This is your first Christmas album since 1999, A Christmas Story. So what inspired you to record a Christmas album in six years?

Well, in the past years, we have been out on tour with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. But this year, Michael decided not to do his Christmas tour again. And it’s been a desire for us to have a Christmas tour for a long time. We needed music to take out on the road, so we decided to make a Christmas album!

How did you guys decide on the title “Winter Wonderland”?

We really wanted something very pictorial so that we can wrap a Christmas story theme around it in a beautiful setting that people would want to see in Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas will be there at our Christmas show… it will be beautiful to look at.

How is Winter Wonderland different from 1999’s A Christmas Story, besides the fact that the songs are different? How have you all grown since then?

Well, we’ve all gained about 20 pounds (laughs)!

One of the things is that we have a new member Leigh, and she has not had the opportunity to record a Christmas album with us, so having her in the new album makes a big difference.

Musically more than the previous album, we are going towards a big band sound. Lots of harmonies, as well as classical styles, even a cappella.

Which song from the album most indicates the true meaning of Christmas, which is the day Christ was born?

We have an a cappella song called “In The First Light.” It really holds the entire gospel story from Jesus’ birth and resurrection- that’s really where it all began. It is the retelling of the gospel itself.

What are your hopes and plans for Christmas this year?

We’re very excited about our Christmas tour, Dec.1-18. We hope that people can get into the spirit of Christmas, what Christmas is, and how it changed our lives so that we may affect others.

John Davis Webster, who sang “Let there be light” with us on this album, will be on tour with us. Our kids will get to come, and we’re excited about inviting others. And there will be an opportunity for us to embrace the church and the choir and their community… it will be a lot of fun to sing with the church people as well!

Point of Grace - Winter Wonderland (In stores now!!)


Interviewed by Connie Lee
connie@breathecast.com