Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Forget those vacuous Santa songs and sentimental paeans to snow and holly. If you want songs that truly reflect the kenosis act of the King of Heaven appearing on earth as a baby, this is the album for you. All the Christmas material here (with one exception) was penned by Integrity Music's roster of worship songwriters who include Darlene Zschech, All Sons & Daughters, Seth & Nirva, Paul Baloche and the project's co-producer Michael Farren and all turning in quality songs with one or two having the potential to make it into the repertoire of church choirs who were surely growing tired of the standard carols. And whilst on that subject, putting Lincoln Brewster's instrumental version of "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" on this set seems like strange afterthought and doesn't really add to what has gone before. A particular standout here is "Gloria (Our Savior Found Us)" written by Krissy Nordhoff, Michael Farren and Travis Ryan and sung with mellifluous passion by Darlene Zschech. Equally good is Greg Sykes' title track while Christine D'Clario - well-known for her Spanish-language recordings - gives us a haunting ballad "Will Ever Be". But the pride of place on the album must go to "Son Of God, Son Of Man", written and sung by Travis Ryan, which succinctly captures both the glorious divinity and humble humanity of the Christ child: "Son of God, son of man/Heaven's lion, perfect lamb/Suffering servant, great I AM/Son of God, Son of Man."

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.