Before I share my review of the MercyMe, It’s Christmas CD I think we need to get a couple of things straight. First, I am not a big fan of Christmas music. In general, I find Christmas music to be self-indulgent and lacking of genuine substance. Maybe it’s because I was forced to sing the same tired tunes to mind-numbing extremes through elementary school or maybe it’s a disdain for capitalistic motives that displays the ego and greed of our fallen humanness when we focus on world profit over the celebration of the arrival of our savior, Jesus Christ. Call me a Scrooge or curmudgeon, but it is what it is, I guess. Knowing that, then, I am sure you will be surprised to learn that I think the MercyMe, It’s Christmas CD would ably make a wonderful Christmastime soundtrack for anyone, no matter their position on Christmas, consumerism or the like. The second thing we should put on the table is that, while I was asked to do a review and post on this topic as part of Pizza Ranch’s promotion of the CD, I am not getting paid to write anything specific, nor do I even have to write a favorable review. I am, however, pleased to share my thoughts on the MercyMe, It’s Christmas CD, share details on how you can win a copy of the MercyMe, It’s Christmas CD, and offer some brief thoughts on Pizza Ranch and 1Glories as the new year approaches.

A Review of the MercyMe, It’s Christmas CD

I’ve already stated a belief that you should make this your soundtrack for the Christmas season and I don’t take that assertion lightly. MercyMe has done a tremendous job of blending vintage sounding harmonies with an upbeat and modern energy so it appeals to and resonates with all walks of life. This is most evident in the fifth track, "Hold On Christmas." While evoking throwback memories like watching “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the Salvation Army Bell ringing and gifts under the tree; the tune projects the excitement of the season with unparalleled optimism amid an array of usual holiday stressors. This is one you’ll set to repeat many times over during your road trips and find yourself singing along before you know it. The MercyMe, It’s Christmas CD contains renditions of some of the most adored Christmas classics, like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Holly, Jolly Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride” but it also offers fresh spins on spiritually uplifting and relevant tracks like “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” and “O Come, O Come.”

Where to Buy the MercyMe, It’s Christmas CD

The CD is available at most music retailers, but you’ll be selling yourself short if you take that route. Pizza Ranch is giving away the CD with a $25 gift card purchase as well as selling the full album at each of its nearly 200 locations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains states. In addition, this release contains four exclusive bonus tracks that aren’t available on other versions of the CD.

"We are so excited to debut our new Christmas album, MercyMe, It's Christmas, with Pizza Ranch” said Bart Millard with MercyMe. “Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God. It's the perfect gift to give this Christmas season and the perfect CD to get you in the Christmas spirit."

MercyMe has recorded the following songs for Pizza Ranch’s exclusive bonus tracks:

• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
• Silent Night
• Oh Holy Night
• Joseph’s Lullaby

“We are extremely blessed to have a very close connection with our guests,” said Adrie Groeneweg, co-founder and president of Pizza Ranch. “This project extends the brand’s essence to a new dimension beyond our four walls and into their lives. It’s a new kind of way for us to relate to our loyal fans.”