6 Secular Christmas Songs and How to Relate Them to Christ

1. All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

She's defrosting…and ready to bring back this holiday classic! Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You seems to be at the top of many holiday classic playlists and grocery store radio stations, for that matter. While this tune doesn't talk about longing for a savior like Jesus, it does show the singer's clear desire and longing for true love above all material things, and what greater love can we receive than from the Lord?

'I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is you, yeah'

If we strive to put seeking God's love above all else this holiday season, we'll be able to cut out the materialistic noise and keep our focus on Him.

Photo Credit: ©YouTube/Mariah Carey

2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Michael Buble

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas dates back to 1944 when it was written for Judy Garland to sing in the musical film 'Meet Me in St. Louis.' Since it has been covered by musician legends – Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, and many more artists, this song has shared the message to many on finding hope and light even in the darkest times.

'Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light

From now on

Our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Make the Yule-tide gay

From now on

Our troubles will be miles away'

The lyrics "let your heart be light" and "from now on our troubles will be out of sight" are stark reminders of how Jesus' birth brought so much light into this dark world. While singing about pushing our troubles out of sight may not make them instantly vanish, it can definitely bring a sense of hope that in trusting the Lord, we have brighter days to come.

'Through the years, we all will be together

If the fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now'

That's not it for this classic – that line "hang a shining star upon the highest bough" is a great tie into the star of Bethlehem, which was the light that led the wise men to Jesus. The star is another symbol of guidance to the light of Christ. Looking to Jesus for direction through all seasons of life can bring us peace and comfort in times that may not be the merriest.

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Michael Buble

3. Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley's 1957 recording of the song Blue Christmas made such an impact on the holiday classic list it was even used in the famous Rankin/Bass animated film "The Year without Santa Claus" and more contemporary classics like "Christmas with the Kranks." To many, these chords reflect a sense of grieving and emptiness around the holidays from a lost loved one, but what goes unnoticed is how these lyrics can reveal an even deeper truth: without Jesus at the center of our Christmas celebration, we risk having a "blue Christmas."

'I'll have a blue Christmas without you

I'll be so blue just thinking about you

Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree

Won't be the same dear, if you're not here with me'

All of the fluff that comes around Christmas day – decorations, gifts, holiday traditions – can only go so far in filling the emptiness in our hearts if we're longing for a true love. Without the Christ in Christmas, it's just a hollow celebration. Some may find this relatable to finding their identity in Christ – without Christ at the center of our lives, we can become hollow beings. Thank you, Elvis, for the reminder that our self-worth can be found in Christ and Christ alone!

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Inside the World of Rock

4. I'll Be Home for Christmas – Rascal Flatts

Another Christmas cover, I'll Be Home for Christmas by Rascal Flatts, may have you questioning how this holiday hymn relates to Christ. Originally recorded by Bing Crosby and showcased in the hit film "White Christmas," the song touched the hearts of those in military families. I'll Be Home for Christmas became a top-10 hit during the 1940s, just as Americans were in the middle of World War II. This theme also inspired Josh Groban's I'll Be Home for Christmas, which was featured in his 2007 holiday album, Noel.

'I'll be home for Christmas

You can count on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents under the tree

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the love light gleams

I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams'

While these lyrics paint a picture of a person longing to be home at Christmastime, they can't help but echo our spiritual desire for the true home Jesus has promised us in heaven. When Jesus tells His disciples, "²There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2)" He wasn't speaking of a physical location, but instead describing the eternal home He prepares for those who follow Him.

The chorus, "I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me," resonates with Jesus' promise to His followers and should be an inspiration to Christians to prepare our hearts and lives now so when the time comes, we're ready to be welcomed home by Christ with open arms.

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Rascal Flatts

5.Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano

The 1970s hit Feliz Navidad, written and performed by Puerto Rican musician Jose Feliciano, remains one of the top-performing hits 54 years after its release. The reasoning behind the hit remains unknown, but many believe it's due to its reflection on Hispanic Heritage. Surprising to many, this simple jingle is not just a short and joyful way to say Merry Christmas, but the translation of "Feliz Navidad" means much more in Spanish.

‘Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

Próspero año y felicidad’

The phrase Feliz Navidad translates from Spanish to English as "Happy (Feliz)" "Nativity (Navidad)." For the millions of Christmas lovers who belt out this classic, they are singing "Happy Birth of Jesus Christ." Even though "Merry Christmas" is said time and time again in the majority of Christmas classics, the meaning behind Feliz Navidad takes it a step deeper. It's a subtle yet powerful reminder that Christmas is about the birth of our Savior, not just festive traditions or material gifts.

So the next time you hear Feliz Navidad, let it remind you of the nativity, inspire you to celebrate Jesus and encourage others to focus on the true reason for the season.

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/José Feliciano

6. Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande

Wicked star Ariana Grande has no doubt made headlines in the media recently, making her Christmas hit, Santa Tell Me, reach number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and attract over 5 million streams on Spotify. The lyrics in Santa Tell Me is like reading the pop stars' letter to Santa as she first asks for reassurance that he's there listening and second for guidance on her romantic life.

'Santa, tell me if you're really there

Don't make me fall in love again

If he won't be here next year

Santa, tell me if he really cares

'Cause I can't give it all away

If he won't be here next year'

Similar to how many believers may feel in a season of not hearing God, Ariana begging, "Santa, tell me if you're really there," mirrors the questions we as Christians may ask – Is God truly present and active in our lives? Is He really listening to our prayer?

This Christmas, listen to Santa Tell Me and consider how it relates to doubt and faith. We may hesitate to trust God completely, fearing disappointment or unanswered prayers, however, faith is not about having all the answers – it's about trusting in God's plan and His timing.

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Ariana Grande