The fast approaching festive season has prompted me to initiate a list.This list includes twelve of what I consider to be the best Christmas music, reproduced, created or improvised.

I have limited myself to twelve, but only for the sake of brevity. The actual playlist ”Christmas-ish” contains a lot more.

Not just being a student of theology and popular culture, but a consumer also. I present to you my 2013 Advent/festive guide to Christmas Musica:

1. Casting Crowns: I heard the bells on Christmas Day –  (Peace on Earth, 2008)

2.  MercyMe: God rest ye merry gentlemen – (The Christmas Sessions, 2005)

3.  Kenny Rogers & Wynonna Judd: Mary Did You Know? –  (The Gift, 1996)

4. Sting: Soul Cake – (If on a winter’s Night, 2009)

5. David Crowder*Band: Angels we have heard on high –  (Oh for Joy, 2011)

6. Johnny Cash: Joy to the World/Away in a Manger –  (Classic Christmas, 1980)

7. Kari Jobe: O Holy Night – (Where I Find You: Christmas Edition, 2012; in my opinion this one stands alongside Bing Crosby’s version – Yeah, I think it’s that good.)

8. Celtic Woman: Carol of the Bells – (Silent Night, 2012)

9. Bill Miller: The First Noel – (Sacred Gift, 2005)

10. Sara Groves featuring Toby Groves: Its True –  (O Holy Night, 2008 – ‘Toy Packaging’ tied with this one)

11. Jars of Clay: Gabriel’s Message – Christmas Songs, 2007 (Bonus Track Version)

12. Bobby Helms: Jingle Bell Rock (1957 version)

In addition, what is probably the best ROCK version of Carol of the Bells in the history of eclectic guitars (see what I did there? eclectic instead of electric… DC*B: )