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Top 5 Christmas Songs of Loss & Hope
For those who have lost someone special in their life, Christmas can look much different than it once did. I made a list of songs that reflect the pain of loss, but they also express the hope that we all can hold onto. We will never forget, but we can keep the faith. If you need some ideas on surviving loss and the holidays, see my article on that topic here. Otherwise, enjoy my Top 5 Christmas Songs of Loss & Hope.
#1 Christmas Song: The Sweetest Gift – Piano Guys featuring Chris Avery
The song I chose to put in the number one spot on my list of the Top 5 Christmas Songs of Loss & Hope, is The Sweetest Gift. In all fairness, several of the other songs on this list could have made it to the top spot, but as a bereaved parent, this song speaks to me in ways that most songs can’t.
This particular version was recorded by The Piano Guys, who are known for putting a special twist on songs by using just a piano and a cello. Their music has been viewed and/or listened to online over a billion times, and many of the traditional Christmas songs they have done are outright incredible. However, when it comes to hitting on everything a bereaved parent may feel this time of the year, this song is a must-have
The history: In 2016, Jon Schmidt’s daughter Annie went missing. Annie had gone for a hike and failed to return. She was eventually found at the bottom of a cliff, her death ruled as accidental. As one can imagine, the loss of their child affected the Schmidt family and shook them to their core. But it was through their faith that they found a way to survive and keep going.
During the grieving process, Jon heard a song that described exactly what he was feeling and he knew he needed to record it. So, The Piano Guys teamed up with Craig Aven for a song that still speaks to me. I dedicate this one to every parent who may be missing their child this Christmas.
#2 Christmas Song: Different Kind of Christmas – Mark Schultz
In 2014, Different Kind of Christmas was released and quickly became a song that was shared around the world. Mark Schultz wrote the song after he lost his father-in-law. Mark stated that the family was close and the loss was hard. One day as the holidays were approaching, Mark’s wife came into the office. She was still reeling from the loss of her father and told her husband, “It’s just going to be a different kind of Christmas.” And from that, the song was born.
Mark was quoted as saying that while writing Different Kind of Christmas he came to understand that mourning is real and it’s alright to feel the way you do. It’s also okay to celebrate the lives of the ones we miss.
I find that this song allows me to reflect on the ones I miss the most each holiday season. It’s heart-wrenching but provides me hope and that’s the reason it comes in at number two on my list of the Top 5 Christmas Songs of Loss & Hope.
#3 Christmas Song: One Last Christmas – Matthew West
The number three position is held by a song that will require you to get a box of tissue ready. There is no doubt you will need it once you understand the meaning behind this song. In One Last Christmas, Matthew West shares the true story of Dax Locke, a less than two-year-old child with leukemia. Doctors weren’t sure Dax would make it through the year and so, understanding that his time was limited, Dax’s family skipped Halloween and went straight to their son’s favorite holiday. They created their version of Christmas but did it in October. Once the local community heard what the family was doing others quickly joined in. And almost instantly, an entire town transformed itself into a Hallmark-like movie. They celebrated the most joyous time of the year earlier and longer than ever before.
This is an inspiring story in itself. The song causes me to tear up as I watch the video, but it will always remain one of my favorites. One Last Christmas serves as a reminder of the way the world should be. I love seeing little Dax and being able to share in the personal moments of his life. A special thank you to the Locke family for letting us enjoy their child. Dax will forever hold a special place in my heart, just like my own son will forever do.
#4 Christmas Song: Christmas in Heaven – Sarah Schieber
Christmas In Heaven was written by Paul Marino and Jeremy Johnson. Singer Sarah Schieber recorded it in 2009 as part of an album she was working on and it ranks as my number 4 choice for the Top 5 Christmas Songs of Loss & Hope. This one really hit home for Sarah as she had lost her husband, Chad previously, and his death meant she was left alone to raise their three young children.
Sarah told CBN.com, “Paul shared the song with me a few months after my husband Chad died. It became a very sweet part of my healing process. I didn’t dream that I would have the opportunity to record it this year. I pray it will comfort those who have lost loved ones and are facing the holidays alone.”
Others have recorded Christmas in Heaven, but there is something authentic and special about hearing this version. You can feel the connection Sarah has with this song, and that’s why I keep it on my list.
#5 Christmas Song: Christmas Will Be Different This Year – Gary LeVox
Rascal Flatts’ frontman, Gary LeVox, put words to the melody written by pianist-songwriter, Stephan Moccio. The song was actually a collaboration between Moccio, Levox, and Natalie Hemby. Interestingly, the three artists were said to have used Zoom to collaborate and create Christmas Will Be Different This Year. It encompasses how Covid changed the world, but it goes well beyond just that.
The lyrics are about the difficulty of a changing world and how life doesn’t remain the same for any of us. LeVox stated, “I think this song encompasses what the holidays will be this year, and not just because of Covid and all of that, but kids going away to school. The world as we once knew it is different. And I think this year Christmas will be different for everybody.”
I couldn’t agree more. It’s not just losing a loved one in death that affects us. Our kids grow up, loved ones move away, and things are different. As we age we may even find ourselves alone during the holidays. This song earned its spot as the number five song in my Top 5 Christmas Songs of Loss & Hope because of the deep meaning it has. I think you will agree once you listen.
So, there it is, my Top 5 Christmas Songs of Loss & Hope. I’ve learned to embrace the pain, the joy, and the gift that is the holiday season. These are just a few of the songs that exist, so feel free to share your favorites with me. And Merry Christmas to all.
