Christmas Joy by Gretchen Harris

Gretchen ministers through concerts, speaking engagements, and radio programs, performing most recently in Washington DC, Toronto, Brazil, Florida, and her hometown of Los Angeles.

In addition to her vocation as wife and mother of three children, Gretchen enjoys reaching out to others through her music ministry.  She has produced an album of her gifted church choirs from Redondo Beach, California, and is busy ministering with her newest release, SING TO THE LORD.

"CHRISTMAS JOY"----

The fourth album from Gretchen Harris is "Christmas Joy." It combines traditional favorites with new songs of the holidays.  This is a delightful journey for the soul, as we travel through the Christmas season and the joy that it holds for our hearts.

"Joy to the World" is the opening tune, with guitar, percussion, and a unique rhythm that springs forth in true joy. Bob and MaryJo Cowsill wrote "Christmastime," a song that evokes the sentimental feelings of the holidays.

A beautiful and uplifting rendition of  "O Holy Night" is next with soaring vocals by Gretchen and vibrant background vocals by a talented trio. This is followed by  "And On That Day," written by Phil Keaggy.  This is a wonderful song that tells how that special day when Jesus was born is the day that opened the way to our redemption.

Gretchen's ten-year-old daughter Amy joined in on the upbeat duet of  "Away in a Manger,"  which showcases Amy's amazing vocal gifts.  "What Child Is This" is a traditional favorite of many, and  "One Star," written by Cynthia Cummins, has a smooth oldies flavor in this version and speaks of the glory of the angels singing "Alleluia!"

Gretchen and producer David Harris co-wrote "Promised Messiah," which sings of a world in darkness searching for a savior, culminating in the arrival of Jesus Christ, our Promised Messiah.  "Silent Night" is the perfect smooth and peaceful lullaby.

This album closes with an introspective promise to hold the newborn Jesus in our hearts even "After December Slips Away."  It is Gretchen's prayer that this album will be a spirit-filled and welcome addition to the listeners' hearts and homes this Christmas season and in the years to come.

"CHRISTMAS JOY" REVIEW ----

by CatholicMusicNetwork.com

Christmas Joy is the fourth album from the very talented Gretchen Harris. It combines traditional favorites with new songs of the holidays.  This is a delightful journey for the soul as we travel through the Christmas season with the joy that it holds for our hearts.  If you have never heard Gretchen's voice you are in for a Christmas treat.  Perhaps one of the best holiday albums to come out in quite some time.  "Joy To The World," "Away In A Manger," "O Holy Night" are just some of the carols this album includes. This album truly breathes new life into these timeless classics.

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