Planning Christmas worship isn’t as easy as the average churchgoer may think. You want songs that honor the season, lift Jesus high, and actually work for congregational singing. The good news is there are plenty of modern Christmas worship songs written with the church in mind. These songs carry familiar themes, strong theology, and melodies your people can sing confidently.
Here are ten excellent options to consider for your Christmas services this year!
1. Passion – “O Come All Ye Faithful (His Name Shall Be)”
This one blends the classic hymn with a powerful new chorus celebrating the name of Jesus. It keeps everything we love about the original while giving your congregation a fresh, worshipful moment to declare His lordship. Great for an opener or a big, joyful moment mid-set.
2. Phil Wickham – “Joy To The World (Joyful Joyful)”
Wickham’s version is bright, energetic, and immediately singable. The added sections flow beautifully, and the arrangement carries that triumphant Christmas feel without overwhelming your band. Perfect when you want something familiar yet fresh.
3. Hillsong Worship – “King of Kings”
While not explicitly a Christmas song, “King of Kings” tells the complete story of Christ, and that story begins in Bethlehem. The bridge (“His body the bread, His blood the wine / Broken and poured out, all for love”) only makes sense because of the incarnation. Christmas celebrates God becoming flesh so He could be “the Lamb who was slain.” If your congregation knows this anthem, use it to connect the manger to the cross, reminding your church that the baby we celebrate was born to be King and Savior.
4. Chris Tomlin – “Holy Forever (Christmas)”
This Christmas adaption of a beloved worship anthem anchors your service in reverence. It focuses the church on the holiness of Christ while drawing attention to the miracle of His arrival. Strong, soaring, and perfect for reflective moments.
5. Lauren Daigle – “Light of the World”
Gentle, beautiful, and deeply worshipful. This song captures the longing and hope of Advent with simple language and a melody that works well for a quieter moment. If you want a reflective candlelight option, this is a strong choice.
This upbeat, joyful Christmas song captures the proclamation of the angels and the wonder of Christ’s birth. Maher’s writing is always congregationally friendly, and “Glory” blends classic Christmas energy with modern worship accessibility. It works well as an opener or anywhere you want to lift the room in celebration.
7. Elevation Worship – “Here Comes Heaven”
Not exclusively a Christmas single, but many churches use it during Advent because of its powerful declaration: “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” The melody is accessible and the lyrics are celebratory, making it a great moment of joy during a Christmas set.
8. Maverick City Music – “Mary Did You Know? (Worship Version)”
This worship-style remake takes a widely loved Christmas song and reframes it for congregational singing. It retains the wonder of the original while adding a fresh worship chorus. Works especially well in modern services.
9. Kari Jobe – “When Hope Came Down”
A tender, vertical Christmas song focusing on the incarnation, sacrifice, and hope we receive through Christ. It fits beautifully into Advent services or moments of reflection. The melody is congregational and the lyrics are rich and centered on Jesus.
10. Matt Redman – “His Name Shall Be”
Simple, worshipful, and rooted in Scripture. Redman’s Christmas song lifts the names of Jesus in a way your congregation can sing with confidence. It works as an opener, a response, or even a closer depending on your arrangement.
May these songs help your church lift their eyes to the newborn King and celebrate the Savior with joy and wonder!
