Sydnie Horner:

I’m a big fan of good lyrics — lyrics that make me think and ponder, but also give me a sense of appreciation, realization, and enlightenment. Two of my songs talk about baby Jesus coming into this world with the weight of the world already placed with Him in that manger. My other song speaks of life after death and reminds me of the loved ones we miss so dearly during this holiday season. Here are my witnessing truths within these songs and what they mean to me.

"Sweet Baby Jesus" — For me, this song is a reminder of a specific choice made for each of us — and specifically for me:

“Sweet baby Jesus. Come down to love us. So far from home. You could have left us. Helpless and so lost. But you chose to save us. Sweet baby Jesus.”

He is the perfect example.

"King Size Manger" — A humble reminder of a baby who was born to loving parents who were no doubt fearful, but faithful. My Savior was brought into this world in His “king-size manger” and “fulfilled every word the prophets said.” It all started with a detailed beginning for sweet baby Jesus — because God is in the details.

"Christmas in Heaven" — Because of my Savior’s sacrifice and love, I know I will see all of my loved ones again. The pain of missing those who have passed on, especially during Christmas, is brought to a different light when I listen to this song. It brings tears to my eyes to think, wonder, and hope for those my heart is missing:

“Are you kneeling with shepherds before Him now?

Can you reach out and touch His face?

Are you part of that glorious holy night?

I wonder what Christmas in Heaven is like.”

It is a happy image to imagine my loved ones “kneeling with shepherds before Him now.” A promise that will be fulfilled!

Jeremy Horner:

I chose “This Is He” and “White Christmas” because they remind me of our Savior. “This Is He” is sung in the setting of Christ’s ministry on earth. Some people saw His miracles, healings, and other signs, but still looked for a different “Messiah.” They were expecting someone who would overthrow the Romans. I’m reminded of today, where so many people believe in Christ when it is convenient — but not all the time. The lyrics in this song are incredibly beautiful, and the vocal performance is amazing too.

“White Christmas” is a Christmas classic to me. It may not have the traditional Christian or scriptural backing of other Christmas hymns or songs; however, whenever I think of white or pure, I think of Jesus. This song talks about it snowing on Christmas Day, and I’ve always had the thought in the back of my mind that a “white Christmas” could be synonymous with a Christmas that is all about Jesus — a pure and perfect soul whose garments are washed and white.

I dream of a white Christmas — a Christmas where our Savior is the center of it all. The Savior whose atoning sacrifice allows us to be washed from our sins and made white as snow.

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. He loves each and every one of us and knows us individually. Christmas is such a special time to remember His mortal birth and His eternal impact.