Amy Grant encourages holiday audiences to find comfort in Christ

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The desire to bring hope and healing to people hurting during the holidays inspired six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Amy Grant to compile a collection of inspirational songs for her first Christmas album in nearly 20 years.

The album is ranked among the top seasonal releases and earned the No. 3 spot on Billboard’s holiday albums chart.

Tennessee Christmas marks the first new holiday album in nearly 20 years for six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Amy Grant.Grant relates to audiences on a personal level as she remembers time spent with family during the Christmas season and thinks about what it means to be apart from loved ones this time of year.

“When I was in college, there were five generations alive in my family and all together for the holidays,” Grant recalled. “I get nostalgic at Christmastime when I’m remembering that room full of people and thinking about enjoying a cup of tea with my grandmother. I really wanted to incorporate that sentiment into this Christmas record and to be mindful that some people are opening the door to excitement and joy while others are going home to an empty apartment.

“As I’ve been exposed to more people’s Christmas experiences, I realize how rare my family experience was growing up. I’m so much more aware that a lot of people are facing the holidays alone and dealing with the emotions that come along with remembering loved ones they’ve lost.”

By sharing these struggles, Grant hopes people who seek comfort will find strength in Christ this season, as the songs on Tennessee Christmas are designed to point listeners to the Savior who will sustain them throughout any situation.

“I wanted this record to communicate a faith message, a fun message and a foundational message—reminding people that this isn’t an easy road, but we aren’t alone in this journey, because God is with us,” Grant noted.

“Our efforts to reach out and support each other are done through sentimental songs and songs that paint simple pictures with a powerful message. I want to remind people that it’s important to hold a space for all of the sadness that’s a real part of life, but let’s also hold a space to invite in the good news that brings peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”

Through her music and message, Grant remains focused on connecting audiences to God’s unfailing love and grace.

For more than 30 years, Grant has been taking listeners on a musical journey filled with opportunities to share the gospel at her concerts. Along the way, Grant became one of the first contemporary Christian musicians to cross over into mainstream radio and paved the way for other Christian recording artists.

This month, Grant has been helping promote and support Operation Christmas Child while touring across the country performing festive holiday songs and traditional carols with a full symphony orchestra alongside fellow Grammy Award-winning recording artist Michael W. Smith and special guest Jordan Smith, season nine winner of NBC’s reality singing competition The Voice.

Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, has sought to spread the love of Christ to impoverished children around the world through shoeboxes full of small gifts at Christmas.

“When a song is used to connect people to Christ, it’s the most powerful form of musical expression,” Grant said. “Music is a powerful tool and can often reach people in a different way than spoken words. Music has a way of disarming people and speaks to them in a way that refreshes them and puts them at ease.

“I hope people walk away from my concerts with a sense of being connected to the message of the gospel. The most important message that I want to share with people is about what matters most in life and to help them realize their need for Jesus.”