My favorite Christmas songs tend to be the traditional carols. Sure, I love a good cheesy secular holiday tune every now and then (“Let it Snow” anyone?), but I find the deep theology of the carols to be particularly meaningful, and therefore apropos for the season. Having said that, there are also some wonderful contemporary renderings of the traditional tunes.
Viva Voce was an indie rock band, centered on wife-husband duo Anita and Kevin Robinson. Originally from Alabama, they transplanted to Portland, OR somewhere along their musical (and geographical) journey. The band was associated with the Christian music scene in the late 90s, and their lyrics reflected that. Somewhere along the way, they became less affiliated with the Christian music industry. I have no idea where they land faith-wise these days.
Nonetheless, their take on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” hits just right this time of year:
God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from satan’s power when we were gone astray
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!