This CD was born from both a deep love for the Christmas season and from disappointment with the half-hearted music available. Interestingly, In the Spirit was actually his second Christmas CD, the first was a private release in 1995 exclusively for his customers and clients. Most importantly, it was the Christmas CD's that launched him into a more serious pursuit of his music as it drew rave reviews and appeals for more music from his fans and radio stations around the world.

Less than a year later, he released his first original CD: In Search of Peace.

Most of the songs on this CD are new arrangements of old favorites, but this CD also includes one original song by Michael entitled "One Holiday Morning". It's a song about the anticipation and joy of giving to those you love, not just through gifts, but also through the little things done without acknowledgement.