Created by Douglas & Trailand Eltzroth
37 Days of Christmas is a musical and devotional journey through the entire Christmas season — from the anticipation of Advent, through the joy of the Twelve Days of Christmas, to the revelation of Epiphany.
What began in 1977 as Douglas Eltzroth’s family tradition of writing a new song each Advent has grown into a father-and-son collaboration that blends music, faith, and storytelling. Each piece invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the coming of Christ — not just for a day, but for all 37 days.
The project honors the rhythm of the season while reminding us that the story of Jesus is for every person, every nation, and every race.
Listen, read and join the celebration at 37daysofchristmas.com
The "Verse of the Year" Project
Since 2003, each year at Belhaven University has been shaped by a “Verse of the Year,” selected to guide and encourage the campus community. For more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of writing an original song each year based on that verse. As Belhaven’s artist-in-residence, these songs have become part of our shared spiritual life—sung in chapel, remembered by alumni, and carried forward into churches and ministries.
This year, we are recording a collection of about a dozen of these songs for the first time. The project reflects their range and use: some are reflective listening pieces, others choral, and many fully singable for congregational worship. We plan to release one song each day during the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 25–January 5), making them available to the Belhaven community and beyond. To complete the recording, prepare releases, and provide streaming, CDs, and printed music, we are finishing our fundraising.
The total cost is $37,000, and we’ve already received $17,000. While this project isn’t intended to generate financial return, it will generate worship—helping Scripture take root, serving the church, and telling a uniquely Belhaven story.
If you’re able, please consider partnering with us through a donation of any amount. Your support will help turn years of worship into a shared offering for the church and the world. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership.