Things are kind of…messed up in our world. Have you noticed?

And while I am determined to feel all the Peace, Love, Hope, and Joy that Christmas brings, I’m equally determined to keep praying for what is broken.

I don’t want to turn a blind eye to the very world Jesus comes to save.

And so, in that spirit, here are 5 classic Christmas songs to keep us mindful of both– A world of hurt, and Emmanuel, God with us. Enjoy!

#1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

If you’ve never seen the movie “Meet Me in St Louis,” make it a priority! It’s one of my favorite Christmas movies. Pay attention to the words Judy Garland sings here. We’ve “sweetened” the lyrics a bit over the years, but I prefer the original.

#2. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

I’ve heard maybe a dozen remakes of this song this year, but John and Yoko do it the best. There’s an original, “official” video for this song available on Youtube, but its graphic depictions of war make it too tragic for me to share. This is another, “lighter” version, with the original song.

#3. Grown Up Christmas List

One of my all time favorite songs. I love Amy Grant’s voice, and the words echo my own grown up list.

#4. Silent Night / 7 O’Clock News

‘This song seems best to underscore the reality of our world. Even though the authentic newscast is from 46 years ago, it is still the same world crying out, and the same savior bringing “heavenly peace”.

#5. Some Children See Him

If there’s one link you click, be sure and watch this one. Although Andy Williams also sang this beautifully, I just love James Taylor’s take here. And on this one, particularly, watch the video put together by a Youtube user. It is a fantastic vision of Christ through the eyes of the world, and it truly brings me feelings of hope and peace.

There are lots of other Christmas songs out there that address both the problems of the world and the joy of a savior. This year, these are the one I’m carrying in my heart.  Please add your own in the comments.

May Christmas be not an escape from the woes of our world…

But an answer to them.

Have a Very Merry Christmas,

Mitch