I have been a fan of Randy Thompson for many years. I first became familiar with Randy's music back in junior high when my long-time friend, Aaron Young, gave me a couple of his tapes as a Christmas present. (By the way, I should mention that Randy is Aaron's uncle.)

I had grown up in the non-instrumental Churches of Christ, so this was the first Christian music album I ever owned. In the years that followed, I got a few more Randy Thompson tapes, but I really forgot about his ministry until I recently received one of his ministry newsletters.

When I heard that Randy had produced a new album of Christmas music, I had to check it out. I have to say that I think this is his best work to date.

Randy's music falls into the folk/acoustic/soft rock vein, but there are definitely some alt-country influences, as well. It's kind of hard to explain his sound, but it is very distinct. The arrangements have a harmony with an almost yearning quality to it--the yearning of one who is seeking God. (I really don't know how to explain this yearning, but it is the only way I know to explain what Randy's music does to me.) The music is simple, but very real.

Lyrically, all of the tracks are Christ-centered. Each of the songs speaks of the glory of the incarnation of Christ, but from different angles. The focus of the album could be summed up from the lyrics of the song "We Want to See Jesus," when it says . . .

Another song with especially powerful lyrics is "The Star." This song talks about the courageous actions of the Magi in following the star to see Jesus and how we should have the same kind of desperation, willing to do anything in our pursuit of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

"Paradox" continues to explore the amazing event of the birth of Christ. With its mysterious-sounding musical arrangement, it sets the stage for questioning the ultimate paradox--before Christ could save us from sin, He had to become sin on our behalf.

Randy's new songs are memorable, but he includes two old favorites that are also appreciated. His rendition of "O Holy Night" is kept simple and uncomplicated with the use of his trademark 12-string guitar, until the bridge where he adds a trumpet.

The other old favorite, "The Angels Sing," comes from Randy's album, Once Upon a Cross. This song is my favorite Randy Thompson song. It is a powerful song of praise to the God who chose "such a lowly place, to display his matchless grace, for all the world to see."

Finally, I have to mention the hidden track. It is a narration of a conversation that Joseph might have had with God on the night of his son's birth. It is such a precious picture of what Joseph must have felt that night and what we sometimes feel when our best plans to "do something for God" go astray.

If you are interested in finding out more about Randy's ministry or you are interested in getting one of his albums, visit his website at http://www.randythompson.org. Randy does not sell his albums, but he offers them as gifts. (Donations are appreciated, though. If you are able to, give as God leads. But if you can't afford to do so, he will still send you an album.) More than your money though, his ministry would appreciate your prayers.