Cuts like “Let It Snow,” “It’s Beginning to
Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “White
Christmas” are a departure for the singer,
best-known for powerhouse worship
anthems. Yet, longtime fans will love
hearing Kim’s unforgettable voice paired
with these timeless classics, melded
together for something altogether new—
each cut a snapshot of holidays passed.
Kim’s nostalgic take on “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer” is a personal favorite of
the singer’s. As a four-year-old Kim found
herself as the lead in a Christmas musical,
serving in the role of a granddaughter. On
the night of the final performance, her
pretend “grandmother” gave her a reindeer
that she still uses each year when
decorating her home.
“To this day, I still have the little reindeer
and pull it out every year at Christmas,” she
shares. “It was so special to me because at
that time as a little kid, ‘Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer’ was my favorite Christmas
special that came on TV every year… I
thought it was so neat, like, How did she
know that was my favorite?”
The album also conjures memories of
Bethel’s annual Holiday Feast, a dinner the
church hosted for the homeless and low-income families in the area and an incredible
community outreach that became a highlyanticipated event for both the church
members and the attendees each year.
Families in the congregation would sponsor
tables and decorate them with their best
china, beautiful holiday decorations and
gift boxes full of candy at every place
setting. Dinner included prime rib, mashed
potatoes, stuffing and more. From the
inception of the event, Kim was dubbed the
“jazz singer,” backed by a soulful band as
she crooned carols. “It was so much fun just
watching people’s faces as they’re coming
in. They loved the music and
entertainment,” she recalls. “They’d always
come up to me and ask, ‘Are you a famous
32 > CHRISTIAN REVIEW
singer?’—wondering where I came from,
this jazz musician. I’d say, ‘I’m just a
worship leader here at the church.’ They
were always so surprised that a worship
leader would sing jazz Christmas songs.”
It was at these events that Kim saw how
unifying Christmas music could be,
regardless of someone’s religious beliefs.
Numerous people encouraged Kim to
record Christmas songs through the years
after hearing her perform them at the
Holiday Feast. It was the imprint she saw
these songs leave on the guests that
solidified her decision to make recording