However, the key is finding arrangements that honor the original while making them accessible to today’s worshippers.
Go Tell It On The Mountain
This African American spiritual has become a Christmas staple, and for good reason. Notably, its call-and-response structure naturally invites participation. This energetic version by Maverick City Music brings a fresh Gospel-infused energy while keeping the familiar melody intact.
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Often overlooked, this hymn offers a message of peace that resonates deeply in our chaotic world. Similarly, this arrangement by Meredith Andrews brings a contemplative feel that works beautifully for quieter moments in your service.
If this contemplative feel doesn’t work for your flow of service, try one of these two arrangements of the same song:
What Child Is This?
Built on the haunting melody of “Greensleeves,” this hymn asks the question that should arrest every heart during Christmas: who is this child born unto us? This version by Chris Tomlin featuring All Sons & Daughters adds modern worship elements while preserving the reflective nature of the original.
Here are a couple of additional versions to check out as well:
The First Noel
This traditional carol tells the Christmas story from the shepherds’ perspective. Correspondingly, Kari Jobe’s arrangement brings a soaring, anthemic quality that makes it perfect for corporate worship. Better yet, the simplicity of the melody means your congregation will easily join in.
This version by Phil Wickham is a more upbeat arrangement and can work really well towards the beginning of your service:
Away in a Manger
While often relegated to children’s programs, this gentle hymn can be powerfully moving in adult worship settings. In fact, this arrangement from TRIBL demonstrates how a simple song can create space for profound reflection when done well. Here is another version by Phil Wickham:
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
This is one of Charles Wesley’s hymns written in 1744 that has endured the test of time. Usually it is a very reflective slower song, but this version by Meredith Andrews could even be used as a service opener. If you’re looking for a more reflective version, check out this version by Kings Kaleidoscope:
More Contemporary Christmas Worship Songs
Every year there are great new Christmas worship songs being written. Usually it takes a few years for these new Christmas worship songs to circulate. So, here are a few more contemporary options to consider if you haven’t yet seen these:
Adore Him – The McClures
Hope For Everyone – Matt Maher
Behold Him – Paul Baloche
Note: This song works great, because you can keep it in your regular rotation throughout the year. Check out this version by the Worship Initiative as well:
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day – Chris Tomlin
Glory in the Highest – Chris Tomlin
Born On That Day – Matt Maher
Christmas Offering – Casting Crowns
Note: This song shifts the focus from what we receive at Christmas to what we offer back to Jesus. It’s perfect for moments of response or dedication during your service.
Make Room – Casting Crowns featuring Matt Maher
Emmanuel God With Us – Chris Tomlin
Somewhere In Your Silent Night – Casting Crowns
The Hope Of Christmas – Matthew West
Born Is The King (It’s Christmas) – Hillsong Worship
Light Of The World – Lauren Daigle
More Creative Medleys and Blended Arrangements
As we discussed in the previous article, medleys can be incredibly effective when done thoughtfully. With that in mind, here are more examples to inspire your planning:
Hark The Herald / O Come Let Us Adore Him – Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Hark The Herald Angels Sing / King Of Heaven – Paul Baloche
Influence Christmas Medley – Influence Music
Gospel Christmas Medley (Silent Night / The First Noel / Hark the Herald) – The Recording Collective
Christmas Worship Medley – Israel Houghton
Christmas Medley – HIS LIFE WORSHIP
Christmas Medley (2020) – Saddleback Worship
Christmas Campfire Medley – Saddleback Worship
Angels Medley (Hope Has Come) – Lakewood Music
Christmas Carol Medley – David & Nicole Binion
A Christmas Medley- Alive City
Christmas At Church – Metro Life Worship
Making These Christmas Arrangements Work for Your Church
Having more Christmas worship arrangements in your toolkit is helpful, but implementation requires wisdom. With that in mind, here are some practical considerations:
First, know your context. Not every song will fit your church’s culture or musical capabilities. For instance, a stripped-down acoustic church might struggle with high-production arrangements, while a church with a full band might find simple arrangements feeling empty. Therefore, choose songs that match your context.
Next, consider your service flow. Think about energy levels, theological themes, and congregational participation. Remember, a well-planned service takes people on a journey, not just through a random collection of songs. If you need help planning a cohesive set, be sure to get your free guide to building better sets here.
Additionally, don’t try to use everything at once. There are endless arrangements of Christmas songs at your disposal. If you tried to incorporate even a fraction of these ideas, you would have enough content for years of Christmas services. So be prayerful, and be selective. Choose a handful of arrangements for December services and then log the other ideas away for future years.
Moreover, rehearse adequately. Christmas arrangements often require more preparation than regular Sunday songs. Therefore, schedule extra rehearsals and provide quality resources for your team members.
Finally, think multi-year. You don’t need entirely new setlists every year. In fact, familiarity breeds participation. As such, consider establishing a core of 8-10 songs you return to annually, then rotate 4-6 different songs each year for variety.
Don’t Forget Your Why
As we’ve emphasized before, all the song selection strategy in the world means nothing if we lose sight of why we’re doing this. Clearly, we’re not creating Christmas services to impress people or showcase musical excellence, though excellence in execution honors God. Rather, we’re creating services to help people encounter the staggering truth that God became human!
Every song you choose should point to this reality: the eternal God entered time and space as a vulnerable baby. Furthermore, he came not to dominate but to save. Not to demand but to give. Not to condemn but to redeem.
Every song you choose should point to this reality: the eternal God entered time and space as a vulnerable baby. Furthermore, he came not to dominate but to save. Not to demand but to give. Not to condemn but to redeem.
So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the details—and you will feel overwhelmed—return to this simple truth. Ultimately, your role as a worship leader during Christmas is to create space for people to encounter this profound mystery with fresh wonder.
A Prayer for Worship Leaders This Christmas
Before we close, let us offer a prayer you can return to as you navigate this demanding season:
Lord, thank you for calling us to lead your people in worship. During this Christmas season, help us remember that the same Jesus we sing about—humble, servant-hearted, sacrificial—is the model for our leadership. Moreover, give us wisdom in song selection, excellence in execution, and most importantly, hearts that remain tender to the wonder of your incarnation. When we’re tired, strengthen us. When we’re stressed, remind us of your peace. When we’re uncertain, guide us. Ultimately, may the services we plan and the songs we lead help our congregations truly see Jesus, high and lifted up! In the mighty name of Jesus, our King, Amen.
Your Next Steps
If you found this list helpful, we encourage you to do a few things:
- First, bookmark these resources for reference as you plan. Although you might not need them all now, having them accessible will serve you well in future planning sessions.
- Next, start listening. Create a playlist of songs you’re unfamiliar with and spend time listening. In addition, let these songs minister to you personally before you try to lead them corporately.
- Then, plan ahead. Use these resources to map out not just this year’s services, but create a multi-year rotation plan. As a result, this removes decision fatigue and allows you to focus on excellent execution rather than frantic last-minute planning.
- After that, share with your team. Forward this resource to your worship team members. In fact, getting your team in on the song selection process can create a lot of ownership in this season. This is invaluable as you are asking your team to come to extra rehearsals and put in a lot of extra practice time.
- Finally, join the conversation. What songs from this list have you used successfully? What would you add? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below so we can continue building resources together as a community of worship leaders.
We’re In This Together
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Indeed, worship leaders around the world are navigating these same challenges, asking these same questions, and feeling these same pressures. That’s why community matters. Specifically, when we share resources, encourage one another, and pray for each other, we all grow stronger.
If you’re looking for ongoing support, practical training, and a community of fellow worship leaders who understand exactly what you’re facing, I’d love to invite you to check out the Worship Ministry Training Academy. In fact, we’ve built a space specifically designed to help worship leaders like you thrive—not just survive—in every season of ministry, including the demanding Christmas season.
You’ve got this, friend. Indeed, the Jesus you’re proclaiming this Christmas is the same Jesus who has called you, equipped you, and will sustain you through this season. Therefore, lead with confidence, serve with joy, and worship with wonder.
Merry Christmas, and may your services be filled with the presence of Emmanuel—God with us.
What Christmas worship songs have transformed your services? Are there songs we didn’t include that you’ve found particularly effective? Share your discoveries in the comments below. Let’s continue equipping each other for faithful, creative worship leadership!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are some traditional Christmas hymns with fresh arrangements for worship services?
Traditional Christmas hymns such as “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” “What Child Is This?” built on “Greensleeves,” “The First Noel,” “Away in a Manger,” and Charles Wesley’s 1744 hymn “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” remain treasured classics. Fresh arrangements of these hymns can keep your Christmas worship services vibrant and meaningful.
Can you recommend contemporary Christmas worship songs for church services?
Yes! Contemporary Christmas worship songs include “Adore Him” by The McClures, “Hope For Everyone” by Matt Maher, “Behold Him” by Paul Baloche, “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” and “Glory in the Highest” by Chris Tomlin, “Born On That Day” by Matt Maher, “Christmas Offering” and “Make Room” by Casting Crowns featuring Matt Maher, among others. These songs offer fresh expressions of worship during the Christmas season.
How can medleys and blended arrangements enhance Christmas worship?
Creative medleys and blended arrangements combine multiple carols and worship songs to create dynamic musical experiences. Examples include medleys like “Hark The Herald / O Come Let Us Adore Him” by Bryan & Katie Torwalt, “Hark The Herald Angels Sing / King Of Heaven” by Paul Baloche, various Gospel Christmas Medleys, and campfire-style medleys by Saddleback Worship. These arrangements can engage congregations and bring new life to familiar songs.
What tips are there for making Christmas worship arrangements work in my church?
Having a diverse toolkit of Christmas worship arrangements allows flexibility to suit your congregation’s unique style and needs. Consider blending traditional hymns with contemporary songs, incorporating medleys for variety, and always focusing on the spiritual message behind the music. Tailor song selections to your community while keeping the heart of worship central.
Why is it important not to forget ‘your why’ when selecting Christmas worship songs?
Remembering your ‘why’ means focusing on the purpose behind your song choices — to glorify God and lead your congregation into meaningful worship during the Christmas season. It’s essential that song selection strategies align with this mission rather than simply choosing popular or trendy songs. This approach ensures that worship remains authentic and impactful.
Is there support available for worship leaders planning Christmas services?
Absolutely! Worship leaders are not alone in this journey. Connecting with other leaders through resources like curated song lists, prayer guides specifically for worship leaders at Christmas, and community encouragement can provide valuable support. Embracing collaboration helps keep services fresh and spiritually enriching during the busy holiday season.
