Song Lists

The Songs Of Christmas - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

To most people, the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year. With all the twinkling lights strung up around town, all the evergreen trees dressed to the nines with tinsel and ornaments, cookies for days, and packages wrapped in pretty paper tied up with ribbons and bows! For many, their favorite part of the Christmas season is the music! There is something about hearing Bing Crosby or Amy Grant sing a timeless carol that just warms the heart! “It's the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you, “Be of good cheer!” It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's the hap-happiest season of all. There'll be much mistletoe-ing and hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near. It's the most wonderful time of the year!” However, For us, this song goes a layer deeper. I often find myself daydreaming about what it was like during the few weeks before Christ's Birth. What was it like back then? What were people thinking when they heard about the birth of a baby boy who had come to save the world? Were there preparations and celebrations? How did the people react when they heard the joyous news? This Christmas season, we want to invite you to REST. Whether that be once a day, finding a quiet corner to read about the expectant birth of our Savior (Matthew 1:18-25) (Luke 2:1-20), praying for those who don't yet know the real reason for the season, or simply taking time to truly see how this is the most wonderful time of the year! Inspired by the song It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by City Harbor. Original post featured on YouVersion.

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The Songs Of Christmas - Silent Night

He was a carpenter. She was an ordinary girl. Confused and weary, they journeyed to Bethlehem. Silent night, holy night He was an inn keeper doing his job. There was no room, only a dirty stable. All is calm, all is bright Mary gave birth that night to a baby boy. Joseph held her hand. They wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger. Round yon virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Shepherds watched over their flocks by night. Angels appeared to them, secrets untold. Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Three wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Son of God, love's pure light It's a story we know all too well. And, frankly, if we had written it, it would have had a much different preface. Everyone was looking for a king, and they found a baby. He wasn't at all who they expected. The Savior of the world, born in a manger, in a stable in Bethlehem? Turned away from the inn and attended by lowly shepherds? Unexpected, indeed. But that's the beauty of the Gospel. God rescued all of mankind on His own terms, in His own time. He continues His reconciliation on earth in much the same way. Subtly, surprisingly, on His own terms, in His own time. The prophet Isaiah reminds us God doesn't operate like we do. Isaiah 55:9 says, “'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts'” (NLT). Two thousand years ago He came without much fanfare. And He still comes today in the still, silent night. Slowly. Quietly. Sometimes the best gifts come in the most unexpected ways. God desires to give His children good gifts. His ways are higher, His plans infinitely better. When life gets confusing, remember that the greatest story of all time began in a manger. Actually, that's where our story began, too. God gave us His greatest gift that first Christmas. With one baby's cry, the ordinary became extraordinary. History changed forever. A silent night, quite simply, became a holy night. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, KJV) Inspired by the song Silent Night by Sanctus Real. Original post featured on YouVersion.

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Glorious Day Devotional

You called my name, and I ran out of that grave! We as followers of Jesus can proclaim this because of who He is and what He has done. Sin doesn't just make us bad; it makes us dead. We were all in desperate need of a Savior. Not only did Jesus die for our sin, but he was raised to everlasting life! He was the first to run out of that grave, and when we trust him with our lives we are right there with him in glory—eternal life both now and forever. In John 11, Jesus raises a dead man to life, crying out at his tomb: “Lazarus, come out!” He says the same to you and to me: “_________, come out!” He knows your name, and calls you out of your grave. Get up! Unwind the grave clothes of sin and shame, you have been set free, raised to glorious life because of Jesus' resurrection. All the chains of your past and the worries for your future have been swallowed up forever in victory. Scripture says that the very same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is living in each of us who follow Jesus. This is a reality for you today. You can therefore declare confidently that God has called your name, and Jesus has defeated whatever threatens to entangle, discourage, or thwart you from this promise today. Jesus, because of you, I have a future and my eyes are open. Thank you for calling my name! I worship you and give you glory. Let me not be taken down by apathy, entangled by old sins, or paralyzed by fear and discouragement. I believe chains break at the weight of your glory. Help me remember who you are, whose I am, and live a life that brings you glory. In your name, Amen. Based on the song Glorious Day by Jason Ingram, Jonathan Smith, Sean Curran, Kristian Stanfill. 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!

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O Come All Ye Faithful (His Name Shall Be) Devotional

O Come All Ye Faithful has forever been one of my favorite Christmas songs! While every self-respecting musician has recorded their own rendition, I wanted to know the origins of the earliest hymn. It was written in Latin by John Francis Wade, a music copyist, and later adapted to English by Frederick Oakeley, an Anglican minister. Oakeley's first attempt at an English title was, “Ye Faithful, Approach Ye.” While the original title didn't stick around, the word “approach” stuck with me. It's a word full of invitation and desire. It's a request for our presence. It says, “Come near.” And it's a reminder that God is not far off. He is not distant or hiding himself from us. And that is the story and miracle of Christmas. “And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.'” Luke 2:10-11 After four hundred years of silence, hope of our redemption was birthed once more—“word of the Father now in flesh appearing.” Jesus came from Heaven to Earth to close the gap between God and man, to pay the price for our sin so that we might approach His throne of grace with confidence because He knows it's at His throne that we “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The invitation for us today is to come adore the one who bought our healing, our wholeness, and our peace with God. Come, encounter the compassion, comfort, and kindness of our Savior. Come, approach with our heartache and our brokenness, with our wounds and our scars. Come, joyful and triumphant for our victor over sin, hurt, and pain has arrived! Based on the song O Come All Ye Faithful (His Name Shall Be) by Kristian Stanfill, JD Myers. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - Hope Has A Name by Passion.

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Whom Shall I Fear Devotional

I know Who goes before me. I know Who stands behind.The God of Angel Armies is always by my sideIn Exodus, Moses told the Israelites, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.” (Ex.14:13)In Psalms, David says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps. 27:1).In Luke, the angel says to Mary, “'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'” (Luke 1:30).In Hebrews, Paul says, “So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'” (Heb. 13:6).Notice a theme? Throughout scripture, we are told to not be afraid and to replace fear with the assurance of God as our helper. Moses, David, angels, Paul—those who we see as walking closely with the Lord in scripture often pleaded that we not fear. What did they understand about God that allowed them this strength? Three things: 1.) Our strength is founded in Him. 2.) We are saved by Him. 3.) Victory is His.My strength is in Your name for You alone can save. Yours is the victory.When we know that our strength is in God, we no longer rely on ourselves. We don't rely on ourselves for anything--not the work presentation we've been losing sleep over, not the big move we're about to make, not even the illness we've been diagnosed with. We apart from God do not have the strength to overcome obstacles. But if we believe God's strength is endless, we do not fear our own weakness.When we know that we are saved, we don't have to strive to be good enough. We often fear we are making too many mistakes and our sin is too big. But if we believe we are saved and that our salvation is always there, we do not fear our own inadequacy.When we know victory is His, we do not have to fear evil. In those times when we fear being at the mercy of evil in the form of an abuser or a terrible circumstance or a corrupt leader, we can take comfort in the fact God has already won and this temporary evil is just that: temporary.God knows our tendency to fear. That is why his Word is full of reasons not to. Based on the song Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin. Original post available on YouVersion based on the album Burning Lights.

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Hymn Of Heaven Devotional

We received a text from our mother at 9:31 am on July 30th, 2020. "I think Dad died!" He died in his workshop. His death was shocking. This weekend we will gather as a family to remember him -- one year later. Dad lived life on his own terms and left deep, tender impressions on our hearts. For you, the words may have been different, but the pain is familiar. Grief comes in waves. Sometimes it is expected and sometimes it comes out of nowhere. Some waves feel manageable, bumping us around with flashes of memory -- even bringing a soft smile to our face. Like the moment you find a picture of your loved one that reminds you of the years gone by. It is tenderly sweet and sad all at the same time. Other waves pick you up and slam you underwater, trapping you in an undertow that threatens your very next breath. What have been the words that left your world forever altered? Your mom has Alzheimer's. Your dad has cancer. Your daughter's baby died before she took her first breath. Your husband wants a divorce. Heartache. No one escapes it. Our experiences look different, but suffering is the human condition. A mark of our frailty. All are at risk of feeling pain. In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials for a little while. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6,7) I wrestle with the scripture inviting me to rejoice in my grief. In the moment when waves of pain crash over me, the last thing I think about is rejoicing. I am more focused on breathing through the unbearable ache that comes with loss. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3) Phil Wickham's song, Hymn of Heaven, offers words that we can sing while being tossed by the waves of sadness. The song acknowledges our vulnerability and desperation, inviting our hearts to lean into the end of the story when death and suffering are no more. Whatever your experience with grief, whatever waves crash around you today, there is a promise waiting. The breath of Heaven is coming. When He returns to wipe away our tearsOh, there will be a day when all will bow before HimThere will be a day when death will be no more Maybe there is room for hope and grief to co-exist? One that grieves and one that rejoices as we look towards a future with Jesus. It doesn't have to be an either/or option ... maybe it is a both/and journey. Not "either I grieve, or I rejoice," but "I can grieve and rejoice in my suffering." We don't have to deny our pain to prove our faith. The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fearIn the end, we'll see that it was worth itWhen He returns to wipe away our tears Thank you, Phil Wickham, for writing music that invites our humanity to exist side by side with the heart of Heaven. This is the kind of worship we can sing with all the pieces of us -- harmonizing the places that ache and the parts that celebrate! Hymn Of Heaven was written by Phil Wickham, from the album Hymn Of Heaven.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.

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Build My Life Devotional

Before following Jesus, we were all building our lives on something. Whether it was a relationship, an achievement, a dream, a failure, or our own plan, our foundation was our own making. We can only build our lives with our own hands for so long until realizing that our foundations aren't strong enough. They are cracked. Or completely shattered. What God wants to build in each of our lives is an eternal, purpose-filled life, a life that we cannot muster or earn or build on our own strength. It takes a strong and sure foundation. When we put our faith in Jesus, we exchanged our faulty, self-made, crumbling foundation, broken by the weight of sin and darkness, for a sure footing on the brand new foundation of God, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. As we surrender daily to Jesus, we begin to see him building what only He can build in us: eyes that see him, hearts filled with the things He loves, and lives which seek to serve those around us. His is a love which cannot be moved, and in Jesus we are given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Jesus holds it all together and the Holy Spirit fills us with wisdom and revelation, revealing who God is to us. Revelation always moves us to act. If we have truly seen God for who He is, our desires will shift and eventually become His desires. As He changes our lives, we will long for others to “know and rely on the love God has” for both us and those around us. Father, show me who you are today. Fill me with your heart—all the things you love and want me to love—and empty me of the things which don't build up your kingdom. Then lead me in your love to, in turn, love those around me with the love of Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen. Based on the song Build My Life by Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman. 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!

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O Come All You Unfaithful Devotional

In the cacophony of life's demands, expectations, and challenges, there are times when we may feel distant, unworthy, or too burdened to approach the throne of grace. The song "O Come All You Unfaithful" by Sovereign Grace beautifully captures the essence of God's invitation to every heart, irrespective of its state. "O come, all you unfaithful, Come, weak and unstable, Come, know you are not alone." These opening lines, reminiscent of a classic carol, echo a divine call to those who feel they've strayed too far, those battling insecurities, and those weighed down by life's uncertainties. It's a reminder that no matter our condition, God's arms are open wide, beckoning us to find solace and strength in Him. The key scripture from Matthew is a direct invitation from Jesus. In a world that continually pushes us to do more, be more, and achieve more, Christ offers an oasis of rest. But it's essential to understand the depth of this invitation: 1. An Invitation to All: Jesus didn't specify any prerequisites. Whether you feel on top of your spiritual game or distant and doubtful, His call is to everyone. Similarly, the song emphasizes, *"O come, all you questioners, searching for answers,"* highlighting that all seekers are welcome. 2. Promise of Rest: Not just physical rest, but a deep-seated soul rest. The burdens we carry—whether guilt, shame, anxiety, or the weight of our failures—can be exhausting. Jesus offers to trade these heavy burdens for His light and easy yoke. 3. A Journey of Learning: Jesus calls us to learn from Him. He, being the embodiment of humility and gentleness, offers lessons that aren't harsh or taxing but filled with grace and mercy. As the song progresses, we're reminded of the reason behind this divine invitation: "O come, all you broken and broke, Come, helpless and hurt, wounded and worn, Oh come, all you broken and broke, King Jesus, your Saviour adorns." This is the crux of the Gospel. Jesus, the King of kings, chose to adorn, or wear, our sins and brokenness on the cross, offering redemption, restoration, and hope. His sacrifice ensures that no one is too far gone, too broken, or too lost to be welcomed back into the Father's embrace. Today, as the lyrics of "O Come All You Unfaithful" echo in your heart, let them serve as a reminder of this open invitation. If you feel burdened by guilt, remember that His arms bore the weight of all sin on the cross. If you're grappling with doubt, remember His constant faithfulness, even in our faithlessness. Whether today finds you rejoicing in His presence or hesitant at the door, know that the invitation stands. With arms wide open, Jesus says, "Come." And in coming to Him, we find more than just rest; we discover unconditional love, boundless grace, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. In every season, may our hearts respond to this divine call, finding refuge, hope, and rest in the Savior who adorns and adores us.Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

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