Blend Christmas Carols with Praise and Worship

HymnCharts contemporary carol arrangements are designed to fit seamlessly into your December praise sets. Arrangements are available with a hymncharts subscription or with Collections. Try combining them with these praise songs:

LISTEN: O Little Town of Bethlehem followed by Paul Baloche’s “Offering” (Christmas version) in E, or Reuben Morgan’s “Emmanuel” in E. This one would make a good offertory special as it’s a bit harder than most of my HymnCharts arrangements with almost a Trans-Siberian Orchestra-feel. The last phrase “Our Lord Emmanuel” transitions into Morgan’s “Emmanuel.” While the final chord of “O Little Town” is ringing start the intro to “Emmanuel.”

LISTEN: Joy to the World followed by “God of Wonders” in G. “Joy” is a good upbeat opener for a December praise set. The last phrase “wonders of Your love” ties thematically into “God of Wonders.”

LISTEN: Go Tell It On the Mountain followed by “Mighty to Save” only start with “Shine your light and let the whole world see.” For an added twist, change “risen king” to “new born king.” These two songs work great together thematically!

LISTEN: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks followed by “Glory to God” (Fee/Beaching). Since this carol is a little more unfamiliar than the others I think it’d make a good offertory special. Then flow out of it with “Glory to God” – the last verse of “While Shepherds” ties in thematically with the lyrics “All glory be to God on high and to the Earth be peace.”

LISTEN: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus followed by Billy Foote’s “Sing to the King.” This is a nice Christmasy-sounding arrangement that makes a good service opener. Or try going old school and follow it with Twila’s “He Is Exalted” – both in E and in a triplet feel.