The songs we sing when we gather. As we prepare our hearts for Easter, Sunday Setlist features songs about the resurrection, the cross, and Jesus being alive from the grave!

Inspired by Angels We Have Heard On High by Chris Tomlin Jesus' entrance into this world was the most humble yet the most glorified birth in human history. Humble in the sense that He was born in a room full of farm animals. Humble in the sense that His parents were Jewish with little social status. Humble in that the city He was born in was small and unimportant to the world's politics at the time. Gloria in Excelsis Deo And yet, His birth radiated glory. It was revealed to shepherds in a field by angels declaring, “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14). The glory was so bright, the shepherds went to find the source (Luke 2:15). And later, many others would do the same. Shepherds, why this jubilee?Why your joyous strains prolong?What the gladsome tidings beWhich inspire your heavenly song? It is a lesson we learn every Christmas: the God of the universe came the earth in such humility that, aside from the angels declaring His name from the heavens, He arrived almost unnoticed. We hear that and are in awe of Him even more, as the shepherds were. We acknowledge the celebration He deserved, the crown that should have been placed on His head immediately. And we are humbled by His humility. But we stop there. We forget what the details of His birth mean for us. Jesus entered the earth in the same way He enters our hearts: right in the middle of a big mess. Just like He didn't look for a palace to be His birthplace and an earthly throne His dwelling, so does He not look for clean hearts to come into of perfect people who have it all figured out. Paul explains in Romans: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did this so that He could dwell in our hearts (Eph. 3:17). He doesn't wait until they are clean. While we were still sinners, remember? This is what He has been telling us from birth, an invitation that never expires: Come to Bethlehem and seeHim whose birth the angels singCome adore on bended kneeChrist our Lord, the new born King Based on the song Angels We Have Heard On High by Chris Tomlin. Original post by The Overflow featured on YouVersion. Hear Chris Tomlin's Angels We Have Heard On High here. To listen to a playlist of songs from this devotional on TheOverflow please visit theoverflow.com/xmas-songs

The heartbeat of the Christmas story is encapsulated in a name - Immanuel. God, the Creator of the universe, choosing to dwell among us, to become one of us. The song Sing We The Song Of Emmanuel by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa beautifully captures this awe-inspiring mystery. "Sing we the song of Emmanuel This the Christ who was long foretold..." 1. Anticipation Fulfilled: Long before the star shone over Bethlehem, the world was pregnant with anticipation. Prophets spoke, people waited, and in the hush of a silent night, the promise was fulfilled. In the humble setting of a manger, the eternal God made His entrance, weaving divinity with humanity. 2. Majesty in Humility: The dichotomy is striking. The song depicts a King without a crown or throne. The invincible God, appearing vulnerable as an infant. This paradox underscores the vastness of God's love and the lengths He'd go to reconcile humanity to Himself. "Maker of Mary, now Mary's son..." It's a love story that defies logic, beckoning our hearts to respond with gratitude and wonder. 3. Proclaiming the Good News: The song doesn't let us remain silent. The joyous news of Jesus' birth is to be spread far and wide. Every heart, whether burdened or rejoicing, needs to hear this message of hope. Jesus is the light that pierces our darkest nights, the hope that never disappoints. We are the bearers of this message, and our lives should resound with the glorious refrain: "Tell the world His name is Jesus." 4. A Universal Song: The repeated "Gloria, in excelsis Deo" underscores the universal nature of this good news. It's a song that transcends cultures, languages, and generations. Heaven and earth unite in this anthem of praise. Every heart, every tongue is invited to join this celestial chorus. As you reflect on the lyrics and our key scripture from Matthew, let the reality of God's presence fill your heart afresh. Jesus, Immanuel, is not just a historical figure but a living presence. He is God with us, not just in a manger two millennia ago, but today, in our everyday moments, challenges, and celebrations. As the festivities of the season unfold, take time to pause and ponder. Let the depth of God's love, demonstrated in the coming of Jesus, permeate every aspect of your life. And as you grasp the wonder of Immanuel, let it propel you to proclaim, to share this joyous news with others. In a world riddled with uncertainties, the song of Emmanuel rings true, bringing hope, peace, and unparalleled joy. So, with hearts full and voices raised, sing we the song of Emmanuel, celebrating the God who is ever and always with us.Matthew 1:23 - "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

Have you ever heard of a child excited when mom or dad told them what to do? Likely not. From our youth, the common response to being given some sort of responsibility is a negative one. We might whine, ask if we really have to or pout while carrying out the orders. The funny thing is that we don't change much as adults. We mutter when our boss gives us extra work. We complain about responsibilities on the home front. When a burden is placed on our shoulders, it's understandably difficult to view it as some kind of blessing. To accomplish the will of God, we're often saddled in much the same way. We are given something to do that is often difficult, called to bear a specific load for the sake of God's kingdom. That is where the beautiful response of Mary, the mother of Jesus, serves as a powerful example for us today. In the Christmas story, Mary is given a task that surpasses any burden we could possibly carry. In fact, the very idea of carrying a child of God was impossible to comprehend. Not only was she a virgin, but she was a poor, peasant virgin at that. What would people say when she answered that the father of her baby was God? She'd be labeled insane or perhaps far worse. The angel explained to Mary that she would bear the son of God and reminded her that “no word from God will ever fail.” Mary's immediate response have become some of the most revered words in the scriptures. Not only did Mary accept the tremendous, preposterous calling placed upon her, but she went on to delight in the responsibility! In what has become known as the Magnificat or Mary's Song, the mother of Jesus praises God for the opportunity given to her. May we be humbled this Christmas season at the incredible humility and joy of Mary's response. The calling of God is indeed a gift and we see a meaningful example of that in the story of Mary. Inspired by the song Breathe Of Heaven (Mary's Song) by Amy Grant. Original post featured on YouVersion.