The Hymns of Christmas pairs two gifted singer/songwriters in a homespun musical setting that gives a fresh spin to a set of traditional holiday tunes. Jennifer Knapp and Margaret Becker share a background in Christian pop/rock, as well as a willingness to push against the genre's conventions. Here, they go for both complementary and contrasting vocal arrangements as they ground their sound in acoustic guitars, bass, and light percussion. Songs from centuries past are embroidered with deft harmonies and filled with a spirit of joy and camaraderie. Both singers take their turns in the spotlight, with Becker shining on a jazzy reworking of “The First Noel” and Knapp stepping forward to deliver folk-styled takes on “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “The Coventry Carol.” Amid yuletide evergreens like “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” are such lesser-known tunes as “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming,” a hymn with roots in 16th-century Germany. Whether the songs are famous or obscure, Knapp and Becker render each number with loving care, lending an inviting glow to the album overall.