NASHVILLE, Tenn.—In the hustle and bustle of the days leading to Christmas, Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist Chris Tomlin wants to help listeners respond to the reason for the season with the reflective worship songs on his second Christmas album, Adore.
“We are living in a day and time that is so fast-paced,” Tomlin said. “That is why it’s so important for people to take time out of their busy schedules at Christmas and just let go of all the pressures around them and focus on Christ, who is the greatest gift of all.”
While recording the CD, Tomlin sought to capture the atmosphere of a live worship experience with hundreds of people singing praise to God at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, Tenn.
A time of rejoicing and praise
“I loved being able to capture the excitement of all the people and their voices singing these songs written around the birth of Jesus,” Tomlin said. “Christmas is so special, and it’s really a time of rejoicing and singing.
“With these songs, we’re proclaiming that Christ has come, entered this world and made a way for us. That is our reason for singing these songs and giving glory to God in the highest.”
As a way to encourage young worshippers to find new meaning in traditional carols, this album includes Christmas classics as well as a few new songs.
The worship duo All Sons & Daughters, Irish singer/songwriter Kristyn Getty and Dove Award-winning recording artist Lauren Daigle also collaborated on this project, which debuted at the top spot on the holiday albums charts for Billboard and iTunes.
With more than 40 million people singing his songs each week in worship services, Tomlin has been identified as the “most-sung artist in the world.” He realizes the huge responsibility that comes along with his privilege.
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Lead people to connect with God
Tomlin hopes congregations can be successful in incorporating traditional Christmas songs—and a few new ones—into worship services.
“I’m always wanting to find a way to write and lead songs in a way that helps people connect with God,” Tomlin said. “This is a time of year when people are attending a worship service for the very first time or maybe they haven’t attended in a long time and decide to return.
“For a brief moment each year, the whole world is hearing songs about Jesus. It’s the greatest news the world has ever known. There’s something about Christmas songs that open up people’s hearts and has everybody wanting to sing. Whether it’s at church or carolers on the street, people are eager to sing.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to take that desire to sing and enter into a time when everyone is singing together and worshipping God.”
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