Song Lists

You mean just what You say when You say don't be afraid. SCRIPTURES: Joshua 1:9 NIV John 16:33 NIV Psalm 103:13-14 NLT DEVOTIONAL: The most frequent command in all of Scripture is a variation of the phrase “do not be afraid”. This should both encourage and intrigue us. On the one hand, it is reassuring in its own right that God kindly and consistently reminds us to not fear. On the other hand, the fact that God repeats this in Scripture as often as He does may cause us to wonder why He needs to. The truth is, we are told to not be afraid for a few reasons. The first is that the human heart is not automatically inclined to trust in God. Because of this, we are reminded to continually make the conscious decision to place our trust in His faithful character and proven track record. While we may waver in doing this at times, God's continuous command to not fear reminds us of Him and gives us hope that He cares for us, that He will never leave us, and that we can trust in His Word. This is why it is good for us to remember, “You mean just what You say when You say don't be afraid.” This being said, another reason we are told to not be afraid is that we, in fact, live in a world with circumstances that can and do cause us to fear. It may seem simple, but God's command (and encouragement) is repeated to us so often because we need to hear it, not because God needs to say it. The lives we live are often full of moments, seasons, and circumstances that are difficult. They tempt us into fearing the unknown and forgetting God's faithfulness and promises. Jesus even says in John 16:33 (NIV), “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” While trouble in life is disappointingly inevitable, we can take great encouragement in the fact that Christ has not only overcome the troubles we face in life but the very world in which we live. Maybe another reason God makes the effort of reminding us to not be afraid so often is simply that He is humble enough to do so. He never tires of bringing encouragement and hope our way. He isn't “worn out” by our humanity so-to-speak. Psalm 103:14 (NLT) says, “For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.” Yet despite our 'weakness' in comparison to Him, He cares deeply for us. The very same Psalm says, “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him”. (Psalm 103:13 NLT) Yet, this is not a 'fear' like the fears we may face in this life. To fear the Lord is to revere Him, to respect His everlasting rule, and to submit to His command. And as far as His commands are concerned, His most common one to us is “do not be afraid”. Original post by Hillsong UNITED available on YouVersion and used with permission from Capitol CMG Label Group. Download lyrics or sheet music from the album Are We There Yet? by Hillsong UNITED.

Lead my heart into deeper waters, lead my faith beyond the shallows of my creature comfort, dare my trust into all Your greatness, someplace wilder than the safety of these old familiar shores. SCRIPTURES: Luke 9:23-24 NIV Jeremiah 17:7-8 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV DEVOTIONAL: When we think about the things that challenge our faith and trust in God, maybe we think of difficult circumstances, sin, the Devil, or maybe even the ways of the world that are opposed to God. We find ourselves wrestling with many different enemies to our faith, so to speak. But maybe one of the lesser confronted wrestles of our faith is simply comfort. Not the comfort of God—the kind the Holy Spirit gives us, or the comfort of God's peace—but the comfort (or the comforts) of this life. If we are honest with ourselves, sometimes we can easily be swayed by the desire or promise of comfort. The desire for comfort can cause us to avoid sharing the gospel or helping a person in need. Looking for comfort can lead us to make decisions based solely on our own wants, instead of being led by the Holy Spirit. We can be driven to make poor decisions for the sake and pursuit of earthly comforts. Yet, Christ never promised following Him would be comfortable. This is why it is bold, yet important, to pray or sing words like, “Lead my heart into deeper waters, lead my faith beyond the shallows of my creature comfort, dare my trust into all Your greatness, someplace wilder than the safety of these old familiar shores.” Being a Christian does not mean we will never get to experience certain comforts in this life. In fact, we are often unaware of how often God gives them. But, being a Christian means we do not live for these things. Our life's pursuit is in a different direction—toward a different end. Our will, our desires, our “creature comfort” has been surrendered and put in submission to Christ. The comforts of this life may come and go, but our faith and trust in God, our pursuit of Him and His purposes must remain, regardless of these ebbs and flows. Beyond this, in many ways, Christ calls us to un-comfortability. In Luke 9:23 (NIV) Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Even though this is a serious challenge, Christ's call to deny oneself shouldn't discourage us. In the very next verse, Jesus says, “whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:24 NIV) The comforts of this life are no comparison to the life we have in Christ. This is the great exchange of our faith: to lose our lives but to gain Him and His life. Yet, while we may be called to lay down earthly comforts here or there, God gives us a heavenly and holy comfort in all the circumstances we find ourselves in: “For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” -1 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV Original post by Hillsong UNITED available on YouVersion and used with permission from Capitol CMG Label Group. Download lyrics or sheet music from the album Are We There Yet? by Hillsong UNITED.

See the end of the night, see the light before our eyes, no more sorrow no more pain, all our tears will fade away. SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Revelation 21:4-6 NIV Romans 15:13 NIV DEVOTIONAL: The story of Esther is one of a time riddled with trouble for God's people. They faced a number of threats while in exile—the most pressing was a threat of destruction and genocide at the hands of wicked people in power. However, Esther, a Jew, was appointed Queen during this complicated time in Israel's history. This is where we see a popular passage of Scripture in the book of Esther. Mordecai, a faithful Israelite aware of the dangerous position the people of God were in, says to the queen: “...who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b NIV). As the end of the story shows, it truly was, “for such a time as this” that Esther was made Queen. She used the position God had given her to ultimately protect His people from certain death. So often in life, we can find ourselves unsure about what to do in “days like these”—the days we find ourselves in. We look at the world around us and see clearly the pain and devastation of people desperately in need of hope. But it is, in fact, “days like these” that God has created us to live in. In other words, "for such a time as this." In the midst of everything that takes place in this world, we are never without the hope of God. The cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ have made this so. Romans 15:13 (NIV) says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” As we put our faith and trust in Christ, we not only have hope for this life but also in the promise of eternity. Revelation 21:4 (NIV) says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Like Esther, we can serve God (and others) from the positions we find ourselves in. We have the opportunity to bring the hope we have to others: to tell of the faithfulness of God, the good news of the Gospel, and the future of eternity. We live in an in-between time, having hope in this life, and looking to all that God has promised us ahead. It is in this place and in this time that God has called us to live. As we await the future hope of Heaven, we can hold to the hope we have now, knowing we are positioned by God “for such a time as this”. Original post by Hillsong UNITED available on YouVersion and used with permission from Capitol CMG Label Group. Download lyrics or sheet music from the album Are We There Yet? by Hillsong UNITED.

Have you ever walked through a season when, despite difficult circumstances, you had joy in your heart? And when your friends asked how you were doing, and you told them all that was going on, you got weird eyes because all they could see was joy? It can definitely be an interesting feeling. This is what I like to call the joy of the Lord. Despite the craziness all around us, with this kind of joy, we can find ourselves unfazed. I'd like to clarify the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion that comes from something temporary like receiving a gift or winning an award. But joy is from the Lord—it's deeper, like the feeling we get when we give to others or worship our God. There was a season in my life recently when I had finally achieved my dream job—and not just that, but my calling! I had worked so hard for five years for this moment. My husband and I were given one week to pack up all our belongings and move to a different town. What we didn't expect was all the obstacles that would come our way during this one week. There were plenty, trust me. But the one I remember the most vividly was when I dropped off my rental car and noticed that someone had broken into my personal car. My whole car was trashed inside. Papers were scattered everywhere, pieces were missing, and the hood was left wide open. Someone had tried to hot-wire my car. I'll be honest, I was definitely shocked at first. But then I started small: I reorganized all my important papers and placed them in their spot. I shut the hood of my car, finally found the missing plastic piece, and replaced it where it belonged. After all this, I called my husband to inform him and began to laugh. See, despite someone trying to steal my car during a very hectic time in my life, I had joy, because I knew the enemy was working hard to make trouble so I would become frantic and angry. But our God is so mighty and powerful that He showed me what the enemy was trying to do and reminded me that He was taking care of me throughout this whole process. The Word says that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), so there is no need to fear or worry. God gives us joy and peace to weather the storms and trials we face. When we're in His Word and we trust God, He reminds us of this. The next time you find yourself in a difficult season, try first seeking the Lord in prayer or worship. Once this becomes a natural practice for you, His joy will come to you more quickly. Challenge: How are you finding ways to experience God's joy? —Dominique McHenry Based on the song Joy (To The World). Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.

For many, the holidays are the most heartwarming, comforting time of the year. We're reminded of what matters most as families and friends gather, reconnect, and spend quality time with one another. For others, though, this season reminds them of what they don't have. It highlights the fact that their family isn't close anymore, that loss is real and present, and that they feel alone when it shouldn't have to be that way. You may find yourself in this position where everyone else seems happy and filled with holiday spirit, but for you, life feels a little bleak and cold. Let me remind you that even in the bleakest moments, even when life feels heavy and dark, Jesus is the light and the warmth you need in every moment. If you stop and draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to you. When the things of this world cease to satisfy, He gives a peace that will never, ever leave you, and it's only found in daily relationship with Him. Challenge Whether life is good or it feels a little bit bleak, pause and draw near to Jesus. Cry out to Him, and be reminded of the peace that you have in Him alone. —Stacey Willis Based on the song Midwinter. Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.

When you hear the word faithful, what does it make you think of? Does it remind you of a loved one, maybe a parent or a best friend you trust? Or maybe you've heard the phrase “faithful as the sun.” We know the sun will always rise and it will always set. It will be there every day when we wake up. But what happens when those friends fail you? What happens when your parents don't love you the way you need to be loved? Even the sun will someday burn away. The truth of the matter is that here in this life, faithful will always come up short when it's attached to humanity. But a move of true faithfulness was set in motion over 2,000 years ago, when the Savior of the world arrived as a baby. He came down and reached into our suffering to save us from our sin—to bring us hope when we were hopeless. He lived for 33 years and then died on the cross. But even then it wasn't over. He rose from the dead, and when He later ascended into heaven, He left His Spirit here to encourage and empower us. We have never been without the presence of our heavenly Father, even though sometimes it's hard to see it and feel it, especially when we or the people around us fail to live up to the Word. But what we know is that our God loved us so much that He came down to be with us, and He's never left us since. He's always present in our time of need. In fact, He calls to the brokenhearted, waiting to display His glorious love. That is our God. He is the definition of the word faithful. Challenge Think about the depth of God's faithful love for you today, and worship Him for it. —Rob Estevez Based on the song Faithful. Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Back in February 2020, who among us could have predicted the changes that a pandemic would foist upon us? For me, like many others, there was a loss of career and the accompanying fears and sleepless nights working through the questions that plague us in the depth of the night-watch! The COVID-19 era and its lockdowns have been a very dark time for so many of us who simply long to see the light of day once again. I do believe that we Christians suffer from what I refer to as spiritual amnesia. I tend to forget, like the Israelites of the Old Testament, just what God has done for me in the past, choosing instead to wallow in fear and self-pity, doubting that God will come through in my time of need. Before my years of pastoral church ministry, my wife and I spent 12 years serving the Lord by faith in a music ministry capacity. We had so many stories of how God took care of us, and how he could direct us. Perhaps years of regularity causes complacency, and our Lord must shake the cage a bit to awaken our faith in him once again. As I entered into my 'enforced sabbatical', God began bringing scripture to mind as a source of comfort. Jesus' words to the disciples in John 16:33 remind us that we will have trials. That is a certainty. But we can also be certain of his victory over death, because of an empty tomb. And that empty tomb points to his ultimate return, where all darkness and death is banished, and we can all bask in the light of the Day of the Lord! Let our prayer, then, echo the declaration of Jesus where we can say daily and through every situation, "You are The Way and The Truth and The LifeKing of all Kings and the Lord of LightCome will you lead us in the Spirit's wayUntil our eyes see the Light of DayUntil our eyes see the Light of Day". Johnny Markin is a songwriter, worship leader from Abbotsford, BC, Canada. The Covenant Award-nominated singer/songwriter has new original work of his own compositions, a much-anticipated comeback album called Light Of Day, setting ancient creeds and texts of Scripture to musical styles that reflect the wide breadth of Johnny's journey. See recent PraiseChart Live conversations co-hosted by Johnny and PraiseCharts owner Ryan Dahl.

I don't know about you, but I have an innate and compulsive ability to complicate the simplest things in life. It's a gift that I'm not proud of, but I am truly, and regrettably a master of the craft. I think the simple things can raise our suspicions because oftentimes they seem too good to be true. And if we're not careful the idolization of complexity can become the very framework of our thinking, and dangerously — that framework can find its way into our relationship with God. You see, when I let the lens of complexity frame my relationship with God, things get out of perspective really quickly. The beautiful simplicity and sincerity of His presence is replaced by a series of hoops I have to jump through, feelings I should feel, or standards I must attain to. But the longer I've followed the Lord, the more I am convinced that He doesn't dwell in the temple of complexity. He isn't looking down from an ivory tower checking our prayers against a formula. On the contrary, His open-door presence is flung wide, ready and waiting for us to rush in with security, simplicity, and wonder. His invitation isn't to a public spectacle; it's to a secret place. He's not looking for impressive; He's just looking for authenticity. He's not afraid of our questions, our anger, or our doubting. He keeps things simple — you are welcome here and you don't have anything to prove. I'm sure I'd be mortified to know how much time I've spent trying to semantically move God's ear when He's always been more of a “God have mercy on me, a sinner” kind of guy (Luke 18:9-14). And to think that even when I have no words at all, the Holy Spirit steps in to intercede on my behalf (Romans 8:26). And if that all sounds too good to be true, then do I have some news for you — it isn't. God really is just that good. He really is that kind. His presence is your home country. You belong there. So our prayer is that the song, “Secret Place” ministers to you, to that end. And that maybe, just maybe, it helps lead you along the path to the open doors of your loving Father and all that He has for you. As the song says, “it's an open invitation, no words you have to say, if you want it, you can get there…” In Jesus' Name. Reflection & Application: Today I'd like to encourage you to take a few moments, or a few hours, and seek God. Our prayer is that you discover the path to the loving arms of your Father and all that He has for you. Think of a time and place where you can meet with God—just you. It can be any time or any place, but intentionality is key. Come near to Him and He will come near to you. Written and based on the song Secret Place by Chris Davenport. Original posting by Hillsong Worship available on YouVersion from the album These Same Skies.

There's something so special and powerful about this song. It seems to be sung every year, at every church, yet when compared to the other classics, it stands out. In my opinion, it perfectly depicts the reverence and simplicity of the birth of Jesus. This holy God, this incredible Being and Almighty Savior, was born in the most unlikely of places. There was nothing special about Bethlehem at that time. Israel was in disarray and under foreign rule, but this is where He chose to enter the world in a manger, surrounded by hay, animals, and just a few people. There wasn't a large crowd. You would think that finally, after all this time, the Savior that the world had been waiting for would have made a fancy entrance, but it was quite the opposite. It says something about His character. When the rest of the world demands attention, our God comes with a still, small voice, to the most unlikely of places. This is where He chose to make His first impression. I pray that as you go about this Christmas season, you'll lean back and remember Him for who He is. Is He not a God worth worshiping? Remember what He has done for you. Remember that in our darkest moment He is there for you. Challenge Remember to simply stop and worship Him. —Rob Estevez Based on the song O Holy Night. Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.

Imagine a still, quiet night, with the stars above you. It's the kind of night you've experienced over and over again. Maybe you envision going camping, sitting on your back porch, or driving in your car. Wherever it is, it's somewhere familiar, comfortable, and normal for you. On this particular night, the shepherds are experiencing an ordinary night under the stars. They're watching over their flock as they did every moment of every day—to keep the flock safe from wild animals in the area or from wandering off to unknown terrain. Just another typical night. There's no doubt that the shepherds had heard all their lives about the coming of the Messiah, but when they least expect it, on the most common of days, the most extraordinary thing happens! An angel of the Lord shows up, an astonishing sight and sound. How terrifying and exhilarating it must have been. The angel tells them of the news they had longed to hear all their lives—the long-awaited Messiah is here! My favorite part of this story is in verses 13 and 14. Once the angel has shared the good news, it's then joined by “a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God ...” Luke 2:13 NLT The angels were preparing the way of the Lord with praise even at His birth—joining the scene purely to praise God for this momentous occasion! Even in the midst of sharing the story of Jesus' birth and how He could be recognized, they couldn't help but praise God: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 NLT Challenge May we pause today and give Him the highest praise. In the middle of the busiest season, or the most ordinary of days, may we keep our eyes open for God moving in miraculous ways and give nothing in our lives higher praise than the one who came to save! —Ashten Wellman Based on the song Angels We Have Heard On High. Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.

One of the hardest things I've ever experienced was watching someone I love go through deep pain, knowing there was nothing I could do to fix it. This became my reality in January 2022 when my son was thrust into a year-long ordeal that tested his faith to the breaking point. As a father, I wanted to step in and solve the problem, but I quickly realized that this was beyond my control. All I could do was offer comfort, support, and trust that God would work through the fire. During that year, my son moved back home and set up a workspace in my studio, and we spent our days working side by side. In many ways, it felt like a taste of heaven—this unexpected gift of time together. We had countless one-on-one conversations, and he bared his heart to me, sharing his struggles, doubts, and the overwhelming weight of his suffering. It was a time of deep honesty and connection, something I will cherish forever, especially as I navigate my own journey with Parkinson's disease. Life seems more precious now than ever. At one point, my son asked me what I thought about everything he was going through. I told him that the pain, while hard to endure, was worth it for the intimacy, honesty, and love that had grown between us. That may sound selfish, but it was the truth. Our relationship deepened in a way I had never expected, and for that, I was grateful, even in the midst of the hardship. As his birthday approached in July 2022, I wanted to give him something meaningful, something that would remind him of how proud I was of him. The Lord placed a melody and the first verse of a song in my heart, and I recorded it as a gift for him. The song, “Tried by Fire,” became my way of encouraging him as he faced the fire and slowly emerged stronger, even though the trial was still ongoing. Almost exactly a year later, in January 2023, the Lord gave me the second verse to the song. By then, my son had come through the fire, shining like gold. He moved back to the city he now calls home, and I couldn't have been more proud of the way he had faced the challenges with honesty, resilience, and a joyful, adventurous spirit. “Tried by Fire” became not just a song, but a testimony to his strength, his growth, and God's faithfulness. This whole experience reminded me of Psalm 26:2, which says, “Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test; refine my mind and my heart.” My son's trial was a refining process—one that tested his faith, his mind, and his heart. And while it was painful, both for him and for me, it brought forth something beautiful: a deeper relationship with God, a stronger character, and a closer bond between us as father and son. As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that the fires we face are never without purpose. God uses them to refine us, to strengthen our faith, and to draw us closer to Him and to those we love. It's not about avoiding the flames, but about trusting that God is with us in the midst of them, bringing us through to the other side, shining like gold. If you're walking through a fire right now—or if you're standing beside someone who is—take heart. God is working, even when you can't see it. The refining process may be painful, but it's leading to something greater. Like my son, you, too, can emerge from the fire stronger, more joyful, and ready to extend love to others along the way. May this story and song encourage you today to trust God's refining work in your life, and may you come out of the fire shining with His glory.

Our God is a God of life and victory. Even though this is absolutely true, it can be hard to believe it when there is so much hurt and brokenness in the world. All of us face an enormous amount of pressure in life. Chances are you have been pressed by your job, finances, relationships, or the onslaught of disappointment that comes at us on the news every single day. Even in the midst of hardship, God can break through and help us transcend the moment we are in. Psalm 118 is a psalm of victory. It's a psalm that recounts that faithfulness of God to save and to deliver. Oftentimes when we look back on how God has worked in our lives, it will embolden us to keep moving forward in faith, even while suffering. In verses 5-7, the psalmist writes, “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.” He says that I remember the time when God delivered me to a spacious place. So even now, I don't need to be afraid. Because He was faithful then, I can look ahead in triumph. In verses 13-14, he goes on to say “I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Our God is a savior. This is in His nature. He wants to defend and protect His children. We can trust in the goodness of our God! Worship is always the right response to the gift of God's salvation. “Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: 'The Lord's right hand has done mighty things! The Lord's right hand is lifted high; the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!' I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” (v15-17). We can trust that God will lead us through whatever we are going through. The purpose of it all is to bring glory to Jesus. In the end, God wants to be the Lord and King over every area of our lives. Anything else we would choose to give our hearts to will ultimately fail us and entrap our souls. God has sent Jesus to save us and give us a new song of praise on the earth. Today, let's declare who He is over our lives. “You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.” (v28). Let's move anything that is less than out of the center of our affection and put Jesus in His rightful place. Let's step into the triumph of the victory He has given us through His death and resurrection. Based on the song You Are Our God by Brett Younker and Passion. Original post by Passion Music available on YouVersion based on the album - I've Witnessed It by Passion.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) Reflection:There is something beautifully nostalgic in the way we remember our childhood. For many of us, those early years were a time when life felt simple, and worries were few. In the first verse of “Lean On The Lord,” Housefires captures that sentiment: a time when the world made sense, and our biggest concerns were trivial. But as we grow older, life's complexities and uncertainties often lead us to question, to wrestle with things that are difficult to understand. The song speaks to this shift, reminding us that while the world may become more complicated, there is still a place of simplicity — found in leaning on the Lord. It's in those moments when life's questions overwhelm us, and we've tried every way to make sense of things, that we're called to trust in God. The Pre-Chorus of the song declares a profound truth: “I've tried to make sense of it all but I just can't. When I don't understand I lean on the Lord.” It's an acknowledgment that there are mysteries and challenges in life that are beyond our comprehension. But instead of being paralyzed by what we don't know, we are invited to lean into the One who does know. Application:What does it mean to lean on the Lord? It means placing our trust, our hope, and our very lives into His hands. It's a choice to rely on His wisdom instead of our own understanding, to draw strength from His love, and to find peace in His presence. In the Chorus, the song gives voice to this reliance: “Some things don't make sense, but one thing's for sure when I lean on You, Lord.” When we lean on the Lord, we find the strength to go on, even when life doesn't make sense. His love becomes the foundation that holds us up, His grace the cushion that catches us when we fall. The Bridge of the song reinforces this by reminding us of the pillars of our faith — His Word, His grace, and His strength. These are the anchors that keep us steady when life's storms rage. As we learn to lean on these, we find that God's faithfulness sustains us in ways we couldn't have imagined. Prayer:Lord, life often brings challenges that we can't understand. But in those moments, help us to lean on You. Teach us to trust in Your Word, to rest in Your grace, and to draw strength from Your love. May we always find our refuge in You, knowing that You will never fail us. Amen. Challenge:This week, whenever you face a situation that doesn't make sense or feels overwhelming, take a moment to pause and intentionally lean on the Lord. Trust Him with your questions and uncertainties, and let His love and strength carry you through.

The first Noel, the angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter's night that was so deep Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east beyond them far And to the Earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! This carol was first published in 1823 by William Sandys in England. Since then, its melody and lyrics have grown more and more familiar to the Church, as have the stories of the shepherds and the wise men referenced by the song. The nativity accounts found in the opening chapters of Matthew and Luke were signals to God's people, Israel, who had been awaiting the arrival of a new king. Many of the signs surrounding Jesus' birth pointed back to the greatest and most respected king that Israel had yet known, King David: Shepherds: David is first introduced in 1 Samuel 16 as a young shepherd boy in Bethlehem. He was out keeping his sheep when the prophet Samuel arrived to anoint him king. Later, Micah prophesied that another ruler would come out of Bethlehem who would also shepherd God's people. Then in the book of Luke, the appearance of angels to shepherds near Bethlehem was an indicator that a major character in God's story of redemption had arrived. Wise Men and Myrrh: What would Samuel, a wise and respected leader, have used to proclaim David king after he was led on his mission to Bethlehem? According to Exodus 30, myrrh was one of the core ingredients used to make sacred anointing oil. And we read in the Gospel of Matthew that wise men are led to Bethlehem once again with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, this time as gifts for Jesus, our newborn King. The arrival of Jesus was deeply significant. It led a group of shepherds to tell many others what they'd seen and heard. It inspired powerful men to travel a great distance to bring gifts to the child of strangers. The arrival of Jesus matters. It changed everything for the shepherds and wise men, and it changes everything for us. We've seen their response to the arrival of the King. What is our response? Challenge As you hear this carol, I pray that your spirit is moved. I pray that you would not hold back in your response, whether it yields more passionate and authentic praise than you've ever experienced, or it gives you the courage to tell someone about Jesus. Maybe you've been on the fence about fully committing your life to Christ, or going to church. Whatever the response, He's worth giving your all. —Luke Guevara Based on the song Noel. Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was written by Charles Wesley, an English Methodist leader and hymn writer. He wrote over 6,000 hymns, with the goal of teaching sound doctrine to the poor and illiterate. His brother, John Wesley, a famous theologian and the founder of the Methodist movement, said that Charles' hymnal was the best theological book in existence. Let's take a moment to break down this theologically rich song. As the lyrics progress, we see three things: praise, presence, and promise. 1. Praise Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled The first response to the coming of Jesus is praise. Everyone is celebrating, because this means the atonement for mankind has arrived—our Redeemer has come! Jesus single-handedly defeats the power of darkness. 2. Presence Christ by highest heaven adored Christ the everlasting Lord Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a virgin's womb Think about it. Jesus, the Son of God, chose to leave heaven and come to earth for us! He left perfection for the imperfect, to be present with us. 3. Promise Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace Hail the Son of righteousness Light and life to all He brings Risen with healing in His wings The birth of Jesus was no small thing. It was the fulfillment of a promise awaited for thousands of years—a promise that brings new life and a new start for all who believe. Healing, peace, comfort, and joy all stem from this moment: the birth of our salvation. My hope is that as you hear this song you will not just hear a nostalgic melody, but you'll join with the angels and all creation in celebrating the gift of Christ's birth. May He fill you with His praise and His presence as you remember the great promise of our God fulfilled through the gift of Jesus Christ. Reflect How do you celebrate the coming of Christ? Is your heart filled with joy when you think about this season? What can you do today to align your heart more closely with how this song portrays gratitude and praise? —Stephen Cole Based on the song Hark The Herald Angels Sing Original post by Life.Church Worship available on YouVersion based on the album - Gloria by Life.Church Worship.