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Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

It seems quite strange to be listening to this in April, but then I guess in one way it actually makes one listen more objectively. This is a two CD/DVD set that claims to "bring the heart of worship to the Christmas season". Produced by Don Moen and Chris Tomason, the songs are a mixture of arrangements of traditional carols, instrumentals (eg, brass band rendition of "O Little Town Of Bethlehem") and three exclusive Christmas songs by MercyMe, Sara Groves and Sonicflood. The other performers are singing groups and artists such as The Maranatha Singers, The Women Of Faith Worship Team, Kelly Willard and Tom Hemby (who I remember from his days in The Imperials). I can see this being okay in the background at a Christmas dinner party, but it really is so sugary sweet it almost puts your teeth on edge when specifically listening to it. The performances are musically excellent, much of the production almost Hollywood in its sparkle, but does it "help people worldwide experience the manifest presence of God" as per the declaration on the back cover? I guess it depends - I know some of my American friends would love it, my mum would probably love it, I like quite a lot of it for what it is, but it doesn't seem to have much soul (in the real sense of word, not the musical genre). I feel it is in danger of being just another piece of Christmas wallpaper, not something that will genuinely help you appreciate Jesus' birth in a new way and fall down in worship. The highlight for me is Sara Groves' cover of Chris Eaton's classic "Breath Of Heaven", a beautifully simple arrangement that is full of wonder. The bonus DVD just contains videos of three songs. I've given this just six squares overall as, although much of the music is first rate in terms of arrangements and performances, I don't think it achieves its primary stated goal as per the declaration mentioned above.

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