We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Christian recording artist Nicole C. Mullen to talk about her Christmas album, along with her favorite Christmas songs and traditions. Here is what she had to say –
Tell us a bit about your Christmas album.
The album is called “Christmas in Black and White,” and has a double meaning. For one, Christmas is about what is celebrated on the pages of scripture. The true meaning of Christmas is black and white just like the rest of scripture. There’s no grey area. Also, my family – many of whom were featured on the album with me – is comprised of a whole canvas of different colors – from black to white to tan – so for me Christmas is about all different colors of skin, not just one shade.
What is your favorite song on the album?
There are too many! It’s like trying to choose a favorite child. One song I really enjoy is “The Christmas Song” because I sang that one with my dad. Some other favorites would be “Lamb Of God” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Tell us about your favorite Christmas memory from the past.
When I was little, my granddad, who used to be a pastor, was in a nursing home. I remember going to visit him one Christmas, and my dad brought him a bunch of oranges. At first I thought it was a really strange gift to bring. But then I noticed how the sweet fragrance of the oranges created a stark contrast against the less pleasant smells of the nursing home. And when my granddad smelled the oranges, he came back to life a little bit. Just for a moment, those oranges stirred something inside him, and it was like I had my granddad back, just the way he had always been. I grew up singing in my granddad’s church from the young age of two, so it was very sad seeing him in a nursing home. I wondered if the people taking care of him knew that he was a great man of God, a preacher who had faithfully led others to Christ. It reminded me of how so many people missed the fact that Christ was walking amongst them when he was here on Earth. It made me wonder if people knew who he really was back then, just as I wondered if the employees at the nursing home knew who my granddad was. The experience made me stop and think about the importance of not missing the true treasure of Christ in our everyday lives.
How about your favorite current Christmas tradition?
Well, on Christmas Eve we all get together and read the Christmas story from the Bible, and then we each get to open one present. The rest have to wait until Christmas morning!
What about your favorite holiday food; what do you look forward to making or eating every year?
We always make these special cinnamon rolls – they taste just like Cinnabon! And my husband makes deep fried turkey every year, which is always amazing. Oh, and someone always makes my grandma’s sweet potato pie.
What is the one thing you love most about Christmas?
I love how people have their hearts focused on good will, and are actively pursuing peace during the Christmas season. I also understand that it is a time of sorrow for those who have lost loved ones, and it is a reminder that we need to reach out to those people who are alone or suffering. People tend to be more sensitive towards the needs of others during Christmas, which is so important, and something we need to remember throughout the year as well.
Want to learn more about Nicole C. Mullen? Check out her Guest Guide, or watch her recent appearance on “Marcus and Joni” On Demand.