Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

What do you think would be the outcome if a Christian music artist like Jaci recorded a CCM album but amongst the Christian songs put 50% covers of tunes like Sinatra's "New York New York" or decided to include a version of The Supremes "You Can't Hurry Love"? There would be questions of whether she still had a Christian focus to her ministry or whether she was selling out. There would be questions about whether she was backsliding! And yet when it comes to Christmas albums, CCM artists tend to go gaga and re-record rubbish like "White Christmas", "Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and then throw in a few old carols and maybe one new tune. What distinguishes Christian music is the fact that it addresses issues from a Christian perspective. I long to hear a Christmas album with some new material about Jesus coming into the world. If I want sentimental songs about chestnuts roasting in open fires, I'll buy something by Bing (who does it better than any CCM artist) and pray that Christian artists will keep the Christ in Christmas. This is sugary, pointless pap.

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.

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