Ever walked into a church lobby in December and felt like you were accidentally at a tropical beach party? If there’s a banjo playing and someone’s aggressively shaking a tambourine while singing about a manger, you’re probably hearing Born Is The King Hillsong fans in their natural habitat.
Honestly, Christmas music usually falls into two camps. You’ve got the heavy, majestic stuff that makes you feel like you should be wearing a velvet robe in a cathedral. Then you’ve got the "Santa Baby" pop fluff.
But back in 2011, Hillsong Worship—specifically Matt Crocker and Scott Ligertwood—decided to do something weirdly brave. They wrote a Christmas anthem that sounds less like a snowy midnight in Bethlehem and more like a backyard barbecue in Sydney. It’s upbeat. It’s bouncy. It’s kind of impossible to stay grumpy while listening to it.
The Secret Sauce of Born Is The King Hillsong
Most people don't realize that Born Is The King Hillsong (officially titled "Born Is the King (It's Christmas)") wasn't just a random single. It was the anchor for an 8-track album that basically tried to redefine what "modern" carols could sound like.
While the rest of the world was doubling down on Mariah Carey, the team at Hillsong was messing around with banjos and accordions.
Why the sound is so different
If you listen closely to the original recording, you'll notice it has this folk-pop, almost "island" vibe. That’s not an accident. Since Hillsong is based in Australia, their Christmas happens in the dead of summer. Think 90-degree heat, surfing, and cold prawns instead of chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
The song captures that "summer Christmas" energy perfectly.
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Matt Crocker and Scott Ligertwood (who is married to Brooke Ligertwood, the powerhouse behind "What A Beautiful Name") nailed a specific lyrical simplicity here. They didn't try to be overly theological or use complex metaphors. They just went with: "Born unto us this day a Savior / Gifted from heaven to a manger."
It’s straightforward. It’s punchy.
The production team
The credits on this track are a "who's who" of CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) royalty. You had Autumn Hardman and Ryan Taubert on production. Taubert is now famous for his cinematic, epic film scores, but here he was helping craft a catchy jingle that toddlers and grandmas could both hum.
That Mainstream Moment Nobody Remembers
Here is a fun bit of trivia: Born Is The King Hillsong actually crossed over into the mainstream in a way most worship songs never do.
In 2012, Sony Music Australia put the track on their So Fresh: The Songs for Christmas compilation. For those who aren't from Australia, So Fresh is basically the "Now That’s What I Call Music" of the Southern Hemisphere.
Seeing a Hillsong track sandwiched between Justin Bieber and Delta Goodrem was... unexpected. But it worked. The song's "summer anthem" feel made it a radio-friendly hit that didn't feel out of place at a shopping mall.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Lyrics
Some critics originally thought the song was "too light." They wanted more grit.
But if you actually look at the structure, it’s a masterclass in inclusive songwriting. It manages to hit the core pillars of the Nativity story—the Savior, the manger, the light for mankind—without feeling like a dry history lesson.
The chorus is basically a series of instructions:
- Lift up your voice.
- Sing out His praise.
- Make a joyful sound.
It’s an invitation to participate, which is probably why it has stayed a staple for kids' Christmas plays for over a decade. In late 2024, Hillsong even leaned into this by releasing a dedicated "Hillsong Kids" version of the EP, complete with "dance actions" and "singalong" videos. They know their audience.
The "Hillsong Sound" Evolution
By 2011, Hillsong was moving away from the big, synth-heavy stadium rock of the mid-2000s and experimenting with more organic textures. Born Is The King Hillsong represents that shift.
Instead of a massive wall of electric guitars, you get:
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- A prominent, plucky banjo.
- Light, acoustic percussion.
- Gang vocals that sound like a group of friends in a living room.
This "folk-worship" era was short-lived but gave us some of their most enduring melodies. It felt human. It felt reachable.
Practical Ways to Use the Song This Year
If you're a worship leader or just someone putting together a holiday playlist, you've got to be careful with this one. Because it’s so high-energy (clocking in around 100 BPM), it can easily run away from you.
Don't overcomplicate the arrangement. The magic of the original is the "empty space" between the notes. If you add too many instruments, it loses that playful, childlike wonder.
Keep the tempo steady. It’s easy to start rushing the "It's Christmas!" shouts in the chorus. If you go too fast, it starts sounding like a frantic polka. Keep it groovy.
Try the acoustic version. If you don't have a full band, this song actually kills on just an acoustic guitar or a mandolin. It's robust enough to stand on its own without the bells and whistles.
Actionable Insights for Your Christmas Planning:
- Check out the 2024 Kids EP: If you're running a church program, the new arrangements are specifically keyed for younger voices, making them much easier to lead than the original 2011 male-led version.
- Mix your genres: Pair this song with a traditional carol like "Joy to the World" (the folk version) to keep a consistent "unplugged" vibe for your event.
- Search for the Multitracks: If you're a musician, you can find the original stems (including that famous banjo part) on sites like MultiTracks or Worship Tutorials to beef up your live sound.