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JFH Music News Report

Girder Announces John Schlitt "The Christmas Project" Coming to Vinyl

Pre-orders start TONIGHT @ 7pm EST, Oct 9


Girder Announces John Schlitt 'The Christmas Project' Coming to Vinyl


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NEWS SOURCE: Girder
October 9, 2025

When people talk about the legacy of Petra, one thing always comes up—how much they gave us, and yet how one album never happened: a Petra Christmas record. For decades, fans wondered what it would sound like if John Schlitt, the powerhouse voice of Petra, put his stamp on holiday classics. In 2013, we finally got that answer with The Christmas Project on CD. Now, 12 years later, we’re bringing it to vinyl for the very first time—pressed on gorgeous Evergreen Vinyl, strictly limited to 200 copies worldwide and available in-time for Christmas.

This isn’t just another Christmas album—it’s the closest thing Petra fans will ever get to that “missing” Petra Christmas record.

John Schlitt – The Christmas Project

  • First Time on Vinyl – John Schlitt’s The Christmas Project finally arrives on vinyl, 12 years after its CD debut.

  • Evergreen Vinyl Pressing – Holiday-themed deep green vinyl to match the season.

  • Ultra-Limited Edition – Only 200 copies worldwide. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

  • 12x12” Double-Sided Insert – Features exclusive artwork, liner notes, and full album credits.

  • Iconic Voice of Petra – The closest fans will ever get to a Petra Christmas album.

  • Standout Performances – Includes Schlitt’s breathtaking version of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” and a rock-driven “Little Drummer Boy.”

  • Collector’s Keepsake – A rare seasonal release worthy of display and repeat spins.

Evergreen Vinyl Edition – Out November 28, 2025 (Black Friday)

Catalog #: GR1230LP
Limited to 200 Copies – Includes 12x12” Double-Sided Insert


Why The Christmas Project Matters

John Schlitt approaches these timeless songs with the same fire and conviction he brought to arena stages with Petra. From the soaring “Hallelujah Chorus” (a jaw-dropping performance that many consider one of the finest ever recorded) to the driving rock punch of “Little Drummer Boy” (watch the official video if you haven’t—you’ll be hooked instantly), this is holiday music reimagined with power, passion, and a touch of rock ’n’ roll grit.

Even quieter moments, like “O Holy Night” and “What Child Is This?”, showcase John’s remarkable vocal range and heartfelt delivery. And with the original song “What Christmas Needs To Be,” Schlitt reminds us that Christmas isn’t just tradition—it’s transformation.


Collector’s Details

  • Pressed on Evergreen Vinyl

  • Limited to just 200 copies

  • Includes a 12x12” double-sided insert with artwork and liner notes

  • First time ever on vinyl


Track Listing

Hallelujah Chorus (Handel's Messiah) / Do You Hear What I Hear? / Little Drummer Boy / O Holy Night / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Good Christian Men Rejoice / That Spirit Of Christmas / We Three Kings / What Christmas Needs To Be / What Child Is This?


A Holiday Keepsake for Petra Fans

Whether you’ve worn out your CD copy or never had the chance to experience The Christmas Project, this new vinyl edition is a must-have. The Evergreen Vinyl pressing isn’t just a format—it’s a statement, a collector’s piece that captures both the beauty of Christmas and the enduring legacy of John Schlitt’s voice.

If Petra had ever made a Christmas album, this would be it. And now, you can finally spin it on your turntable.


Release Date: November 28, 2025 (Black Friday)



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For more info on John Schlitt, visit the JFH Artists Database.




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