Despite the best efforts of Democrats and their patron saint of stupidity, Dr. Fauci, to emulate the Sheriff of Nottingham and call off Christmas, it is Christmas time. Which means it is Christmas music time again. This means, unless one goes complete hermit, you will hear “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and “Last Christmas” by Wham until you beg for mercy from the muzak gods.

Luckily, Cephas Hour is here to provide a cure for the common Carey. The new episode, which debuted last night, is a Christmas-ish collection of quality songs about the Man Whose birthday we will celebrate on December 25th. Some are traditional carols, some Christ-centered. All of them are a blessing for those who have ears to hear.

The show starts with Rachel Wilhelm, featured here a while back, and her new recording of the plaintive carol “I Wonder as I Wander.” From there, it’s on to a live track by the Messianic Judaic duo Lamb, presented with the note that one of the two original members (Rick Coghill) passed away from cancer earlier this week. Next, a classic Jesus Music song from the Maranatha! family, “Sail on Sailor” by Mustard Seed Faith. The first set concludes with “Unraveling” by the sublime Shelly Moore.

The second set of songs starts with two new numbers. “I See a Star” is by the San Diego-based husband and wife duo Backstage Revival. It comes from their recently released Christmas EP. Next up is “To The Ones” by Illinois-based husband and wife duo Bringing Home, featured here a few weeks ago. We finish the set with “Hurricane” by The Choir, also featured here, from their most recent album Deep Cuts.

The third set begins with the classic satirical slam against commercialism “Christmastime” by the father of Christian rock Larry Norman. Maintaining the energy is “Rooftops” by veteran Christian alt rockers Vector. We then have something completely different: a quiet acoustic reading of “The Old Rugged Cross” by 7&7iS, i.e., The 77s (featured here a few months ago) from their new album Hymnsongs.

The final two sets are all Christmas. First up is a trio of traditional carols by folk master Bob Bennett. The show concludes with a unique yet faithful take on “What Child Is This” by The 77s and two traditional carols performed with heart-filled reverence by The Lost Dogs.

And there you have it. Whether you listen to the show on-demand or through different podcast host sites, it’s here to remind you of two facts oft forgotten. First, Christ is the reason for Christmas. Second, there is Christmas music out there that won’t turn your mind into tapioca.