"Each song on this album has a very special meaning to me. From my "Nana's" favorite "Start of the East" (that I played on the piano every year at Christmas) to "Mary Did You Know" that I once sang barefooted sitting on the edge of a stage in Puerto Vallarta, to the incredible arrangement of "Silver Bells" that hints of "New York, New York" (thanks Jerry!)....to the dreamy orchestral arrangement of "White Christmas" a song written by a Jewish Russian immigrant.  Yes, each song is very special to me. The one that always gets me choked up though is "Merry Christmas With Love".......a story of an elderly woman, all alone at Christmas ....who is transformed from crying to singing along with carolers. THAT to me...is what Christmas is all about. Sharing. Loving. Helping others.  

There are MANY people that helped make this Christmas album a reality. The list is long, but top of the list is Jerry Williams, arranger, co-producer, pianist.  And then Jonathan Yudkin, an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist who added a sleigh full of stringed instruments! On a few songs, Kris Crunk added that all important Timpani and Ricky Free added drums. What a joy to be working with such great musicians and engineers.  

The last song is "How Great Thou Art". Perhaps this is not traditionally in a Christmas collection...but for me, it sorta wraps up the whole message of giving......how God sent his son to us...to die for us. This song is so dear to me and is also on my upcoming Gospel album.  I am SO excited about that release!!!!"    ~Mary Porter