A few Christmas suggestions (updated for 2009)

I don't normally suggest Christmas songs, as many congregations are looking forward to singing Christmas hymns handed down through the ages. In 2008 set myself a challenge of finding 6 songs that are easy to sing, but could surprise and challenge those who just visit their local church at Christmas, seeking sentimentality or something for the kids…. I have added a couple of new discoveries for 2009.

GC(II)362 Dark is the night / Sing Alleluia (O'Brien) Excellent and simple Christmas song which reflects the magnificat and the happiness of Jesus’ parents. I especially like the last verse “Hope for the poor, release for the captive, Love for the outcast, light for weary eyes; Word that brings life, embracing humanity, Jesus, companion be born into our lives”. It would be particularly good for a Christmas eve service. The chorus would also work very nicely on its own. Nice sound sample, lyrics and sheet music sample (search for Sing Alleluia and scroll or search down to find "Dark is the night")
MV158 / FFS12 Dream a dream (Shirley Murray) Broad words of hope for the future of creation and the world's people. I think the first tune in Faith Forever Singing (by Nigel Eastgate) is the most intuitive and interesting. GIA music also have a tune by Lori True which fits together with Dona Nobis Pacem which could be really lovely if you have a choir, especially a children's choir (as in the sound sample on the Hymprint site - search for Dream a Dream). Lyrics only (scroll or search down)
Iona (M&G) / CH359 / StJ / TF37 / ELW253 / GA293 / SFFS 2085 / G(II)276 / GC370 / GC(II)364 / CP368 / W&R402 He came down that we may have love (Traditional Cameroons) A simple, repetitive song, which can be pretty groovy too. Make sure you sing the triplets or it gets boring. Great for kids and for some drumming, too. Sound sample, sheet music (search for "He Came Down").
TiS 287 / CH287 / StS011 / GC(II)768 No wind at the window (Bell) Wonderful words to the familiar Celtic tune COLUMCILLE that focus on Mary's decision to say "Yes" to God. Very easy to sing. Works well for Advent and Christmas. Lyrics.
AoV2-043 / NCH538 / SFFS 2095 / GC(II)355 Star-Child (NOAH’S SONG/Murray/Young) This song is easy to sing and has beautiful lyrics, especially for Christmas Eve as it still has a sense of anticipation about it. Sample sheet music and sound sample here.
AA12 / StB141 Child of Christmas story (Shirley Murray / I-toh Loh) A simple song – easy to sing and good questioning words. Lyrics here (along with an excellent order of worship).
Iona / NCH153 / CH295 / G(II)267 / GC350 Who would think that what was needed (God's surprise / Iona) I love the challenge to our priorities in this song. The lyrics are to the traditional tune SCARLET RIBBONS. Lyrics, sheet music and a midi sample of the tune here.
AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / R127 / ELW715 / GC(II)512 Longing for light we wait in darkness (Christ be our light) (Farrell). This would be a good one for the beginning of a Christmas eve service. For our congregation at least, I know that it will be sung strongly and is a big favourite, but you may not have thought of singing it at Christmas
Iona / TiS 325 / G(II)277 / GC(II)381 Who is the baby an hour or two old / AYE CAROL Very simple flowing tune and good challenging words “Will you come with me, e’vn though I feel shy?” seems perfect for those who rarely step into a church.Lyrics, sheet music and another annoyingly slow sound sample here. Your congregation will expire if you try to sing it this slowly, even though it sounds very pretty with a soloist....
Unknown source When our God came to earth (Mayhew / THEODORIC) These words are to the same tune as “Long ago, prophets new, Christ would come, born a Jew” Lyrics can be found here and you could use TiS 283 or HPP 87 for the tune. "Let the poor rejoice! Let the mute give voice! Love is shown, God is known, Christ is born of Mary"
G(II)268 / GC355 The Tiny Child to Bethlehem Came (Haugen) Good words of hope for peace sung to a sort of Celtic tune, which is not too hard. Lyrics, sheet music preview and keyboard sound sample (search for Tiny child).