“A Christmas Eve Song" — This is performed by Peter Breinholt, and it captures the Christmas Eve feeling so beautifully. In the song, he sings tenderly to his children, helping them to fall asleep, reassuring them on Christmas Eve and teaching them about the anticipation surrounding the Savior’s birth. And isn’t that exactly what Christ symbolizes? Hope for good to come. Anticipation for a Redeemer who saves, comforts, and brings light into our darkness.

This song also brings back a flood of nostalgia for me. It takes me straight to childhood memories of lying on the floor with my siblings, all of us gathered in one room, “sleeping” with restless excitement for Christmas morning. The song was included on an FM 100 CD that my dad bought and played constantly. A few lyrics I love:

• “Go and see them come for miles, to come behold that little child.”

• “Don’t you cry, everything's alright.”

• “Close your eyes, I’ll see you through the night. Out on the road, see the Shepherds run. Over the town, see the rising sun.”

Children are perfect examples of hope, wonder, and joyful anticipation. Christ taught us to become as little children and that is why I love the song by Peter Breinholt. On this Christmas Eve, may we reclaim that childlike excitement as we celebrate His birth, remember His life, and joyfully anticipate His return.

"The Little Road to Bethlehem" — When I hear this song, I imagine myself walking alongside Mary and Joseph as they made their way toward the unknown. They moved forward with complete trust in God, even though the future was full of mystery and uncertainty. What remarkable faith and devotion they had.

This song invites me to slow down and reflect on the miracle of Jesus — not just the miracle of His birth, but the miracle of what His presence brings into each of our lives. In quiet, simple moments of contemplation, I feel the nearness of Christ most clearly. My hope is that tonight, on Christmas Eve, we each take a few moments to silently think of Him and how He has saved us individually.

"Even in the Manger" — Some of my favorite lyrics from this song say:

“And now in awe and wonder, we stand here all amazed,

Grateful beyond grateful for this gift of grace.”

And I echo with my whole heart the line:

“Oh, how could it be? You thought of me — even in the manger!”

“Glorious Savior… even in the manger!”

These words capture exactly what I feel about tonight, Christmas Eve. Christ would grow to heal the sick, calm storms, teach truth, carry sorrows, suffer for all mankind, and conquer death itself. Yet even in the manger, before a single miracle was performed, He was already our Savior. Even as a baby, His life — His mission — was filled with divine love and purpose.

On this Christmas Eve, may we gather with those we love and feel again some of that childlike eagerness — the same excitement we once felt waiting for Christmas morning — but directed toward Jesus Christ. He truly is our “Glorious Savior… even in the manger.”