Great Big Family Christmas

Sidewalk Prophets' “Great Big Family Christmas” is a cheerful holiday song about gathering with people you love. It starts with colder air and a glowing world, the perfect time to bundle up and make snow angels. The singer lists stockings, sledding, old St. Nick and carols in the street, then says what he loves most is seeing friends and family.

The chorus is the title: a great big family Christmas, gathered around the tree, where the group will celebrate the King. The verses describe decking the halls with laughter and lighting up the town square with joy, so that those who see will know that everyone is family and this party is free to join. Then the song names the guests, sisters and dear friends, shepherds and wise men, and the baby in a manger who made family from strangers. A sing-along of fa-la-la follows. The closing lines assure listeners that wherever they end up on Christmas day, their family is with them in their heart, whether at home or far away. The tune is light and has sleigh bells in the arrangement, so it works as a seasonal pop song. Because it includes friends and strangers as well as relatives, it is good for churches who want to welcome people who may be alone. It also fits a family program or a Christmas party where children sing along.

The shepherds finding the child are in Luke 2:8-16. Becoming children of God through faith is Galatians 3:26, and the wise men seeking the king are in Matthew 2:1-2.