For us, music has always been about storytelling, because stories fuel our connection as human beings; so when we set out to make a Christmas album, we knew it would be about exploring the universal stories we all share. For many, the Christmas story is a celebration of the essence of their faith that two millennia ago, God came to Earth in human form to redeem humanity. But there are other stories here, too, very human stories that resonate in the contemporary world regardless of religious belief. There is the story of a refugee family fleeing persecution, relying on the mercy and generosity of strangers; and the story of a child born in poverty and injustice who grows up to profoundly influence the world. There is the story of a young mother caught up in the mundane chores of child care, and the story of guests so wrapped up in celebrating that they forget who the party is for. There is the story of expectations unmet, the story of nostalgia for home and family, and the story of loved ones lost and longed for. But ultimately, the Christmas story is the story of light in the midst of darkness, warmth in the midst of cold, hope in the midst of despair. It’s the story of mercy, generosity, peace, love, and forgiveness. No matter what your traditions or beliefs may be, we hope you’ll find these things in the stories we share here. Peace on Earth. Good will to all. ~ Bett & Joël “Put simply, pianist/vocalist Bett Butler and bassist Joel Dilley make great records. For the wife/husband duo, making music and recording and producing albums is not only a career, it’s a way of life, the place where vocation and avocation come together with soul, talent and commitment. While each has, and will, play music with others, it’s as a team that the passion of Butler and Dilley for music and for each other as partners, musical and otherwise, shines brightly.” —Jim Beal Jr., SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS “San Antonio vocal/bass duo breathes new life into old standards with fresh arrangements and a flair for the exotic.” —Jay Trachtenburg, AUSTIN CHRONICLE “I marveled at the spell this singer could weave....Bett Butler brought me to that place where music can salve the deepest wound, mend the heart most broken.” —John Swenson, UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL