Few things warm the Christmas heart more than sharing hot cocoa and a blazing fire with friends, wearing a handcrafted sweater from someone you love, or sipping hot java on Christmas morning.
For fans of traditional hymns—and even those who aren’t—there is also little that can stir the heart like the inspirational work of hymn writers and recording artists Keith and Kristyn Getty.642-654
When you add Christmas songs to the mix, as they did with their new album Joy—An Irish Christmas, well, that’s even better.
Boasting a collection of modern hymns, as well as traditional carols, reels and jigs native to their homeland, the Christmas album promises to be a favourite for years to come.
“So much of what inspires us to write hymns actually finds its origin in carols even more than traditional hymns,” Keith Getty said in a news release. “There is such enjoyment and excitement in celebrating the most improbable thing that is the incarnation of God on earth. In this season, bringing the Good News in the form of music is also an opportunity to offer a glimpse of what Christmas in Ireland is like for us.”
The celebration of the Christ child has special meaning for the Gettys this season with the arrival of their own baby, Eliza Joy, earlier this year.
“There has been a deepening in our understanding of Christmas since our daughter Eliza Joy was born earlier this year,” Kristyn Getty states. ”We have been so struck by the vulnerability and helplessness of a little baby in a way that has grown our wonder in the humble coming of Christ,” Kristyn Getty said. “And our own love for our child has brought a fresh understanding to all the relationships involved in the Gospel narrative: Mary’s love for her Son, God’s love for His Son and God’s love for the world.”
Produced by Grammy Award-winner Phil Naish, who has worked with Steven Curtis Chapman and Point of Grace, the album features orchestral arrangements by renowned composer J.A.C. Redford, who worked on “Avatar” and “The Help.” In addition to the musical contributions by the Gettys, the project features the Irish Film Orchestra; Anuna, Ireland’s National Choir; and Fionan de Barra and Eileen Ivers of Broadway’s “Riverdance.”
The album touches on a range of international influences, including Eastern European, Basque and American bluegrass and includes the Getty co-penned hymns “Joy Has Dawned,” “How Suddenly a Baby Cries,” “Magnificat,” “Jesus Joy of the Highest Heaven (A Children’s Carol),” “Fullness of Grace” and “An Irish Christmas Blessing.”
Rounding out the album are classical favorites “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “What Child Is This?” and “Joy to the World.642-652
” The newly adapted hymn “O Savior of Our Fallen Race” and the Irish-influenced “Miss Eliza’s Reel” “The Greengrass Reel,” “Tom Innes Jig” and “Narnian Reel,” round out the offerings.
The album sells for $13.99 and is available at www.gettymusic.com. or Amazon.