Reviewed by Dave Brassington

This was actually a smart piece of marketing as it gave Gaither Music Group a fresh new release of Christmas tracks from previously released material. The opener "Joy To The World" gets the album off to an attractive start from the massed ranks of the Homecoming Friends. The remaining 11 cuts are mostly very well known songs; I particularly enjoyed "O Holy Night" by David Phelps, who possesses one of the strongest voices in modern gospel music. "Mary, Did You Know" by Mark Lowry gets many people's vote as the best Christmas song written in our lifetime, and it is nice to hear the writer perform it. The Booth Brothers breathe new life into "Away In A Manger". "Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem" here sung by gospel veteran Ben Speer may not be so familiar, as it is an old song originally from the Appalachian Mountains though still loved in country music circles. The closing track "Silent Night" featuring Gloria Gaither narrating with Buddy Greene playing his harmonica in the background is a bit weak. But overall a nice album of meaningful Christmas music apart from a pretty dreadful "White Christmas" by the late Jake Hess.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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