The passing of Thanksgiving means the Christmas season has finally arrived. Today my family will decorate our house will all the traditional trappings and we will do so with Christmas music blaring in the background.

Songs are powerful (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19). And if you are like me there seems to be unique power in Christmas carols and seasonal songs. Maybe it’s for reasons of nostalgia. Or maybe it’s sound biblical and systematic theology. Whatever the reason, everyone has their personal favorite.

My favorite Christmas hymn changes every few days or so, but if we are talking about contemporary Christmas songs I have an undisputed favorite: “The Earth Stood Still” by Future of Forestry. The simple, yet atmospheric instrumentation combines with longing lyrics stir to my soul in profound ways.

Maybe it will do the same for you.

LYRICS

A teenage girl and her soon-to-be
A simple trip far as they could see
The sky was clear and the hour serene
But did they know what the night would bring

Lonely hearts strung across the land
They’ve been waiting long for a healing hand
My heart was there and I felt the chill
Love came down and the earth stood still
Love came down and the earth stood still

Shepherds stirred under starry skies
Tasting grace that would change their lives
The angels trembled and the demons did too
For they knew very well what pure grace would do.

The hope of the world and a baby boy
I remember Him well like I was there that night
My heart was there and I felt the chill
Love came down and the earth stood still
Love came down and the earth stood still
Love came down and the earth stood still