Artist: Kingdom Heirs
Project Title: The Heart Of Christmas
Label: Crossroads
Producers: Crossroads

Merry Christmas to you and yours!  When you combine ten fabulous songs proclaiming the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who is the reason for the season! and an amazingly talented orchestra to go along with it, you have the Kingdom Heirs “The Heart of Christmas.”  I have always been impressed with the work of the Kingdom Heirs.  “The Heart of Christmas” has it all: new and old, hymns, more contemporary, secular and Christian, and an old favorite that Charles Schulz would be impressed with in song number seven, “Charlie Brown Christmas.”

“The Heart of Christmas” the first song and also the name of the Kingdom Heirs’ project, features the tenor singer (Jerry Martin), with solid harmony and instrumentals accompanying it.  A message that can easily be taken away is that with all of the “hustle and bustle” of this time of year, we should all just slow down and really think about the meaning of Christmas.  Jesus, whose purpose was to be born so that He could die, and die as a sin substitute for the penalty that should come to us.  Great song with a great message!  “Do You Hear What I Hear” is song number two on this project.  With a strong instrumental accompaniment, this song points to the star, the song and the Son of God.   The tenor, the bass (Jeff Chapman) and the lead (Arthur Rice) each sing a verse of this time treasured song, and then four part harmony takes the last verse.  Awesome song! The next song on this project is titled “Go Tell (Go Tell it on the Mountain.)”  Featuring Arthur Rice on this, along with a “bluesy” accompaniment, the song tells us to tell the Good News that we have of Jesus.  The song finishes in the more traditional “Go Tell it on the Mountain.”  As Christians we cannot keep this wonderful message inside once we have the message, we have to go tell others that Jesus Christ is LORD!! 

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is song number four on this project.  The Kingdom Heirs demonstrate their a capella talents on this traditional song.  No flares with this song, just a solid message of the birth provided by four strong voices. We can take assurance in great tidings of comfort and joy knowing that Jesus rules and reigns. The fifth song on this project is “A Way In A Manger.”  This song features an introductory solo by Steve French, the Kingdom Heirs’ baritone.  The song does not open like the traditional “Away In A Manger” that we are all familiar with.  Same strong message!  Sort of a play on words, God did make a way in a manger!  In fact, it reminds me of one of my favorite verses, John 14:6:  Jesus is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through Jesus. “If Every Day was like Christmas” comes next.  Jeff Chapman is featured on this song with a harmonious trio on the chorus.  It suggests that if every day was like Christmas, this world would be wonderful!  I cannot disagree with that. “Linus and Lucy (Charlie Brown Christmas)” is the seventh song on this project.  If you don’t get the vision of the Peanuts gang and Charlie Brown hanging the star on tree and then the tree bends over, then you never watched Charles Schulz “Charlie Brown Christmas” (or missed that part of the cartoon!) Just like the original, a great piano and percussion on this one.  This song, like many of the others on this project and other Kingdom Heirs’ projects, demonstrates the instrumental talent and quality of the Kingdom Heirs’ band.  Way to go!    

The eighth song on this project “The Man with the Bag” picks up the tempo some.  Arthur Rice is featured on this song.  Sort of a “big band” sound from the 40’s with piano and strong brass.  The song talks about Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus, who will be back again once more.  We are reminded to be “good” through the year so that Santa would be sure to visit us. A peppy and fun song describes this one.  “Little Baby Boy” is the next song on this project line up.  Great song about our Lord and Savior Jesus!  While he came into this world, He is God, He created all things, and we are not to be deceived because He is a baby.  He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  Amen!   One of my favorites! A medley of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, “Silent Night”, and “Joy to the World” finishes up this awesome Christmas project. Again, good solid singing of traditional songs that we sing this time of year, but reminds us of the only reason for CHRISTmas!  

A wonderful project!  A good mix of secular and Jesus focused songs.    My top three songs on this project include:  “Little Baby Boy”, “Do You Hear What I Hear” and “Away in a Manger.” But in all honesty, there was not one song that I did not like.    A very impressive project that brings Glory to God! For more information on the Kingdom Heirs, visit their website at www.kingdomheirs.com