Song Lists

In the midst of the joyful and bustling Christmas season, it is easy to get caught up in the festivities, the decorations, and the giving of gifts. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who came to this world in the humblest of circumstances. The song Manger Throne by Phil Wickham beautifully captures the essence of this humble yet profoundly powerful event. The song begins by reflecting on the magnificence of God, the Creator of the universe, who could have arrived with great fanfare and splendor. He could have appeared in the grandeur of royalty and majesty, causing the entire world to bow down before Him. But instead, He chose meekness over majesty, wrapped His divine power in humanity. This choice reminds us of God's incredible love and humility. The King of kings, the Lord of lords, chose to enter our world not as a conqueror but as a vulnerable child in a lowly manger. This act of humility speaks volumes about God's character and His heart for humanity. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This chorus reminds us that even in His humble entrance into the world, Jesus is the true King. He reigns from a manger throne, signifying that His kingship is not of this world, but it is eternal and spiritual. In response, we are called to give our lives, our praises, and everything we own to Jesus, the King who chose a manger over a throne. The second verse continues to emphasize the alternative choices that Jesus could have made. He could have walked into the heart of a powerful empire, revealing His splendor, but instead, He authored a better story in the small town of Bethlehem. He, the Creator of all things, entered this world through the arms of common people. His purpose was clear: to die for our redemption and rise so we can live. This verse underscores the redemptive plan of God. He chose the path of suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate victory to bring salvation to humanity. His birth in Bethlehem was just the beginning of His mission to reconcile us with the Father. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This chorus reinforces the fact that Jesus' kingship is not defined by worldly standards. We are called to surrender everything we have to Him because He is the true King, the King who brings hope and salvation to the world. The bridge takes us on a journey from heaven to the cradle, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' incarnation. He left the glory of heaven to be born as a baby in a humble manger. This act of love is celebrated by both heaven and nature. The bridge also reminds us that even death could not hold Him; He overcame the grave, bringing the hope of eternal life to all who believe. "Glory be to You alone, King who reigns from a manger throne." This final chorus reiterates our commitment to give everything we have to Jesus, recognizing Him as the King who reigns from a manger throne. In the closing tag, we once again affirm that our lives, our praise, and everything we own belong to Jesus, the King who chose a manger over a throne. This song beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christmas: the humility, love, and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As you reflect on the message of Manger Throne, may it inspire you to embrace the humility and love of Jesus during this Christmas season and throughout the year. Just as the world was forever changed by the birth of Christ in that manger, may our hearts be transformed as we recognize and worship the King who reigns from a manger throne.

How can it be? There is a table for all who would come, for all who would come. Taste now and see, there is a table for all who would come. Scriptures: Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV) John 3:16 (NIV) Devotional: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” - Revelation 3:19-20 NIV Each of the seven letters in the book of Revelation contain stern warnings, rebukes, and admonitions toward a purer faith and trust in Christ. The seventh letter to Laodicea is no exception. But this letter is unique in stating why: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” Here, Jesus explains why His critique to His Church is important and valid—it proves His deep love for His people. The next lines are equally encouraging. Jesus stands at the door of people's hearts awaiting invitation to their lives. His use of, “I will come in and eat with that person” not only communicates His love, but His desire to spend time with people. In other words, God not only loves, but He likes and desires communion or togetherness with His people. That is to say, God loves us and is also deeply fond of us—He wants friendship with you. What encouragement! Christ's promise is that “anyone” who hears and opens the door will be the recipient of this great blessing. This echoes the promise found in the famous words of the book of John: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV). One of the greatest glories of the mighty love of God is that it is not for a select few or a unique type of person. Instead, His love has been lavishly offered to all, freely given without condition. This is the staggering truth of the Christian faith, and why it is good for us to prayerfully reflect: “How can it be? There is a table for all who would come, for all who would come. Taste now and see, there is a table for all who would come." Ephesians encourages us to reach out and grasp this profound truth and mystery: “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV) May this be our portion. Amen. Original post by Brooke Ligertwood available on YouVersion. A seven-day devotional through the 'seven letters' to the churches in the book of Revelation (chapters 2-3). Each devotional will study a different letter to the churches of Revelation, focusing on themes of communion, devotion, discipleship, repentance, evangelism (and more), as well as featuring lyrics and music from songs throughout the Album SEVEN by Brooke Ligertwood.

The faith of Christianity hinges on the resurrection. Did the life of Christ end on the cross, or is he still alive today? Without Christ's resurrection, we are left with a question mark regarding his divinity, which would negate anything he ever said. C. S. Lewis puts it this way in his book Mere Christianity: “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell.” Paul stresses the importance of the resurrection when he says, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is without foundation, and so is your faith.” (1 Cor. 15:13-14) The resurrection is what proved Jesus was God. It's what proved the power of the cross. From heaven to earth our savior cameFor us on a cross he bled and diedAnd from the cross to an empty graveHe rose to life The truth of the resurrection means Christ is alive today, and he is alive in us. Galatians says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20) As Christians who believe in the resurrection, we believe that we have also died—died to sin—and are no longer slaves, but children of God, inheritors of His kingdom. (Gal. 4:7) We now live because of and for Christ. “You must make your choice,” continues Lewis. “Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.” Choose to believe in the power of the resurrection today, that Jesus reigns on his throne and he reigns in you. Based on the song He Lives by Chris Tomlin. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Never Lose Sight.

The idea of Holy Ground was not a foreign one to God's people Israel. When Moses saw the burning bush, God told him to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Again, when Moses cried, “Show me your glory!” to God in Exodus 33, God had to hide Moses in a rock and shield him from seeing his face so he wouldn't die at the sheer sight of His goodness and glory. It was too much, too glorious, to behold. But now, because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, when we as followers of Jesus cry “Show us your glory!” we find that it's a cry of remembrance of all He has done for us and continues to do in us. Holy Ground is no longer a place, it's the Person of Christ living in and through us, and He changes everything. Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 4 that “God, who has said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The face Moses couldn't see has now been revealed, all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge, now found in Christ. When we lock eyes with Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, it changes us. Again in 2 Corinthians 3, Paul tells believers that we all with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory and are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory. Our lives become worship back to Him as we respond to the glorious truth of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” God thank you that you have made known to us who you are in Christ, who is the “radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his being.” Thank you that holy ground is not a place but a position—being found in you, Jesus, and you in me through the Spirit. Let my heart be one in awe of you, burning for you, and changed by you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Based on the song Holy Ground by Jimi Cravity, Melodie Malone, Brett Younker, Mia Fieldes. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the live album - Passion: Worthy Of Your Name, featuring worship songs from Passion Band, Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Jimi Cravity & more!

My heart needs a surgeon My soul needs a friend So I'll run to the Father Again and again And again and again Around the age of twelve, I started leading worship at my church. It brought so much life to my spirit. After I would lead, I remember God would speak to me every time, “I'm really proud of you.” His affirmation meant everything to me. And as I've gotten older, it still does. I've discovered there's nothing that compares to hearing and believing who God says I am. Now, I had a great relationship with my dad growing up and I have amazing leaders in my life. The reality is, however, they're not perfect. And no matter what your earthly father or the leaders in your life are like, I'm sure they haven't been perfect either. They can leave gaps, the areas where they didn't provide what you needed. But those gaps can be filled when the foundation of your identity is sourced by your perfect Heavenly Father. I've experienced this firsthand. I've seen God, the Father, fill in my gaps. My parents divorced before I was born and there have been so many moments, as a husband and father, I didn't know what to do. I'll be parenting or talking to my wife, Kari, and feel ill-equipped on how to handle the situation. But it's in those moments the Holy Spirit provides the wisdom I need. The Father brings insight, grace, and knowledge I didn't have in and of myself. And He wants to do the same for you. We can find our hearts needing a surgeon, needing a healing touch of God. We can find our soul needing a friend, needing someone who can handle the thoughts and emotions we don't know how to process or make sense of. It's into this void God wants to speak. He wants to build relationship with you as your affirmer, protector, provider, encourager, and healer. He wants to reveal who He made you to be so you can do what He has called you to do. It starts with recognizing your need for Him. And, when you do recognize it, run to Him! The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18, ESV Based on the song Run To The Father by Cody Carnes. Original post available from YouVersion.

New Year resolutions - love them or hate them? A new year of valleys, fires and storms. Are you ready? Do you make resolutions and spend time creating goals for 2022? Or are you someone who swims upstream, side-stepping the resolution bandwagon? For years, I began every January with a list of goals to pursue for the new year. I joined gyms, set out to eat more healthily and began new reading material. I started out strong. Went three or four times a week to work out. Followed the clean eating plans suggested by nutritionists. Following the directives of a naturopath, I completed all the testing and purchased my supplements to improve my gut health. I downloaded the most recent Bible study programs from one of my favorite leaders. Determined to see growth in all the areas, physically, mentally and spiritually, I felt ready to see improvement. I felt so proud of my potential, I posted on social media to showcase my goals for the new year. I was determined. I was ready and resourced for what had to be a better version of myself. And He is my strengthHe is my portionWith me in the valleyWith me in the fireWith me in the storm It never took long to stumble into obstacles along my path, thwarting my plans. A series of random events caused me to miss that day at the gym, another day the following week, and, finally, that entire week in early February. I shared my car with one of the kids and ended up without a vehicle midweek. One day, I went out to pick up a friend from the airport and just ran out of time to get back to the gym before it closed. (Ok, if I was honest, I drove relatively slow home, so I didn't have to go back out and make it before closing.) I began to think I would follow a program more closely if I purchased an online version that I could do anytime I wanted in the comfort and convenience of my home. I was wrong. I paid for both for months before finally canceling my memberships. I took those supplements until the first refills and then decided it was too expensive. Embarrassed by my lack of follow-thru, I have never returned to that particular doctor. I fell so far behind the Bible study, like the slow fading of battery-powered string lights, that I just stopped logging on. My little online accountability group must wonder what happened to me, or perhaps they followed the same path and are lurking in the shadows somewhere just like I am. Don't start penning an email about the value of personal goals. Without a plan or goals, we risk meandering around aimlessly, which doesn't serve us well either. But, something about this time of year can feel like pressure to set up something new, join in on the resolution bandwagon, and make the appearance that we are purposeful and intentional. But, why start some workout plan that we will not follow after a month? Why begin some fresh eating or dieting plan that will end in feelings of failure because we cannot stay on track? So come if you're needingForgiveness or healingHis mercy's enoughOh, and this is our hopeThe cross, it has spokenDeath is no moreChrist is the Lord This year, I am trying something different. At the end of the day, I have one primary goal: to witness His love. How would my life change if I dialed up my sensitivity to the love of God? But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 I don't earn His favor. God isn't waiting for me to follow through on my plans before he lavishes me with His love. He is not waiting for my performance, withholding His assessment of my progress before expressing His love for me. He isn't watching how I manage before deciding whether I get to level up. God just loves. He loves without condition, regardless of failure and doesn't demand payback. The gift He gives comes with no strings attached. God really loves usHis mercy's enoughHis grace is sufficient What would happen if I lived like I believed in this kind of love? He really loves us. We are not alone. Two powerful life-changing truths. Do we believe that His love is enough to undo the loneliness, to heal the brokenhearted, to help us navigate through the current chaos? See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1a Songwriters Benjamin Glover, Dante Bowe, David Crowder and Jeff Sojka created a song, God Really Loves Us, that beautifully begins my intentions for this year. I have a funny feeling that I won't forget a day, once I start paying closer attention; my gut says the dividends will be spectacular. So this January 2022, I am taking the focus off of self-improvement. Instead, I am going to search for where I see His love. Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. God Really Loves Us was written by David Crowder and featured on the Milk & Honey album.

Unless we're talking about our favorite true crime podcast or courtroom drama, we don't often use the word “witness” in our everyday vernacular. It may feel a bit antiquated or like a word only evangelists use when they are encouraging us to share our faith. However, Eugene Peterson says “A witness is never the center but only the person who points to or names what is going on at the center…” And Paul tells us in Colossians 1:15-17 that, “the Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” With this information, one could say that not only are we all witnesses, but it's why we were created — to give praise and honor and glory to the only one worthy of all of it, Jesus Christ. Witness implies presence. It means we can find God in our own story — His faithfulness, His goodness, His love, His forgiveness, His presence. And on the days, weeks, months, or years when it's difficult to remember, we do what the people of God have done for centuries— we sing. We sing to remind our souls of the character of the One we worship and to help resuscitate a faith in desperate need of hope. And as those who are not without hope, we testify to what we have seen and heard. We tell our stories. The language of story is powerful and often conveys a truth that could not be conveyed in another way. Paul is telling the story of his encounter with Jesus when he says this in Acts 22:14-16, “Then he said: 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name'.” When you discover the cure, when you find the answer, when you uncover hope and the way to life you don't just keep it to yourself. You want everyone to know - you become a witness to He who is at the center! Let these truths illuminate memories of God's faithfulness in your story that have been hiding in the shadows, let them put words of hope in your mouth on your darkest days, and encourage you to testify of the hope you've found to those desperately looking for home. His name is Jesus. Based on the song I've Witnessed It by Passion. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - I've Witnessed It by Passion

The Christmas story is a beautiful invitation. It's an invitation for all to come and see the love of God for people. When Jesus came from heaven to earth, a miracle happened that day. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. God became like one of us! The Creator stepped into creation. He stepped into the darkness and brokenness of the world so we could experience the light and life of God for ourselves. The night Jesus was born, the heavenly hosts went to the outskirts of town to let a group of shepherds know “a Savior has been born.” The angels marveled that Christ had come to rescue and redeem, and they lit up the skies with the thunderous praise of God. That night an invitation went out: go into Bethlehem to see the One who will bring peace to the whole earth. That same invitation has gone out to you. There is One who can bring peace to your soul. He came so you would not have to wander around blinded by sin and shame. He came to give you life and life to the full. In response to this invitation, we can bring our hearts and our lives as an offering to the newborn King. We can join the song of heaven. We can bring our highest hallelujah, our most sincere praise. Because Jesus brought heaven to us, we can bring our worship to Him. Based on the song Highest Hallelujah by Matt Maher, Jacob Sooter, Brett Younker, Stefan Cashwell. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Hope Has A Name by Passion.

What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word "shine?" Stars, sunlight, diamonds, sparkle, shimmer, dazzle, an old pop song? The culture revolves around the shiny lives of movie stars and musicians. We are encouraged to be true to ourselves, to let our true selves shine through. We even aim to present the shiniest, most beautiful parts of our lives through social media. But, what does it mean to shine? By definition, shine means "to be bright by the reflection of light." Shining is all about reflecting. And when we belong to Jesus, our lives look different than the world. Instead of reflecting chaos, despair, and selfish desires, our lives reflect the hope and good news we have found in Jesus. We can look to the life of Jesus and the example he set in the Gospels to help us understand the significance of our life's reflection. The Gospel of John mentions the importance of Jesus being sent by the Father forty times. Count them. Forty! Jesus was the Father's representative on Earth. He did as his Father would do, healed as his Father would heal, and loved as his Father would love. From birth to ascension, Jesus reflected the heart of his Father to the world. John 20:21 goes on to tell us, "As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you," Just as Jesus represented the Father who sent him, we represent Jesus who sends us. Did you catch that? Not only are we being sent by Jesus, we "re-present" Him. We cannot replicate what Jesus did on the cross, but we get to represent Him to our family, friends, and neighbors. "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG) As followers of Jesus, those who have seen his glory and experienced His love and mercy, our ultimate assignment and privilege is to be a bright reflection of Him — to display His character and carry out His work to a world deeply in need. We are compelled and propelled to extend compassion, comfort those who mourn, apply the healing salve, and dispense His living water to every tribe, every nation, and every tongue! And when we do— we shine! We burn bright for the glory of God! Based on the song Shine Like Stars by Jess Cates, Brett Younker, Ricky Jackson, Patrick Mayberry. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Burn Bright by Passion.

Ever feel like an imposter? A pretender who is supposed to be full of faith and love but is also full of a bunch of other less desirable stuff? On the one hand, we confess to know Jesus and love our neighbor while our other hand thinks our neighbor is an annoying git? If others knew the thoughts of our hearts, we would be tossed out on your keister. Doubt and shame can hover like a dark shadow. Maybe your thing is a deeply held insecurity you try to keep buried. Your job is secure. You are relatively successful in your work or even wildly successful in your career. On the outside, no one would know the beast of self-doubt that lurks in the dark corners of your heart. Even with all the worldly successes, you wonder if you are enough. All the wrestling on the inside is not hidden from the God who created us and calls us by name. Sit on that and let the shiver snake down your spine. He knows our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts, and his response is to love. Watching the Maverick City's video for I Thank God, I wanted to jump in with equal expressions of gratefulness. God knows all the deep, hidden corners of my inner world, and He isn't repulsed. He invites me closer. The gift in that invitation is that as I move closer and those hidden areas light up with His presence, they are changed. I am changed. The darkness fades, and the light shines more brightly. Because He healed my heartHe changed my nameForever free, I'm not the sameI thank the MasterI thank the SaviorI thank God Maybe you are in recovery - or have been labeled as anxious or depressed. Overidentifying with labels is dangerous. I am not a fan of labels unless they help me learn how to take care of something. Clothing labels help us decide whether to hang it up or throw it in the dryer. A food label helps determine the expiration date. But labels on people are harmful. Labels on people put us in boxes with sides too high to climb. He is in that boat with you. You are not alone. I say I am broken, but God says He makes me whole. "So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority" (Colossians 2:10). A more vulnerable truth might be that we are all in some sort of recovery. Recovering from broken hearts and broken lives. Recovering from what we created and what we have to deal with but never asked for. We face the dangers from within and the chaos all around us. Our slowly drifting, weary souls leave us battered and bruised. Got no choice but to believeMy doubts are burningLike ashes in the windSo, so long to my old friendsBurden and bitter nightYou can't just keep them movingNo, you ain't welcome hereFrom now 'til I walkThe streets of goldI'll sing of how You saved my soul We tend to want people to look and act a certain way, and deviations from the center typically don't fit in well. Variations often find themselves isolated and silenced. I'll sing of how You saved my soulThis wayward sonHas found his way back homeHe picked me upTurned me aroundPlaced my feet on solid ground Let's tell some truth. All fall short of center. On my worst days, you would run and hide if my heart was exposed before you. I have experienced anger so intense my teeth chattered. I have cursed in ways that would curl paint of the walls, but I also create safe spaces for vulnerable people to share their deepest emotional wounds. And if it happens in me, I know some dark things happen inside you, too. Wandering into the nightWanting a place to hideThis weary soul, this bag of bonesAnd I tried with all my mindAnd I just can't win the fightI'm slowly drifting, oh bag of boneAnd just when I ran out of roadI met a man I didn't knowAnd he told meThat I was not aloneHe picked me upHe turned me aroundHe placed my feet on solid ground I do thank God! He invites all to come close, no matter how visible the flaws. Have you dangerously tight roped your way through major depression? Have you felt your heart tear with sorrow holding vigil with a loved one in the ICU? That's my story, so what is yours? And if He did it for me, He can do it for youIf He did it for me, He can do it for youGet up, get up, get upGet up out of that grave God doesn't define you by your mistakes. He gives you a new name! He sees you in a way that the world may not. His vision of you is through the lens of His sacrifice. His blood for our life. God calls you up. He will not push you out because you haven't mastered or cleaned up every area of your life. Get up out of that graveIf He did it for me, He can do it for you Be encouraged. Join in the dance of gratefulness. Worship with Maverick City and thank God for grace - and His unfailing love. Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. I Thank God was written by Maverick City Music from the album Move Your Heart.

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6-8 Christmas is the greatest miracle the world has ever seen. The very Creator who spoke the world into existence humbling Himself, stepping down out of Heaven, taking on flesh, and becoming like you and me. It is unthinkable that the King of all kings, enthroned in Glory, would come to our broken world to make us whole. He did this to save us and show us the way back to the Father. Up to this point, there had already been an incredible display of Heaven's power and miraculous breakthrough in the story of God—but nothing like this. “Here and now Light in the darkness Here and now Hope for the hopeless Emmanuel” In this Christmas season, take time to remember this miracle of miracles—this hope that now lives forever. Take time to slow down and feel the gravity of what Jesus has done and what it means for you and your life. A miracle is possible for you. Hope is available to you. He proved He is for us, and now nothing can stand against us. The King has come to dwell with us! Jesus, I welcome the miraculous power of Your presence into my life this season. Fill me again with wonder and awe at Your coming. I want to rejoice in the hope that Christmas holds. I praise You today for crossing the distance to rescue my heart. I surrender to you again. I love You. Amen. Based on the song The King Has Come by Jeff Pardo, Kristian Stanfill Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Hope Has A Name by Passion.

Beautiful Jesus by Passion featuring Chidima Ubah, is soul-stirring worship- singing the name of Jesus. The beautiful presence of Jesus. A whisper of his name changes the atmosphere in a room, ushering in healing and peace. Oh, there's just something, something about the nameIt's like nothing, nothing I can explainThere's just something, something about the nameJesus, oh Jesus Our names are purposefully chosen. We take care to find names for our children, make lists, and learn meanings. We combine their middle and last names practising them out loud. We spell them uniquely and consider how they will be shortened. When we heard our full names spoken out loud, we knew to pay attention. Oh, there's just something, something about the nameIt's like nothing, nothing I can explainThere's just something, something about the nameJesus, oh Jesus God gave new names to Abram and Sarai. New names to match the covenant and promise for generations to come. After Jacob struggled with God, his new God-given name, Israel, serves to remind us of our dependence on God to be our strength when we are weak. As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful. I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.Genesis 17: 4-6 NIV Jesus meets a fisherman named Simon and renames him Peter declaring, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter). And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.Matthew 16:18 NIV His name is Jesus. What a beautiful, powerful, and tender name. The significance of his name is deeply personal. Speak the name of Jesus, let him in and let him change your heart. Tracey Dahl, M.A. is a writer and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Langley, BC (Canada). She is married to Ryan Dahl (Founder of PraiseCharts) and the mother of four grown children. Beautiful Jesus was written by Mia Fieldes, Jacob Sooter, Chidima Ubah and featured on Passion's Burn Bright album.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11, NIV Names are powerful. From birth, they give us our identity. They immediately tell others who we are. Throughout the Bible, names are important to Jesus. In fact, He was notorious for changing people's names and then helping them live up to the name He gave them. Yet no name wields more power than that of Jesus Himself. Emmanuel, God with us. And through the ages, the names of the Father have become a source of strength for His children: Shepherd.Friend.Savior.Messiah.Jesus. Ask any longtime Christ follower, and they can likely tell you the name of the Lord that means the most to them and where they were when they learned the meaning and value of that particular name of God. The name of Jesus evokes a peace and a power like no other. It's through the name of Jesus that we find everlasting life. Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” In His name we find salvation, freedom, and ultimate healing. It's His name that we call in times of despair. It's His name that we celebrate and revere in wonder and praise. There is a name I call in times of troubleThere is a song that comforts in the nightThere is a voice that calms the storm that ragesHe is Jesus, Jesus So much is wrapped up in that one name, and the longer we follow Christ, the more we discover that so much of ourselves is wrapped up in those five letters. He is the only one who can tell us who we are because we are His. Yet culture will relentlessly try to redefine us, calling us names like: Stupid.Small.Ugly.Insignificant.Not enough. But culture holds no power over anyone who belongs to Jesus. The One who stills the wind and the waves knows your rightful name, and He calls you: Precious.Beloved.Beautiful.Priceless.Mine. Based on the song Jesus by Chris Tomlin and Ed Cash. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Never Lose Sight.

When we consider the fall of humanity that took place in the Garden of Eden—resulting in the curse of death—hope seems distant. But because of His unrelenting love, God the Father set into motion the greatest rescue plan the world has ever known, in the form of His Son Jesus. Imagine for a moment that you've just received this news: You've been found guilty and sentenced to death for crimes you've committed. How do you feel? What do you say? There's no hope. But then you're greeted by an eleventh hour message informing you that the crimes you were guilty of have been completely and irrevocably forgiven. You're overwhelmed with wonder as to who intervened on your behalf and how it all happened. And almost at the same moment, you're bursting with relief, joy, and gratitude toward whoever saved you. This is the good news to be shared at every opportunity. When we receive the gift of salvation, our guilt, shame, and regret are exchanged for life, hope, and redemption—because of our Savior Jesus. Isaiah 52 foretells the salvation and redemption God is sending, proclaiming that this good news will be told on the mountains and all over the world. We see this come to pass in Luke 2 when the shepherds hurry to tell everyone that Jesus, the hope of the world, has arrived! This is absolutely news to be shared! I love that it says: All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished ... Luke 2:18 NLT Challenge Take a moment to reflect on your life before you experienced the love, grace, and mercy of God. You may remember guilt, shame, and regret. But now, let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Let's share the good news of forgiveness and life with those around us as we continue to shine the light of hope that comes through Jesus our Savior. Generations later, let's continue to “Go Tell It”! —Devon Goins Based on the song Go Tell It (This Is Amazing Grace). Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.

In A Cradle in Bethlehem, we're invited to peer into the quiet, holy night when Jesus was born, when the Creator of the universe chose to enter our world as a humble child. The song paints a vivid picture of a mother rocking her newborn in the stillness, as angels hover near, their voices gently blessing the scene. It's a moment both ordinary and profoundly sacred—God incarnate, Emmanuel, lying in a cradle. The song's tender refrain of “Sing sweet and low, a lullaby” calls us into the beauty of simplicity. It reminds us that God often comes in gentle, unassuming ways, hidden within the humble acts of our lives. Just as Mary cradled Jesus in a simple manger, we're reminded that God can be found in the quiet, intimate places of our own hearts when we make room for Him. As the wise men journey through the dark, led by a star, we're reminded of the pursuit of truth, the willingness to follow God's light even when the way is uncertain. The star that “beckons them” is a symbol of hope—a guiding light in the night. Just as the wise men searched for the Savior, we're called to seek Christ in our own lives, trusting that His light will guide us, even in our darkest moments. The chorus calls us to “Fall on your knees” in worship, echoing the angelic declaration of the night divine. It's a reminder that encountering Jesus demands a response. In Him, the holy meets the human, and we are invited to worship, to lay down our burdens, and to trust the One who came to bring peace to our hearts. “A little child shall lead them,” the bridge says, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would bring a new kind of kingdom—one marked by peace, humility, and love. This small child in a cradle represents the profound truth that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. He does not come with force or power but with gentleness and grace, inviting us to let Him “keep us in storm and tempest,” just as He came to lead and comfort all who seek Him. As we reflect on this scene, let's remember that Jesus came not only to be born in a Bethlehem stable but also in the hearts of those who open their lives to Him. This holy night calls us to respond with worship and awe, embracing the profound simplicity of God's love in the cradle in Bethlehem. May we, too, welcome Him into our lives, letting His presence be the peace and hope we hold close.