Welcome to Monday Memories, where we take a look back at the Christian songs, artists, albums, and moments that have helped shape the music we love. From timeless favorites to songs that may have slipped from memory, each week we revisit a piece of Christian music history and remember why it still matters today.
Amy Grant – Age to Age
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In 1982, a young Amy Grant released an album that would change the landscape of contemporary Christian music. Its name was Age to Age, and its impact would be felt for decades. In much the same way that Michael Jackson’s Thriller redefined mainstream pop music, Age to Age raised the bar for what Christian music could accomplish. It became a commercial phenomenon, introduced millions of listeners to a new sound, and helped establish Amy Grant as one of the most influential artists Christian music had ever seen.
That’s a pretty extraordinary legacy for one album. And perhaps what’s even more remarkable is that the comparison to Thriller isn’t something we came up with decades later. In a 1986 Christian Science Monitor profile, the publication itself described Age to Age as the contemporary Christian rock scene’s equivalent of Thriller. That’s quite a statement, but the history behind the album makes it difficult to argue otherwise.
A New Chapter for Christian Music
By the time Age to Age arrived, Amy Grant was already an established name in Christian music. She had released several albums, developed a following, and demonstrated that she was a talented young singer with a bright future. But 1982 would prove to be a turning point, both for Amy and for the entire contemporary Christian music industry.
Produced by Brown Bannister, Age to Age brought together polished pop arrangements, memorable melodies, thoughtful songwriting, and a distinctly contemporary sound. It was accessible without sacrificing its Christian message, and it demonstrated that music celebrating faith could compete creatively and commercially with anything else on the musical landscape.
This wasn’t simply an album aimed at an established Christian audience. It was a recording that had the potential to reach listeners well beyond the traditional boundaries of Christian music. And reach them it did.
Songs That Became Part of Christian Music History
One of the great strengths of Age to Age is its collection of songs. This is an album where the individual tracks deserve to be remembered just as much as the remarkable success of the record itself.
Of course, there’s “El Shaddai.” Written by Michael Card and John Thompson, the song would become one of the most recognizable recordings of Amy’s career. Its beautiful melody, powerful lyrics, and reverent expression of worship made it an enduring favorite. The song’s title, referring to one of the Hebrew names for God, gives the recording a particularly meaningful foundation. Decades later, “El Shaddai” remains one of those songs that can transport listeners right back to a special time in Christian music.
Then there’s “Sing Your Praise to the Lord,” written by Rich Mullins. With its energetic delivery and unmistakable enthusiasm, it became another major success from the album. It was an invitation to worship, to celebrate, and to make praise an active part of everyday life. It’s difficult to hear that song without feeling the joy that went into making it.
“In a Little While” offered another memorable moment, while “I Have Decided” brought a heartfelt expression of commitment to following Jesus. “Arms of Love” provided a beautiful closing statement, reminding listeners of the comfort and security found in God’s love.
And let’s not overlook the rest of the album! From “I Love a Lonely Day” and “Don’t Run Away” to the wonderfully playful “Fat Baby,” Age to Age offered variety and personality. It wasn’t a collection of songs that all sounded alike. It was a thoughtfully assembled album with a little something different around every corner.
That combination of memorable songwriting, strong performances, and excellent production helped make the album something listeners wanted to return to again and again.
An Extraordinary Commercial Achievement
The numbers behind Age to Age are every bit as impressive as the music.
The album reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Inspirational Albums chart, where it remained for an astonishing 85 weeks. Think about that for a moment. More than a year and a half at the top of the chart! That’s not just a successful Christian music album. That’s a phenomenon.
In November 1983, Age to Age became the first album by a solo Christian artist to receive Gold certification. In June 1985, it reached Platinum status, becoming the first Christian album to achieve that distinction in the United States.
The album also earned Amy her first Grammy Award, winning Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary, at the 1983 Grammy Awards. It received significant recognition from the Gospel Music Association as well, including Dove Awards for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and other honors.
These weren’t simply awards and sales figures. They represented something much bigger: Christian music was reaching a new level of visibility and acceptance, and Amy Grant was leading the way.
The People Behind the Music
While Amy Grant was unquestionably the face and voice of Age to Age, the album’s success was also the result of tremendous songwriting, musicianship, and production.
Producer Brown Bannister deserves special recognition. His work helped give the album its distinctive sound, balancing contemporary pop sensibilities with the substance and sincerity of its Christian message. His production helped establish a musical direction that would influence Christian recordings for years to come.
Michael Card and John Thompson gave us “El Shaddai,” while Rich Mullins contributed “Sing Your Praise to the Lord.” These were songwriters whose contributions would extend far beyond this one recording.
And that is another part of what makes Age to Age so special. It brought together some remarkable creative talents at just the right moment, resulting in a collection of songs that would become part of the foundation of contemporary Christian music.
An Album That Helped Change Everything
Perhaps the most important thing about Age to Age isn’t its chart position, its certifications, or even its awards. It’s what the album made possible.
Christian music had already produced many wonderful artists and recordings, but Age to Age demonstrated just how far the genre could go. It helped open doors, broaden audiences, and establish a new standard for contemporary Christian artists.
Amy Grant would go on to enjoy an extraordinary career, eventually reaching audiences across both Christian and mainstream music. But Age to Age was the album that helped make that journey possible. It was the breakthrough that changed the trajectory of her career and helped change the expectations of an entire industry.
And its influence didn’t stop with Amy. The generations of Christian artists who followed benefited from the doors opened by recordings like this one. The idea that Christian music could be beautifully produced, commercially successful, musically adventurous, and unapologetically centered on faith became increasingly accepted.
Today, more than four decades later, Christian music is a remarkably diverse world, filled with artists working across virtually every musical genre. From contemporary worship and Christian pop to rock, country, gospel, and beyond, there’s an incredible amount of music bringing people closer to Jesus.
It’s worth remembering that albums like Age to Age helped pave the way.
A Monday Memories Classic
So, if you’ve never spent time with Age to Age, here’s your opportunity to discover an important piece of Christian music history. And if you remember when this album first arrived, perhaps listening again will bring back a few memories of your own.
For those who were there, it was an exciting time. For those who came along later, it’s a chance to appreciate just how much this recording accomplished.
Age to Age wasn’t simply another Amy Grant album. It was a landmark, a breakthrough, and a defining moment for contemporary Christian music.
And that’s why, all these years later, we’re still talking about it.
Thank you, Amy, for giving Christian music an album that truly stood the test of time.
Want to enjoy more of Amy Grant’s incredible music? Visit her Artist Page here at FishWorship and explore more of the songs and albums that have made her such an enduring part of Christian music history!
There’s something timeless about the great hymns of the Christian faith. Though many were written generations ago, their words continue to speak to the heart, proclaim the truth of Scripture, and lead us into worship. Hymn of the Week is for everyone who believes these beloved hymns should always have a place in modern worship. Each week, we’ll take a moment to revisit one of these enduring songs of faith and celebrate the message, story, and music that have helped generations of believers worship God.
Battle Hymn of the Republic: Have We Become a Nation That Has Forgotten How to Sacrifice for Something Bigger Than Ourselves?
FishWorship Hymn of the Week | David Phelps – Hymnal
There are songs that entertain us, songs that inspire us, and songs that remind us of who we are and what we stand for. And then there are songs that seem to reach beyond the moment, connecting us to something much larger than ourselves. This week’s Hymn of the Week is one of those songs: “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” as performed by David Phelps on hisHymnalalbum.
Few songs in American history carry the combination of religious conviction, national identity, historical significance, and sheer musical grandeur found in this beloved hymn. Its unmistakable melody and stirring words have accompanied generations of Americans, becoming part of the musical vocabulary of our nation’s patriotism.
But the story behind the song is considerably more complicated than its familiar place in American musical life might suggest. Born during one of the most divisive and consequential periods in our nation’s history, the hymn was written in support of one side of a devastating military conflict. Its imagery invokes divine judgment, apocalyptic warfare, and the conviction that the struggle unfolding before the country was part of God’s greater purposes.
That history raises some fascinating questions, not only about the song itself, but about patriotism, faith, national responsibility, and our willingness to make sacrifices for something bigger than ourselves.
And perhaps there’s no better time to ask one of those questions:
Have we become a nation that has forgotten how to sacrifice for something bigger than ourselves?
The Birth of a Song During America’s Greatest National Crisis
To understand “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” we need to return to 1861, when America was descending into the Civil War.
The country was coming apart. Southern states had seceded, the Union was fighting for its survival, and the question of slavery had become inseparable from the future of the nation. Families, communities, and entire regions were divided over what America should become.
The song’s musical roots actually predate the lyrics most Americans know today. Its melody was associated with the religious camp-meeting song “Say, Brothers, Will You Meet Us,” and subsequently became associated with “John Brown’s Body,” a marching song popular among Union soldiers.
John Brown, of course, was the abolitionist whose 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry sought to initiate an armed uprising against slavery. He was captured and executed, becoming a controversial martyr to many abolitionists. Union soldiers adapted songs and verses about Brown, eventually developing the familiar marching melody.
Enter Julia Ward Howe.
Howe was an abolitionist, writer, and social reformer who traveled to Washington, D.C., during the Civil War. In November 1861, she visited a Union Army encampment with her husband, Samuel Gridley Howe, and other members of their party. During the visit, she heard soldiers singing “John Brown’s Body.”
The story goes that Reverend James Freeman Clarke, who was accompanying the group, suggested that Howe write more appropriate lyrics for the familiar melody.
She reportedly awoke in the early morning hours of November 19, 1861, with words taking shape in her mind. She wrote them down, and the result was a poem that would become one of America’s most recognizable songs.
The poem was published in The Atlantic Monthly in February 1862, under the title “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
What began as a new set of lyrics for a familiar marching tune quickly became something much bigger.
A Hymn of Faith, Warfare, and Divine Judgment
One reason “Battle Hymn of the Republic” has endured is that it doesn’t approach the Civil War as merely a political disagreement or a military confrontation. Its lyrics frame the conflict in intensely religious terms.
The imagery is unmistakably biblical and apocalyptic. The song invokes divine judgment, the coming of the Lord, the sounding of the trumpet, and the idea that God’s truth is advancing through the events unfolding in America.
Its central message is that righteousness will ultimately prevail and that the struggle against slavery is part of a greater moral reckoning.
This was not simply a song encouraging soldiers to march forward. It was a declaration of faith that the conflict had profound moral and spiritual significance.
And therein lies one of the hymn’s most interesting controversies.
Howe was writing from the Union and abolitionist perspective. Her lyrics connected the Union cause with God’s judgment and the eventual triumph of righteousness. In doing so, the song effectively presented one side of a political and military conflict as being aligned with divine purposes.
That raises an important theological question: When does patriotism become an attempt to claim God for our own political cause?
There is a danger in assuming that God automatically endorses our nation’s military objectives, our political leaders, or even our understanding of what righteousness requires. History offers plenty of examples of people invoking divine authority to justify actions that deserve serious moral scrutiny.
And yet, we shouldn’t overlook the historical context of Howe’s convictions, while also recognizing that the subject of human servitude is considerably more complicated than a simple confrontation between good and evil. Systems of slavery, servanthood, and social hierarchy existed across civilizations long before the founding of America, and throughout much of human history, societies established different classes of people with vastly different rights, responsibilities, and privileges. Even Scripture acknowledges the existence of masters and servants, providing instruction concerning their treatment without explicitly calling for the wholesale dismantling of those established social structures. America’s own experience with slavery became one of the defining controversies of its history, and the Civil War ultimately transformed the nation’s understanding of freedom, citizenship, and human rights. But the historical journey that brought us here deserves more than a simplified interpretation in which one side represents absolute righteousness and the other absolute evil. Much like the hymn itself, the way we remember and interpret that struggle has been shaped by powerful moral and political narratives. We can recognize the profound consequences of emancipation and the transformation of American society while still acknowledging that humanity’s historical understanding of servitude, freedom, and the responsibilities of those who hold power is a far more complicated subject than we sometimes allow.
The hymn’s religious imagery reflected a conviction that this was a struggle with consequences far beyond the battlefield.
We can appreciate that conviction while still recognizing the theological dangers of declaring that God is exclusively on our side.
That distinction is important. Faith should inform our understanding of patriotism, but patriotism should never presume to own God.
From a Civil War Battle Song to an American Patriotic Treasure
One of the most fascinating things about “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is how dramatically its identity has evolved.
When Julia Ward Howe wrote those words, she wasn’t attempting to create a universal American patriotic anthem. She was writing a song rooted in the Union cause, the abolitionist movement, and the belief that the Civil War represented a profound moral confrontation.
Yet over the generations, the song gradually transcended its original political and military circumstances.
Today, it occupies a place in American musical life alongside songs such as “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.” Each has a different history and a different message, but all three have become familiar expressions of American identity, gratitude, and national pride.
The transformation of “Battle Hymn” is particularly remarkable because its original lyrics never abandoned their religious conviction or their imagery of judgment. Instead, Americans increasingly found broader meaning in the song’s themes of perseverance, sacrifice, justice, freedom, and national purpose.
Its music has been used in presidential ceremonies, national commemorations, military observances, and moments of profound historical significance. Its words have even been embraced by people pursuing causes that extend well beyond the original Union-versus-Confederacy conflict.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, drew upon the hymn in his final sermon in Memphis in April 1968, invoking its opening words as he spoke about the struggle for justice and the future of America.
Of course, whether invoking the hymn’s powerful religious imagery was an appropriate way for Dr. King to frame his own cause is also a matter worthy of discussion. His struggle for civil rights was rooted in a specific historical conflict, and his public message was central to his approach. Nevertheless, his use of the hymn illustrates a broader point: throughout history, people have drawn upon religious language and imagery to give their causes a sense of divine purpose and moral certainty. Whether that is appropriate, and where the line should be drawn between genuine faith and the human tendency to portray our own causes as instruments of God’s will, are questions worth considering.
That is quite a journey for a song originally written to accompany the cause of one side in a Civil War.
And perhaps that journey tells us something important.
A song can begin with a very specific historical purpose and eventually become something larger. Its meaning can evolve as successive generations discover new reasons to embrace its message.
We believe that’s precisely what has happened with “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
We don’t have to ignore its origins, overlook its controversies, or pretend that every interpretation of its lyrics has been appropriate to appreciate what it has become.
In fact, understanding its history makes us appreciate it even more.
Because at its heart is a message that remains extraordinarily powerful: that there are things worth fighting for, principles worth defending, and purposes worth pursuing even when doing so requires something of us.
And that brings us to a subject that we believe deserves considerably more attention in America today.
Have We Become a Nation That Has Forgotten How to Sacrifice for Something Bigger Than Ourselves?
There is something remarkable about the generation of Americans who lived through the Civil War.
At the same time, we should resist reducing an entire historical period to a single narrative, recognizing that the lives, experiences, and social realities of those who lived through it were often far more complicated than popular portrayals suggest. Even so, the country was deeply divided, many Americans opposed the war, some actively resisted military service, and the human suffering was almost unimaginable.
But the country was confronted with a defining national crisis, one whose outcome would determine the future of the United States and the lives of generations yet unborn.
Americans were forced to confront questions that extended far beyond their immediate personal circumstances.
What kind of country would America become? Would the Union survive? Would slavery continue? What would the nation stand for when the conflict was finally over?
These weren’t abstract philosophical questions. They were questions with very real consequences, and answering them required enormous sacrifices.
Families lost loved ones. Businesses and communities suffered. Soldiers endured terrible conditions, and ordinary Americans experienced hardships that most of us today can scarcely imagine.
Yet the nation persevered.
And while Americans disagreed profoundly about the war, millions ultimately participated in, supported, or endured a national undertaking whose consequences would reshape the country.
We can’t help but wonder whether our generation possesses that same willingness to look beyond ourselves.
Consider the contemporary American political environment. Economic concerns, particularly the cost of gasoline and groceries, have become powerful influences on how Americans evaluate their government and choose their political leaders.
To be clear, we understand why people care about these things. Providing for our families is important. Financial security matters. Nobody should be expected to pretend that rising expenses are inconsequential, particularly when household budgets are already stretched.
But we believe there’s a larger question that deserves consideration.
Should the immediate cost of living become the overriding consideration in determining the direction of our country?
What happens when accomplishing something worthwhile requires an investment? What happens when rebuilding domestic industries, strengthening national security, changing our international trade relationships, or reducing long-term dependencies requires some temporary economic discomfort?
What happens when the right long-term decision isn’t necessarily the easiest short-term decision?
Are we still capable of looking beyond our own immediate circumstances?
We recognize that Americans can reasonably disagree about whether particular policies are worthwhile, whether the anticipated benefits justify their costs, and whether the people proposing those policies have the right approach. No president should be exempt from scrutiny, and no political movement should be entitled to unquestioning loyalty.
But we worry that our political culture increasingly rewards immediate gratification over thoughtful consideration of the future.
We see political decisions increasingly filtered through partisan resentment, personal economic circumstances, and emotional reactions to the personalities involved.
And we wonder whether something important has been lost along the way.
A nation cannot accomplish much if its citizens demand that every worthwhile undertaking make their individual circumstances better immediately. Some of the most important things a country can do require patience, investment, perseverance, and a willingness to accept that the benefits might not be immediately apparent.
Consider the generations who built America’s infrastructure, expanded its industrial capacity, fought its wars, and invested in institutions that their children and grandchildren would inherit.
They weren’t simply asking what America could do for them.
They were helping determine what America could become.
That’s an important distinction.
We don’t believe that every economic sacrifice is automatically justified by invoking patriotism. Nor do we believe that supporting a particular president is a test of whether someone loves their country.
But we do believe that Americans have a responsibility to consider more than their own immediate interests when making decisions about the nation’s future.
And that responsibility extends to every political party and every generation.
“Not If It Affects Me Negatively in Any Way”
There’s a line from the television comedy Will & Grace that seems particularly appropriate here.
Grace, expressing an attitude toward something she doesn’t want to do, responds:
“Not if it affects me negatively in any way.”
It’s a funny line in the context of a sitcom. But we find ourselves wondering how much of that philosophy has found its way into the American electorate.
Imagine approaching every national decision with that attitude.
Not if it makes gasoline more expensive.
Not if it makes groceries more expensive.
Not if it requires me to change something about my lifestyle.
Not if it means accepting some inconvenience today for a potential benefit tomorrow.
Not if it requires me to put the interests of my country ahead of my own immediate preferences.
Of course, none of those concerns is inherently unreasonable.
But when they become the overriding consideration in every decision, we have a problem.
Because sometimes the right thing to do isn’t the easiest thing to do.
Sometimes protecting something valuable requires an investment. Sometimes accomplishing a worthwhile objective requires patience. Sometimes the benefits of a decision won’t be fully realized until years after the people who made it have left the scene.
And sometimes doing what is best for the greater good means accepting that our own circumstances might not improve immediately.
We think that’s a particularly important consideration in today’s political environment.
It’s entirely reasonable to question Donald Trump’s policies, disagree with his economic approach, or believe that another political vision would better serve the country. But we should also be willing to evaluate individual proposals on their merits rather than automatically rejecting them because of the person proposing them.
Political opposition is healthy. Blind partisan hostility is not.
Likewise, supporting a president shouldn’t mean abandoning independent judgment or excusing every decision.
We need an electorate capable of distinguishing between a genuinely bad policy and a potentially worthwhile national undertaking that involves difficult adjustments.
And we need citizens willing to consider the consequences of the alternatives, not simply the immediate satisfaction of voting against something they dislike.
Voting is not merely an exercise in expressing personal satisfaction or dissatisfaction. It is an exercise in making decisions about the future of an entire country.
That responsibility deserves more consideration than simply asking which candidate promises to make our individual lives more comfortable.
Patriotism Is About Something Bigger Than Politics
We want to be clear about something: patriotism isn’t blind loyalty to a president, a political party, or even every decision our government makes.
A genuinely patriotic American should be able to criticize their government, challenge its leaders, and advocate for a different direction when they believe the country is headed down the wrong path.
That’s part of what makes America worth loving.
But patriotism should also mean recognizing that we share something larger than our individual political preferences.
We share a country. We share a history. We share responsibilities to our fellow citizens. And we share an obligation to consider what kind of nation we’re leaving to those who come after us.
We can disagree about how to accomplish that objective without losing sight of the objective itself.
And perhaps that’s one of the most important lessons we can take from the evolution of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
A song that began as a declaration of one side’s convictions during America’s bloodiest internal conflict eventually became a musical expression of American identity that could be embraced by generations of Americans with very different political beliefs.
Its enduring appeal isn’t simply that it celebrates military victory. It’s that it speaks to the conviction that some things are worth pursuing beyond our own individual interests.
We believe that kind of all-in patriotism is something America needs more of, not less.
Not unquestioning patriotism. Not patriotism that demands everyone think alike. Not patriotism that mistakes political loyalty for love of country.
But patriotism that recognizes our responsibilities to one another and our obligation to something greater than ourselves.
And perhaps most importantly, patriotism that understands that the future of our country is worth caring about even when the work required to secure that future isn’t particularly comfortable.
A Christian Perspective: Sacrifice, Service, and the Greater Good
There’s another reason we think this conversation belongs in FishWorship.
The Christian faith itself challenges us to look beyond our own immediate interests.
Jesus didn’t teach that we should serve others only when doing so is convenient. He didn’t suggest that loving our neighbors should be conditional upon whether it benefits us personally.
Quite the opposite.
Christianity places enormous emphasis on selflessness, service, humility, and sacrifice. Jesus gave His life for others. He called His followers to love their neighbors, care for those in need, and put their faith into action.
The idea that we should occasionally accept personal costs for the benefit of others isn’t foreign to Christianity. It’s fundamental to it.
And while we should never confuse our political preferences with God’s will, we can certainly apply Christian principles when considering our responsibilities as citizens.
What would happen if more Americans approached their citizenship with that same spirit?
What if we spent less time asking what our country owes us and more time considering what we owe one another?
What if we were willing to accept some personal inconvenience when doing so served a worthwhile purpose?
What if we thought more about the America our grandchildren will inherit than the price of our next tank of gasoline?
Those aren’t Republican questions or Democratic questions. They’re questions about character, responsibility, and the kind of people we want to be.
And they’re questions worth asking.
His Truth Is Marching On
There’s a reason “Battle Hymn of the Republic” has survived for more than 160 years.
Its origins are complicated. Its religious imagery is intense. Its original political and military associations remain subjects worth examining. And its history reminds us that even a beloved patriotic song can carry difficult questions about faith, power, and the use of God’s name in human conflicts.
But we believe its journey from a Civil War marching song to a treasured American hymn is something worth celebrating.
Today, we can hear it as a reminder of the ideals that have shaped our country, the sacrifices that have helped preserve it, and the responsibility each generation has to determine what America will become.
We don’t have to agree on every political question to agree that our country is worth caring about.
We don’t have to support every government policy to recognize that some national objectives are worth pursuing even when the path is difficult.
And we don’t have to live in the 1860s to appreciate the importance of believing in something bigger than ourselves.
Perhaps that’s the message we need to hear today.
Not that America needs to return to some imagined era when everyone agreed about everything. That era never existed.
But that we need to rediscover the willingness to look beyond our individual circumstances, recognize our responsibilities to one another, and understand that the future of our nation is something we all have a stake in.
Have we become a nation that has forgotten how to sacrifice for something bigger than ourselves?
We hope not.
And we hope songs like “Battle Hymn of the Republic” can continue reminding us that patriotism, faith, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves are worth holding onto.
As the hymn so powerfully declares:
His truth is marching on.
Now, after considering the history and meaning behind this remarkable hymn, take a few minutes to enjoy David Phelps’s performance. And there’s something especially sweet about this one: David is joined on stage by his wife, Lori, and their two daughters. Off stage, these ladies are every bit as sweet, genuine, and down-to-earth as you could hope to meet—truly salt-of-the-earth people. David, of course, has a long history in gospel music, having first joined the legendary Gaither Vocal Band in 1997. Over the years, his extraordinary tenor voice became a familiar favorite among Gaither fans, and it’s wonderful to see him sharing this musical moment with his family. There’s something special about a family coming together to lift up a song of faith.
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God bless America, and may we never forget that the greatest things in life are rarely accomplished by thinking only of ourselves.
Every week brings a fresh batch of Christian music into the world—new albums, EPs, and songs from artists we know and artists we’re just discovering. New This Week is our chance to explore some of the music that has just been released, learn a little about the artists and their new music, and perhaps discover something that deserves a place in your playlist. So let’s take a look at what’s New This Week in Christian music!
💿Albums
Chris Tomlin – Good News Of Great Joy (Christmas Songs Of Worship)
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Chris Tomlin welcomes the Christmas season with Good News Of Great Joy (Christmas Songs Of Worship), an 11-track collection that keeps the birth of Jesus and the hope of the Gospel at the center of the celebration. Featuring new songs like “Good News Of Great Joy” and “The Manger To The Cross,” the album moves from the wonder of Christ’s arrival in Bethlehem to the redemption made possible through His sacrifice. Tomlin also gives listeners fresh seasonal takes on “Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)” and “Holy Forever (Christmas),” alongside the familiar carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Comfort And Joy)” and a collaboration with Terrian on “Day Of All Days.” From joyful Christmas celebration to heartfelt worship, this is a collection designed to remind us that the greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus Himself.
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We Are Messengers – Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas LIVE)
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We Are Messengers brings a distinctly Irish flavor to the Christmas season with Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas LIVE), a nine-track live collection featuring spirited new performances of beloved Christmas carols and hymns. Drawing on the band’s Irish heritage, the arrangements bring traditional Celtic instrumentation and lively energy to songs like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and “We Three Kings,” while more reflective selections such as “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “O Holy Night” offer moments of beautiful seasonal worship. The collection also includes “The Wexford Carol” and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (Rejoice),” celebrating the long-awaited arrival of Christ. Recorded live, these performances add an extra sense of warmth and excitement to a Christmas collection that feels both timeless and refreshingly different. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus with a little Celtic joy!
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Big Daddy Weave – It’s Time for Christmas (EP)
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Big Daddy Weave is bringing some festive cheer to the Christmas season with It’s Time for Christmas, a five-song EP marking the group’s first collection of seasonal music since 2009’s Christ Is Come. The project blends four familiar holiday favorites with an original title track, giving listeners a fun and nostalgic mix of Christmas sounds. The tracklist includes a medley of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” the classic “Mary, Did You Know?,” and cheerful seasonal standards “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “The Christmas Song.” The original “It’s Time for Christmas” adds a little extra holiday personality, complete with the nostalgia and pop-culture references that make this time of year special. Whether you’re in the mood for a familiar Christmas favorite or a reminder of the wonder surrounding Christ’s birth, Big Daddy Weave offers a little something to brighten the season.
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LO Worship – The Drought Is Over (Live from LO Conference)
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LO Worship, the worship collective born out of Sadie Robertson Huff’s Live Original movement, captures the energy and heart of a powerful live worship gathering with The Drought Is Over (Live from LO Conference). Recorded before more than 4,000 women at the sold-out LO Sister Conference, this nine-track project is filled with songs celebrating God’s faithfulness, the hope found in Jesus, and the confidence that His promises never fail. The title track, featuring Anna Golden, draws inspiration from the biblical account of Elijah in 1 Kings 18, declaring that God is still working even when we cannot yet see the answer. The album also features “The Perfect Love of Jesus,” with Jenn Johnson, along with “I Remind Myself,” “Always On Time,” and energetic worship medleys including “Center / Worthy” and “I Thank God / Glorious Day.” The collection closes with a 26-minute message from Sadie Robertson Huff, followed by a reprise of the title track. It’s an uplifting live worship experience built around a powerful reminder: even in the middle of life’s driest seasons, our hope is found in the faithfulness of God.
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Grace Graber – Sophomore Year
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Grace Graber turns the page to an exciting new chapter with Sophomore Year, her second full-length album and a nine-song showcase of her energetic Christian pop-punk sound. Written over the course of three years, the album reflects on the growing pains of finding your place, overcoming disappointment, discovering the people who truly belong in your corner, and learning to recognize God’s hand in the journey. Songs like “Fire Drill” capture the frustration of unexpected hurt, while “Feels Like Highschool” explores the sometimes-complicated experience of finding acceptance and belonging. The album also features “Make Believe,” a heartfelt reflection on the importance of having people who believe in you, and “All Stars,” co-written with Adam Agee of Stellar Kart and Josiah Prince of Disciple. From its punchy pop-punk energy to its more reflective moments, Sophomore Year is ultimately a story of healing, faith, perseverance, and discovering that God has been placing the right people in your life all along. Grace Graber is definitely an artist worth keeping an eye on as she helps bring Christian pop-punk to a new generation.
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The Band JAREN – O Holy Night (EP)
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Christian sister duo The Band JAREN celebrates the Christmas season with O Holy Night, a four-song EP that showcases their powerful vocals, classical music backgrounds, and contemporary Christian sound. Newly signed to Provident Entertainment, sisters Jaren and Jade bring their own musical personality to a collection of familiar Christmas favorites, opening with a stirring rendition of “O Holy Night.” The project also features “The One We’ve Waited For (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen),” a creative pairing of a beloved traditional carol with a reminder of the long-awaited arrival of Jesus, along with “Carol Of The Bells / Sing We Now Of Christmas” and a festive “White Christmas Medley.” Blending classical instrumentation with contemporary pop and rock influences, The Band JAREN delivers a Christmas collection that highlights both their musical talent and their desire to lead listeners toward the Lord. It’s a promising introduction to this rising duo’s next chapter!
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Anita Ranae – Dwell in Hope (EP)
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Anita Ranae offers a gentle, soul-refreshing collection of folk-inspired worship with Dwell in Hope, a five-song EP centered on finding comfort, strength, and hope in Jesus through life’s difficult seasons. Featuring warm acoustic guitar, beautiful vocal melodies, and thoughtfully understated arrangements, the project feels intimate and deeply personal. The title track opens with a Psalm-inspired invitation to speak hope to our own souls, while “Be Our Refuge” reminds listeners that God remains our shelter even when the world around us feels chaotic. “God of All Comfort” draws encouragement from Scripture, “You Are Who You Are” turns our attention directly to the identity and promises of Jesus, and the closing song, “Have Your Way in Me,” offers a heartfelt expression of surrender. From beginning to end, Dwell in Hope is a beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find peace and reassurance by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ.
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Scroll Eater – In The Mouth Of The Prophet (EP)
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Scroll Eater brings a dark, atmospheric, and Scripture-driven sound to the Christian metal scene with In The Mouth Of The Prophet, a three-track EP released through Facedown Records. Described as a prophetic metal project forged in Scripture, Scroll Eater approaches each song as a chapter in a larger spiritual journey, combining crushing doom-metal heaviness, haunting atmosphere, and powerful biblical imagery. “Consume The Scroll” opens the collection, followed by “Deliver The Word,” featuring Jackson Scott, and the newly released “Behold The Glory,” featuring Bethany Franco. The project’s central inspiration is the weight and responsibility of God’s Word, drawing listeners into themes of revelation, proclamation, and the glory of the Lord. This is not a conventional worship release, but an intense and uncompromising musical expression of biblical truth that gives Christian metal fans something decidedly different to explore.
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🎵Songs
Forrest Frank (feat. Lecrae & KB) – “Go! Go! Go!”
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Forrest Frank teams up with two of Christian hip-hop’s biggest names, Lecrae and KB, for the energetic new single “Go! Go! Go!” Released through River House Records, this upbeat, piano-driven rap anthem delivers a simple but powerful message about trusting God and being ready to follow wherever He leads. Built around the memorable declaration, “If God says go, you gotta go,” the three artists take turns encouraging listeners to step out in faith, share the Gospel, strengthen those who are struggling, and make Jesus the center of everything. The lyrics draw on familiar biblical themes, including the calling of Isaiah, Jesus feeding the five thousand, and Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water. With its playful energy, infectious hook, and unmistakably Christ-centered message, “Go! Go! Go!” is a spirited reminder that following Jesus means being willing to say yes when He calls.
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Phil Wickham (feat. CeCe Winans) – “Peace on Earth”
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Phil Wickham joins forces with legendary Gospel vocalist CeCe Winans for “Peace on Earth,” a beautiful new Christmas single celebrating the hope and salvation brought into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. The song opens with an invitation to hearts searching for hope and healing, reminding us that even in a world filled with uncertainty and division, the message of Christ still shines brightly. As the music builds, Wickham and Winans sing of the heavenly light that leads us out of darkness and the Savior who offers restoration, new life, and peace through every generation. The song’s powerful closing moments bring everything together with a declaration that Jesus is the Savior and our true peace on earth, before transitioning into the familiar words of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” With two remarkable voices blending contemporary worship and Gospel music, this is a moving Christmas reminder that the greatest source of peace in our world is found in Jesus.
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Steven Curtis Chapman – “10,000 Reasons (Greater Things)”
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Steven Curtis Chapman puts a meaningful new spin on one of contemporary Christian music’s most beloved worship songs with “10,000 Reasons (Greater Things).” Originally written by Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin, “10,000 Reasons” has become a modern worship classic, and Chapman has reimagined it as a celebration of God’s incredible faithfulness through the work of Show Hope, the adoption ministry he and his wife, Mary Beth, founded in 2003. The new recording marks a remarkable milestone: more than 10,000 children have been helped home to loving families through Show Hope’s work. Chapman incorporates a special new ending, “Greater Things,” inspired by Ephesians 3:20 and the immeasurably more God can accomplish than we could ever ask or imagine. It’s a beautiful marriage of worship and testimony, offering 10,000 very real reasons to praise the Lord for His goodness, provision, and faithfulness.
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Ellie Holcomb – “Waterfalling”
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Ellie Holcomb returns with “Waterfalling,” an uplifting new single that encourages listeners to let go of their worries and place their complete trust in God’s unwavering love. Inspired by the kind of carefree, childlike faith that allows us to run toward God with open arms, the song uses the imagery of a trust fall to remind us that our Heavenly Father is always there to catch us. Holcomb describes it as an invitation to embrace a “wild-abandoned trust” in God’s steady love, encouraging us to step back from the noise and anxiety of everyday life and remember just how faithfully He cares for us. With her signature blend of warm folk-pop melodies, heartfelt vocals, and Scripture-rooted songwriting, “Waterfalling” is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to carry every burden ourselves. We can rest in the assurance that we are deeply loved by God, and that He will take good care of us. The single also gives listeners another taste of Holcomb’s upcoming fifth studio album, Flowers For No Reason, scheduled for release April 2, 2027.
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The Choir Room (feat. Dorinda Clark-Cole) – “Better Than This”
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The Choir Room brings together its powerful community of gospel singers with legendary vocalist Dorinda Clark-Cole for “Better Than This,” an uplifting new single filled with hope, encouragement, and faith in God’s goodness. Led by Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Dwan Hill, The Choir Room has built a reputation for bringing together voices from different generations and musical backgrounds to create music that celebrates the Gospel, and this collaboration is another wonderful example. The song actually began as an idea Clark-Cole started writing more than 20 years ago, finally coming to life through her collaboration with Hill and songwriter Javier Ordenes. With Clark-Cole’s unmistakable Gospel vocals backed by The Choir Room’s rich, energetic sound, “Better Than This” delivers an encouraging message about trusting God through difficult circumstances and believing that brighter days are ahead. It’s a joyful reminder that our hope is in the Lord, and that no matter what we’re facing today, we can keep believing that God has something better in store.
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Presence Music (feat. Joel Vaughn & Avenue Music) – “The Darkness Didn’t Know”
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Presence Music joins forces with Joel Vaughn and Avenue Music for “The Darkness Didn’t Know,” a deeply moving Christmas single that connects the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem with His sacrifice on the cross and ultimate victory over the grave. The song was written just three days after Presence Music vocalist Leah Monson experienced the heartbreaking loss of her brother, and that personal grief became the inspiration for a powerful declaration of hope in Christ. Rather than ignoring the pain and darkness that can accompany life’s most difficult seasons, the song reminds us that God is still working, even when we cannot understand what He is doing. Its lyrics trace the story of Jesus from the manger to the empty tomb, celebrating the Light that darkness could never overcome and the eternal hope made possible through His resurrection. Featuring Joel Vaughn and Avenue Music, with Vaughn also producing the recording, this is much more than a traditional Christmas song. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the Child born in Bethlehem came to defeat sin and death, and that for those who put their trust in Him, darkness never gets the final word.
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River Valley Worship – “Come and Behold”
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River Valley Worship invites listeners to turn their hearts toward the true meaning of Christmas with “Come and Behold,” a beautiful new worship single celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Built around the familiar biblical invitation to come and see the Savior, the song paints a picture of that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, when the angels proclaimed His arrival and the King of Kings entered the world as a humble child. Its lyrics move beyond the manger to celebrate the salvation Jesus came to bring, declaring Him Emmanuel, God with us, and the Savior whose kingdom will never end. With an uplifting worship arrangement and a powerful, congregational chorus, River Valley Worship creates a song that feels equally at home in personal devotion and corporate Christmas worship. “Come and Behold” is a wonderful reminder to pause amid the busyness of the season, turn our attention to Jesus, and celebrate the greatest gift ever given.
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Vineyard Worship – “Jesus Our Christ”
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Vineyard Worship offers a beautiful, acoustic-centered celebration of the Savior’s arrival with “Jesus Our Christ,” a new single that invites listeners to reflect on the wonder and mystery of the incarnation. Written by Joff Alexander-Frye, Marc James, Lucy Biggin, and Zac Carpenter, the song explores the extraordinary truth that the all-powerful God chose to enter our world in the vulnerable form of a newborn child. Its lyrics move beyond the manger, celebrating Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, the suffering servant, and the King who came to bring forgiveness, peace, and redemption to a broken world. Recorded live at Fox Den Studios in Sheffield, England, the song features a warm, organic musical arrangement that allows its message to shine. With its repeated declaration of “Glory to God in the highest,” “Jesus Our Christ” is a heartfelt worship offering that brings the Christmas story into focus and reminds us exactly who we celebrate: Jesus, our Savior and our King.
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Tasha Layton & Dave Barnes – “What Should I Get You for Christmas”
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Tasha Layton teams up with singer-songwriter Dave Barnes for “What Should I Get You for Christmas,” a playful and heartwarming holiday collaboration that brings a little romantic fun to the Christmas season. With a cheerful melody, charming vocal interplay, and a touch of classic Christmas-pop nostalgia, the two artists explore the familiar challenge of finding that perfect gift for someone you love. Rather than focusing on expensive presents or elaborate holiday surprises, the song celebrates the joy of simply wanting to make someone special feel loved. Layton’s bright, expressive vocals pair wonderfully with Barnes’ warm, laid-back style, giving the track an easygoing charm that makes it feel right at home alongside the season’s favorite holiday duets. While this one is more of a lighthearted Christmas love song than a worship offering, it’s a fun seasonal release from two talented artists who know how to bring a little extra joy to the holidays.
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Olivia Lane – “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
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Olivia Lane brings a fresh, contemporary country-pop touch to one of the most beloved Christmas hymns of all time with her new recording of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Originally written in the 18th century, this timeless carol celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, proclaiming the arrival of the newborn King and the peace and reconciliation He came to bring. Lane’s expressive vocals and upbeat musical style give the familiar hymn a lively seasonal feel while preserving its unmistakably Christian message. With its joyful celebration of Emmanuel, God with us, and the heavenly announcement of the Savior’s birth, this is a wonderful addition to the Christmas music season. It’s another opportunity to hear a familiar Christmas favorite through the voice of an artist who has embraced Christian music, and a reminder of the incredible good news at the heart of Christmas: Jesus Christ has come!
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Hunter Plake – “Holly Jolly Christmas”
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Hunter Plake brings his distinctive pop-rock style to the Christmas classic “Holly Jolly Christmas,” delivering a lively and upbeat rendition of one of the season’s most recognizable holiday favorites. Originally popularized by Burl Ives, this cheerful song has been a Christmas staple for generations, celebrating the fun, excitement, and simple pleasures of the holiday season. Plake gives the familiar tune a fresh contemporary sound, pairing his expressive vocals with an energetic arrangement that feels right at home on a modern Christmas playlist. While this one is more about enjoying the festive side of the season than presenting a specifically Christian message, it’s a fun holiday release from an artist with a strong connection to the Christian music community. Sometimes a little musical Christmas cheer is exactly what the season calls for!
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Garrett & Kate Serban – “O Come All Ye Faithful / All Hail King Jesus”
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Bethel Music’s Garett and Kate Serban bring together two powerful expressions of Christian worship in their new Christmas single, “O Come All Ye Faithful / All Hail King Jesus.” This live-recorded medley begins with the beloved traditional Christmas carol, inviting listeners to come and adore the newborn King, before transitioning into the modern worship anthem “All Hail King Jesus.” The combination beautifully connects the story of Christ’s humble arrival in Bethlehem with the glory of the risen Savior who conquered the grave and reigns forevermore. Garett and Kate explain that their heart behind the recording was to bring a familiar Christmas favorite together with a song the global Church has been singing for years, creating a worship experience that churches and families can share throughout the season. With its powerful message and natural progression from the manger to the throne, this is a wonderful Christmas offering that keeps the focus exactly where it belongs: on Jesus, the Savior of the world!
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Brian Andrew Wilson & Lola Falana – “O Holy Night!”
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Gospel vocalist Bryan Andrew Wilson joins forces with legendary entertainer Lola Falana for a soulful new rendition of the Christmas classic “O Holy Night!” Wilson brings his smooth, expressive tenor to the opening verses, setting the stage for Falana, who makes a remarkable return to recording after more than 30 years away from performing. Falana contributes a moving spoken-word reflection on the birth of Jesus, adding a deeply personal touch before the arrangement builds into a rich orchestral and Gospel-inspired celebration. Produced by Nelson Braxton of the Braxton Brothers, the recording blends elements of spiritual soul, jazz, and traditional Gospel music to give this beloved carol a distinctive new sound. The result is a beautiful celebration of the night our Savior was born, reminding listeners of the extraordinary hope and redemption brought into the world through Jesus Christ. The single also offers a preview of Wilson’s forthcoming Christmas album, Is It Christmas Yet?
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Allen Scott – “Loser”
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Allan Scott delivers a powerful personal testimony of redemption with “Loser,” an energetic contemporary Christian single about discovering that the labels we once carried no longer define us when we surrender our lives to Jesus. Drawing from his own history of addiction, bad decisions, and time spent in prison, Scott turns the word “loser” completely upside down, celebrating the things he has lost through God’s transforming grace: guilt, shame, addiction, and the chains that once controlled his life. The song’s memorable chorus declares that he has become a “loser of guilt” and a “loser of shame” because he found forgiveness when he called on Jesus’ name. It’s an especially meaningful message from an artist whose own life is living proof of the hope and restoration he sings about. With driving rhythms, honest vocals, and an unmistakably Gospel-centered message, “Loser” reminds us that no past is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and that what we leave behind when we follow Jesus is nothing compared to what we gain in Him.
Each week, FishWorship shines a spotlight on a Christian artist whose impact reaches beyond the music itself. From established voices to emerging artists finding their own place in Christian music, our Artist of the Week series celebrates those who bring something meaningful to the genre through their faith, creativity, songwriting, and unique perspective. Our goal is to introduce listeners to artists worth discovering and recognize the many ways Christian music continues to grow, inspire, and make a difference.
“Ellie Holcomb”
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Some artists have a remarkable ability to take the everyday experiences of life and turn them into songs that speak directly to the heart. Whether writing about the faithfulness of God, the challenges we face along life’s journey, the beauty of creation, or the simple reminder that we are loved more than we sometimes realize, Ellie Holcomb has developed a musical style that is both deeply personal and wonderfully uplifting. With a voice that feels warm and inviting, thoughtful songwriting, and a heart for sharing the truth of God’s Word, Ellie has become a treasured voice in contemporary Christian music. This week, FishWorship is delighted to shine the spotlight on Ellie Holcomb as our Artist of the Week!
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Ellie grew up surrounded by music. Her father, Brown Bannister, is an accomplished music producer who has worked with numerous well-known Christian artists. That musical environment helped shape Ellie’s appreciation for songwriting and the power of music to communicate something meaningful. However, her own journey into the music industry would take a somewhat different path than simply stepping into a solo career.
For eight years, Ellie toured and recorded with her husband Drew Holcomb’s band, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. During that time, she developed her skills as a performer and songwriter while sharing the stage with a group that built a devoted following through its distinctive blend of Americana, folk, and roots-inspired rock. Eventually, as the couple began raising a family, Ellie stepped away from full-time touring to focus on motherhood and the next chapter of her musical journey. That chapter would bring her into the spotlight as a solo recording artist.
In 2014, Ellie released her solo debut album, As Sure As The Sun. The record introduced listeners to a songwriter whose music was filled with hope, honesty, and an unmistakable foundation of faith. Its single, “The Broken Beautiful,” connected with Christian radio audiences and became a Top 10 hit. The song’s message was particularly representative of Ellie’s approach to songwriting: our brokenness does not place us beyond the reach of God’s love, and there is beauty in the grace He offers us. The album also helped establish Ellie as a rising voice in Christian music, earning her the GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the Year.
Her second solo album, Red Sea Road, arrived in 2017 and continued to demonstrate her ability to combine beautiful melodies with deeply meaningful lyrics. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, the album explored themes of perseverance, trust, hope, and God’s faithfulness when the road ahead seems uncertain. The title track became a particularly memorable expression of the album’s message, reminding listeners that even when we cannot see a way forward, God is still present and able to make a way. It was another important step in establishing the kind of music Ellie wanted to share with the world: songs that acknowledge the difficulties of life without ever losing sight of the hope we have in Jesus.
In 2021, Ellie released Canyon, another beautiful collection of songs that explored faith, family, relationships, and the many experiences that shape our lives. One of its standout tracks, “I Will Carry You,” became a Top 10 Christian radio hit. The song is a heartfelt reminder of God’s sustaining presence and His promise to walk alongside us through life’s most difficult moments. Its message of comfort and reassurance is one of the reasons Ellie’s music resonates with so many listeners. She doesn’t pretend that life is always easy, but she consistently points toward the One who remains faithful through every season.
Other songs from Canyon, including “Constellations” and “I Don’t Want To Miss It,” further demonstrated her musical versatility. “Constellations” beautifully reflects on the wonder of creation and the God who holds everything together, while “I Don’t Want To Miss It” encourages listeners to pay attention to the precious moments and blessings that can so easily pass us by. These songs capture another important element of Ellie’s songwriting: an appreciation for the extraordinary things God reveals through the seemingly ordinary experiences of everyday life.
One of Ellie’s most distinctive projects arrived in 2024 with the release of All Of My Days. Rather than simply presenting another collection of original songs, this special project was built around Scripture from the Book of Psalms. The seven-song collection features musical interpretations inspired by some of David’s most meaningful expressions of praise, dependence, honesty, and trust in God. Songs such as “All Of My Days – Psalm 23,” “Where Can I Go – Psalm 139,” “I Lift My Eyes – Psalm 121,” and “Wait For You – Psalm 130” bring familiar passages of Scripture into a musical setting that invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and consider the enduring promises found in God’s Word.
Ellie has explained that the Psalms have been a source of encouragement throughout her own life, particularly because they allow room for the full range of human emotions. David’s words contain praise, doubt, fear, repentance, gratitude, and unwavering dependence on God. That honesty is something Ellie appreciates, and it is reflected throughout the project. All Of My Days is a wonderful example of how Christian music can do more than simply entertain. It can help bring Scripture into our daily lives, remind us of truths we may need to hear again, and encourage us to turn toward God in every circumstance. The acoustic performance of the title track is especially fitting for listeners who appreciate a more intimate, stripped-down musical experience.
Ellie’s musical interests also extend well beyond songs written for adult audiences. She has developed a wonderful collection of children’s books, many accompanied by original music. Her debut children’s book, Who Sang The First Song?, introduced young readers to the idea that the beauty of music and creation ultimately points back to the Creator. Other projects, including Don’t Forget to Remember and Sounding Joy, continue that emphasis on helping children discover biblical truths through storytelling and song. Her children’s music project Sing: Remembering Songs earned a GMA Dove Award, further demonstrating that her creativity and commitment to sharing faith-filled messages reach audiences of all ages.
In addition to her music and children’s books, Ellie has also shared her faith through writing for adults. Her devotional, Fighting Words: 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness, encourages readers to recognize the importance of speaking God’s truth over the negative thoughts, fears, and discouragement that can sometimes overwhelm us. It is another reflection of a central theme throughout her work: the importance of remembering what God says about us, especially during the seasons when we need those reminders most.
In 2025, Ellie continued her musical journey with the release of Far Country, a deeply personal album exploring the experience of grief, uncertainty, and discovering God’s presence even in difficult circumstances. The project demonstrated another side of her songwriting, one that doesn’t shy away from the harder questions and emotions of life. Rather than offering easy answers, Ellie creates space for listeners to acknowledge their struggles while remembering that God has not abandoned them. The album is a reminder that faith does not mean we will never experience sorrow. It means we never have to walk through it alone.
That same year also brought a special musical collaboration with her husband, Drew. The couple released Memory Bank, their first full-length collaborative album, bringing together two decades of shared life, musical experiences, and songwriting. Their musical partnership is a natural extension of the relationship that has been part of both of their careers from the beginning. It also gives listeners an opportunity to hear the two artists working together in a more personal way.
And Ellie isn’t slowing down in 2026! Her recent music includes “Promised Land,” a collaboration with Drew, and “Flowers For No Reason,” which offers a joyful reminder of the ways God reveals His love through creation and the unexpected gifts of everyday life. The latter also serves as the title track for her upcoming fifth studio album, Flowers For No Reason, scheduled for release on April 2, 2027. Announced on November 6, the forthcoming album promises to explore God’s love, the beauty of creation, renewed joy, and the freedom that comes from understanding that we are deeply loved by Him. Alongside the album announcement, Ellie has shared another new song, “Waterfalling,” an invitation to let go of our worries and place our trust in God’s unwavering love. It’s an exciting new chapter for an artist whose music has always made room for both honest reflection and joyful celebration.
What makes Ellie Holcomb such a wonderful artist to feature is the consistency of the message running through her work. Whether she’s singing about the promises found in Scripture, the comfort of knowing God is carrying us, the beauty of creation, or the challenges of navigating life’s uncertain moments, her music continually points listeners toward Jesus. She has built a career that embraces both the joy and the struggles of the Christian experience, reminding us that God’s love is not dependent on our circumstances or our ability to get everything right.
At FishWorship, we love discovering artists whose music does more than fill the silence. We love artists who give us something to think about, something to hold onto, and sometimes a much-needed reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Ellie Holcomb does all of those things with a musical style that is uniquely her own.
So this week, take a little time to get acquainted with Ellie Holcomb if you haven’t already. Explore her albums, discover the Scripture-inspired songs on All Of My Days, revisit favorites like “I Will Carry You” and “Red Sea Road,” and enjoy the beautiful musical storytelling that has made her such a special part of Christian music.
And remember, sometimes the most important thing we can do is slow down long enough to recognize just how much we are loved by our Heavenly Father.
Congratulations to Ellie Holcomb, our FishWorship Artist of the Week!
Visit Ellie’s artist page here on FishWorship to explore her music, discover her albums, watch more videos, and get to know the heart behind the songs that continue to inspire and encourage listeners!
Welcome to AI Worship Discovery, our weekly exploration of Christian music created entirely with artificial intelligence. This emerging form of music combines technology and creativity to produce original songs of worship, praise, encouragement, and faith. Each week, we highlight AI-created Christian music that offers a glimpse into this fascinating new frontier while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the message of faith and the worship expressed through the music.
“Power In The Blood” – AI-created Hair Metal
A Hair Metal Revival of a Timeless Hymn
Welcome to FishWorship AI Discovery, where timeless Christian music, familiar hymns, and the creative possibilities of artificial intelligence come together in some rather unexpected ways! This week, we’re taking a beloved old hymn of faith and giving it a completely different sound. So crank up those speakers, turn up the guitars, and get ready for an AI-created Hair Metal Version of “Power in the Blood”!
If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if a traditional church hymn wandered into a recording studio in the 1980s, found itself surrounded by Marshall amplifiers, electric guitars, pounding drums, and soaring rock vocals, well, this might be just what you were imagining!
“Power in the Blood” is one of those hymns that seems almost tailor-made for a big, powerful musical treatment. Its message is bold, its lyrics are unapologetic, and its central theme is one of the most important declarations of the Christian faith: the saving power of the blood of Jesus Christ.
And while the original hymn might bring to mind a church congregation singing together from a hymnal, this new interpretation takes that same message and wraps it in the larger-than-life musical energy of hair metal. Think driving guitar riffs, dramatic vocals, and a chorus that practically begs to be sung at the top of your lungs.
Of course, the musical style may be different, but the message hasn’t changed one bit. That’s part of what makes these musical discoveries so much fun. A song written more than a century ago can still find a new audience, a new sound, and perhaps even a new appreciation among listeners who might never have encountered it otherwise.
Before we get too carried away with the guitars, though, let’s take a look at where this remarkable hymn came from.
A Hymn Born at a Camp Meeting in 1899
The story of “Power in the Blood” begins with a man named Lewis Edgar Jones (1865–1936). Jones was an American hymn writer who spent much of his professional life working with the YMCA. Although he wrote many hymns and gospel songs during his lifetime, this particular composition would become his best-known contribution to Christian music.
According to Jones himself, he wrote “Power in the Blood” in 1899 while attending a camp meeting at Mountain Lake Park in Maryland. The manuscript eventually came into the hands of Henry L. Gilmour, who purchased it from Jones. Gilmour and William J. Kirkpatrick subsequently included the hymn in Songs of Praise and Victory, published in Philadelphia in 1899. It also appeared that same year in another collection, Gospel Praises.
It’s an interesting bit of history because Jones wasn’t primarily known as a professional musician or touring gospel performer. Hymn writing was something he pursued alongside his YMCA work. He reportedly wrote more than 180 songs, but it was this one that would become a lasting favorite in churches across America and eventually around the world.
The hymn’s original title is often given as “Would You Be Free from Your Burden of Sin?” That’s actually the opening line of its first verse, and it gets right to the heart of the song’s message. Rather than simply offering a general expression of encouragement, Jones wrote a series of questions directed at the listener:
Would you be free from the burden of sin? Would you overcome evil? Would you be free from passion and pride? Would you serve Jesus as your King?
Each question leads back to the same emphatic answer: there is wonderful, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb.
That language comes directly from the central message of the New Testament. For Christians, the blood of Jesus represents His sacrifice on the cross, the forgiveness of sin, redemption, and the promise of new life through faith. Revelation 1:5 speaks of Jesus loving us and freeing us from our sins by His blood, while Ephesians 1:7 describes redemption and forgiveness through Christ.
The hymn isn’t suggesting that the blood of Jesus is some kind of magical formula. It’s proclaiming the Christian belief that what Jesus accomplished at Calvary has the power to change lives, forgive sin, and reconcile humanity to God.
And there’s a reason the chorus has endured for well over a century. It’s simple, memorable, energetic, and extraordinarily easy for a congregation to sing together. The repeated declaration of “power, power, wonder-working power” gives the song an almost celebratory quality. It is both a testimony and an invitation.
In fact, the hymn has appeared in hundreds of hymnals over the years, demonstrating just how widely it has been embraced by different Christian traditions.
From Hymnals to Country, Gospel, and CCM
One of the fascinating things about “Power in the Blood” is how many different musical communities have embraced it. This isn’t a hymn that belongs to just one denomination, one generation, or one particular style of Christian music. It has traveled from traditional church services to country gospel recordings, bluegrass performances, Southern Gospel concerts, and contemporary worship settings.
Over the decades, a remarkable collection of professional artists have recorded or performed this beloved hymn.
Among the country music performers is Alan Jackson, who included “There Is Power in the Blood” on his 2013 album Precious Memories: Volume II. Jackson’s warm, unmistakable country voice is a natural fit for traditional gospel material, and his recording offers a straightforward, heartfelt interpretation that keeps the focus on the hymn itself.
Another country music legend to embrace the song was Marty Robbins, whose recording is another example of the hymn’s longstanding appeal in country gospel music.
The list doesn’t stop there. The Sons of the Pioneers brought their distinctive Western harmony tradition to the song, while Burl Ives and Wayne Newton also recorded it.
And then there’s the incomparable gospel vocalist Mahalia Jackson, whose powerful voice and extraordinary ability to communicate the emotion of gospel music made her one of the most influential gospel performers of the twentieth century.
The hymn has also found a home among artists more closely associated with Southern Gospel and contemporary Christian music.
The Charlie Daniels Band offered its own interpretation in 2002, bringing a different musical personality to the traditional hymn. Contemporary Christian group Selah recorded it in 2004, introducing the song to another generation of Christian music listeners.
More recently, Keith and Kristyn Getty have included the hymn in their repertoire, continuing the tradition of presenting historic Christian songs to contemporary audiences.
And for those who enjoy the powerful vocal arrangements and musical fellowship of Southern Gospel, the Gaither Homecoming family has also kept the hymn alive. A Homecoming gathering featured gospel vocalist Angela Primm performing “Power in the Blood,” with the kind of spirited presentation that makes you want to stand up and sing along.
There are also more recent interpretations from artists such as Tommy Walker, who has brought the hymn into a contemporary worship setting with guitars, piano, organ, drums, and choir.
It’s quite a musical journey for a song that began at a Maryland camp meeting in 1899!
And that’s really the beauty of a great Christian hymn. The arrangement can change. The instrumentation can change. The generation listening can change. But the message remains the same.
And Finally, Dolly Parton: A Precious Memory
We saved one very special artist for last.
Dolly Parton recorded “Power in the Blood” for her 1999 gospel album Precious Memories. And if you haven’t heard this particular collection, it’s worth seeking out. The album includes some of the most beloved hymns and traditional gospel songs, including “Amazing Grace,” “In the Garden,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Softly and Tenderly,” and, of course, “Power in the Blood.”
Originally released exclusively at Dollywood, the album was particularly meaningful to Dolly. She explained that gospel music had been an important part of her life growing up in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, where religion was part of everyday life. The album’s proceeds also benefited the Dollywood Foundation.
For Dolly, Christian faith wasn’t simply another musical genre or a convenient part of her public image. Her faith was woven into her upbringing, her family, her music, and the way she spoke about life. She grew up singing gospel music with her family, and throughout her extraordinary career she continued returning to the hymns and spiritual songs that had shaped her childhood.
Of course, Dolly became one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world. Her songwriting, unmistakable voice, humor, generosity, and larger-than-life personality made her an international treasure. But beneath all the rhinestones, wigs, and spectacular performances was a woman who never seemed to lose sight of where she came from or the faith that helped shape her.
Sadly, Dolly passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Her passing was a tremendous loss for the music world, for Tennessee, and for the millions of people who had grown up enjoying her music. Her legacy, however, extends far beyond record sales and awards. From her extraordinary charitable work through the Imagination Library to her generosity toward others, Dolly left behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love.
And so, today, we wanted to finish our exploration of “Power in the Blood” with Dolly’s recording.
Not with another guitar solo or another musical experiment, but with a moment to remember a remarkable woman, her enduring legacy, and the Christian faith that remained an important part of her life.
Dolly, thank you for the music, the laughter, the generosity, and the memories. And thank you for reminding us that no matter how far life takes us, there’s something special about the songs we learned along the way.
Rest in peace, Dolly. Your music will continue to bring joy to generations to come.
Listen: Dolly Parton – Power in the Blood
From Dolly’s 1999 gospel album, Precious Memories.
You can listen to Dolly Parton’s beautiful rendition of “Power in the Blood” below. It’s our musical tribute to her memory and a fitting way to close out this week’s AI Worship Discovery.
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And that’s this week’s FishWorship AI Worship Discovery!
Who would have imagined that a hymn written in 1899 could find its way into a hair metal recording more than 125 years later? That’s the wonderful thing about music. New sounds and new interpretations can introduce us to old favorites, but the message that inspired those songs can remain timeless.
Whether you prefer your “Power in the Blood” with a traditional church organ, a country guitar, a Southern Gospel choir, or a wall of screaming electric guitars, there’s one thing we can all agree on:
There is still wonder-working power in the blood of Jesus!
Welcome to Praise Song of the Week! Each week, we choose a song that invites us to lift our voices, turn our hearts toward God, and celebrate the joy of worship. Along with this week’s featured praise song, we’ll share a notable performance that brings the song to life in a special way. Take a listen, worship along, and enjoy this week’s selection!
“Thy Word” – Amy Grant
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Some songs are popular for a season, some become associated with a particular generation, and then there are songs that seem to transcend time. They become part of the Christian experience, finding their way into churches, Bible studies, worship gatherings, and the hearts of believers across generations. Amy Grant’s “Thy Word” is one of those songs.
First released in 1984 on her album Straight Ahead, “Thy Word” is a beautiful reminder of the importance of Scripture in the life of every Christian. Built around the familiar words of Psalm 119:105, the song takes a simple but powerful biblical truth and turns it into an enduring expression of faith: God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It is a message that never grows old because the need for God’s guidance never goes away.
What makes “Thy Word” particularly special is that it doesn’t rely on complicated theology, elaborate musical arrangements, or overwhelming production to communicate its message. Instead, it takes something Christians have known and cherished for centuries and presents it in a way that is personal, memorable, and wonderfully singable. Whether you first heard it on Christian radio in the 1980s, sang it in church as a child, or discovered it years later, there is something about this song that makes it feel like it has always been part of the Christian music landscape.
And, of course, it comes from an artist whose own journey helped shape the sound and direction of contemporary Christian music.
Amy Grant: A Voice That Helped Define Contemporary Christian Music
To understand the significance of “Thy Word,” it helps to understand the remarkable journey of the woman who brought it to life. Amy Grant was born in Augusta, Georgia, on November 25, 1960, but grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, a city that would eventually become central to her musical career. Raised in a Christian family, she grew up surrounded by church music and developed an appreciation for the hymns and spiritual messages that would influence her songwriting for years to come.
Her musical journey began remarkably early. As a teenager, Amy taught herself to play guitar, began writing her own songs, and found opportunities to perform. While attending Harpeth Hall, an all-girls school in Nashville, she also worked part-time at a local recording studio. Through an extraordinary series of connections, a demonstration tape she had made with the help of producer Brown Bannister eventually reached the attention of Word Records. The result was a recording contract when she was just sixteen years old.
Her self-titled debut album arrived in 1977, introducing Christian music audiences to a young singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice and a fresh approach to contemporary Christian music. Rather than simply reproducing the traditional sounds of gospel music, Amy was blending elements of pop, folk, rock, and inspirational music into something that appealed to a new generation of Christian listeners.
Her early albums, including My Father’s Eyes (1979), Never Alone (1980), and In Concert (1981), continued building her reputation. But it was her 1982 release, Age to Age, that truly established her as one of the most important artists in contemporary Christian music. The album became a landmark recording, earning widespread recognition, multiple Dove Awards, and Amy’s first Grammy Award. It also became the first platinum-selling album in contemporary Christian music history.
Amy Grant was no longer simply a promising young Christian singer. She was helping define an entire musical movement.
Straight Ahead: Moving Contemporary Christian Music Forward
Following the tremendous success of Age to Age, Amy returned in 1984 with Straight Ahead, her sixth studio album. Produced by Brown Bannister, the album continued her evolution as an artist while embracing a somewhat more contemporary pop-rock sound.
At the time, contemporary Christian music was growing rapidly, and Amy was right at the center of that transformation. Straight Ahead featured more prominent electric guitars, synthesizers, and modern production than some of her earlier recordings. Much of the musical direction benefited from the contributions of Michael W. Smith, who was becoming an increasingly important figure in Christian music himself.
The album offered a wonderful variety of songs, each bringing something different to the listening experience. There was the energetic and infectious “Where Do You Hide Your Heart,” the powerful Christian message of “Jehovah,” and the memorable “Angels,” which would become one of Amy’s biggest Christian radio successes and earn her another Grammy Award.
The title track, “Straight Ahead,” reflected the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on God, while Rich Mullins’ beautifully written “Doubly Good to You” offered a more intimate expression of gratitude and faith. Other songs, including “Open Arms,” “Tomorrow,” and “The Now and the Not Yet,” demonstrated the album’s musical diversity.
And then there was “Thy Word.”
While the album explored several different musical directions, “Thy Word” stood out as a particularly meaningful moment. Rather than relying on the energetic pop-rock arrangements found elsewhere on the record, it embraced a more reflective, piano-centered approach. The result was a song that felt both personal and congregational, something that could be enjoyed as a recording but also easily embraced by an entire church.
Straight Ahead proved to be another major success for Amy. It reached the number-one position on Billboard’s Inspirational Albums chart and remained there for an extraordinary 61 weeks. When A&M Records reissued the album for the broader music market in 1985, it also found its way onto the Billboard 200, helping introduce Amy’s music to an even wider audience.
The album represented another important step in Amy Grant’s career and in the continued growth of contemporary Christian music.
The Story Behind “Thy Word”
One of the reasons “Thy Word” has remained so meaningful is that its message comes directly from one of the most familiar and cherished passages in the Bible.
The song was written by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, drawing its central message from Psalm 119:105:
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
It is a relatively short verse, but it communicates something incredibly important about the Christian walk. God’s Word is not simply a collection of historical accounts, religious teachings, or inspirational sayings. It is a source of direction, wisdom, encouragement, and truth. It helps us understand where we are going, provides guidance when we are uncertain, and reminds us that we never have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
The beauty of the song is how naturally it builds upon that biblical foundation. Its words express the desire to follow God’s direction, even when the entire road ahead isn’t visible. We may not always understand why circumstances unfold the way they do, and we may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we can trust that God’s Word will continue to guide us one step at a time.
That is a message that resonates with virtually every Christian, regardless of age, denomination, or musical preference.
Musically, the song is equally effective. The gentle piano accompaniment provides a foundation for Amy’s warm, unmistakable vocal delivery. The arrangement gradually builds without ever becoming overwhelming, allowing the message to remain the centerpiece. Michael W. Smith’s musical contributions are particularly fitting, helping create a melody that is easy to remember and even easier to sing.
There is something wonderfully uncomplicated about “Thy Word.” It doesn’t attempt to impress the listener with elaborate musical arrangements or complicated lyrical imagery. Instead, it takes a passage of Scripture that Christians have known for generations and gives it a melody that helps bring those words into everyday life.
And sometimes, that is precisely what makes a song so powerful.
From Christian Radio Favorite to Timeless Worship Song
When “Thy Word” first appeared on Straight Ahead in 1984, it was already a standout recording. Christian radio embraced it, and listeners quickly connected with its biblical message and memorable melody. But what happened over the following years is what truly distinguishes this song from so many other successful Christian recordings.
“Thy Word” gradually moved beyond the boundaries of Christian radio and became part of the worship experience itself.
Churches began incorporating it into their services. Youth groups sang it at gatherings and retreats. Bible studies and Christian organizations embraced its message. It became one of those songs that seemed to be everywhere, yet never lost its meaning or its ability to encourage people.
One particularly significant milestone came when “Thy Word” found a place in the United Methodist Hymnal, demonstrating that its appeal extended well beyond the contemporary Christian music audience that first discovered it.
That is quite an accomplishment for a song that began as a recording on a contemporary Christian pop album.
There is also something special about the generations of Christians who have grown up knowing this song. For many people, “Thy Word” is connected to childhood memories of Sunday school, church services, summer camps, and the early days of discovering what it means to follow Jesus. Others encountered it as adults during particularly challenging seasons of life, finding comfort in its reminder that God’s Word provides direction even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
And that is perhaps the greatest measure of its longevity. The song has never depended on a particular musical trend, a popular artist, or a specific generation to remain relevant. Its message is rooted in Scripture, and Scripture doesn’t have an expiration date.
More than four decades after its original release, “Thy Word” continues to be sung, recorded, shared, and appreciated by Christians around the world. It has become one of Amy Grant’s most recognizable and enduring contributions to Christian music, alongside songs such as “El Shaddai,” “Father’s Eyes,” “In a Little While,” and “I Have Decided.”
Amy Grant’s career would continue to evolve, eventually bringing her tremendous success in mainstream pop music as well. But throughout that journey, she never lost the connection to the Christian music community that helped launch her career. Her influence on contemporary Christian music is difficult to overstate, and “Thy Word” remains one of the clearest examples of how a well-written song with a timeless biblical message can reach far beyond its original audience.
A Song That Still Points Us in the Right Direction
Perhaps the most wonderful thing about revisiting “Thy Word” today is realizing that its message is just as important now as it was in 1984.
We live in a world filled with competing voices, endless distractions, and more information than any generation before us could have imagined. It can be difficult to know which direction to take, what advice to follow, or where to find answers when life becomes complicated.
Yet the answer presented in this song remains beautifully simple. God’s Word provides the light we need.
It doesn’t promise that we will always see the entire journey ahead of us. Instead, it reminds us that God will provide the guidance we need for the steps immediately before us. Sometimes that is all we need to keep moving forward in faith.
And that is why “Thy Word” deserves its place among Christianity’s timeless worship songs. It isn’t simply a wonderful piece of Christian music from another era. It is a reminder of something fundamental to our relationship with Jesus: the importance of knowing God’s Word, trusting His promises, and allowing His truth to guide our lives.
Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith gave us a beautiful musical expression of that truth, and Christians have been singing it ever since.
Some songs entertain us. Some songs inspire us. And some songs help us remember what matters most. “Thy Word” does all three.
Discover More of Amy Grant’s Music
If you’d like to revisit “Thy Word” and explore more of the music that helped establish Amy Grant as one of the most influential artists in contemporary Christian music, be sure to check out her The Collection album below.
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The Collection brings together many of Amy’s most consequential Christian songs, offering a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the recordings that helped shape her career and influence generations of Christian music listeners. From the early songs that introduced us to her remarkable talent to the worship favorites that became part of the Christian music landscape, there is plenty here to enjoy. And while you’re listening, be sure to visit Amy Grant’s artist page here on FishWorship, where you can discover more about her music, explore essential songs and albums, and celebrate the incredible legacy of an artist who helped bring contemporary Christian music to an entirely new generation. Because at FishWorship, we’re all about bringing people closer to Jesus, one song at a time!
There’s always more great Christian music being released than any one of us can keep up with. So each week, we’re highlighting some of the music you may have missed—new music from familiar voices, emerging artists, and worship leaders who are giving us something worth hearing. Here are this week’s selections from Christian Music You May Have Missed!
🎵Songs
TobyMac – “The Hard Times”
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Seven-time Grammy Award winner TobyMac returns with “The Hard Times,” an energetic new single that finds the veteran Christian music artist reflecting on how life’s most difficult seasons can become opportunities for spiritual growth. Blending his familiar combination of contemporary Christian pop, hip-hop influences, and infectious rhythmic energy, TobyMac delivers a song that acknowledges the struggles, disappointments, and painful experiences that can sometimes leave us feeling lost while reminding us that God can use even our hardest moments to reshape our hearts.
At the heart of the song is the recognition that adversity can sometimes accomplish what easier seasons cannot. When life is going well, it’s easy to become distracted by the things around us, but difficult circumstances have a way of bringing our attention back to what truly matters. TobyMac explores how pain can become a wake-up call, drawing us away from the distractions of the world and inviting us to return to God, seek His presence, and discover the strength that comes from trusting Him. Rather than celebrating suffering itself, the song recognizes that even through our darkest valleys, God’s loving hands can continue shaping us into something better.
TobyMac has described the inspiration behind the song as recognizing that hard times often turn our hearts toward God, creating an invitation to sit at His feet and grow under His care. It’s an encouraging message for anyone navigating a difficult season, reminding us that our struggles don’t have to define us or leave us without hope. Sometimes the experiences we’d never choose for ourselves become the very moments that deepen our faith, strengthen our relationship with Jesus, and help us discover just how much we need Him. With its upbeat delivery and meaningful message, “The Hard Times” is a timely reminder that even when life gets difficult, God is still working in us.
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Lauren Daigle – “Sleigh Ride”
with Preservation Hall Jazz Band
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Lauren Daigle brings a delightful touch of New Orleans jazz to the Christmas season with her rendition of the holiday classic “Sleigh Ride,” joined by the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Known for her soulful vocals and distinctive blend of contemporary Christian, pop, and gospel influences, Daigle takes a fresh approach to this familiar seasonal favorite, trading some of the traditional orchestral sparkle for the lively brass, swinging rhythms, and unmistakable character of New Orleans jazz. The result is a festive recording that feels both timeless and refreshingly different.
The collaboration with Preservation Hall Jazz Band is particularly fitting. Founded in New Orleans in 1961, the ensemble has spent decades preserving and celebrating the city’s rich traditional jazz heritage. Their spirited instrumentation provides a wonderful backdrop for Daigle’s expressive voice, giving “Sleigh Ride” an infectious energy that makes it easy to imagine a lively Christmas celebration filled with music, laughter, and good company. Rather than simply recreating a familiar holiday recording, the performers bring their own personalities and musical traditions together to create something special.
Although “Sleigh Ride” isn’t an explicitly Christian Christmas song, it’s a wonderful example of the seasonal music that helps make this time of year so enjoyable. Lauren Daigle’s performance reminds us that Christmas music comes in many styles, from traditional hymns celebrating the birth of Jesus to cheerful holiday standards that capture the warmth and excitement of the season. With its playful jazz arrangements, spirited brass, and Daigle’s unmistakable vocal presence, this collaboration is a fun addition to the Christmas listening season.
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Phil Wickham – “SOS (Don’t Let Me Go)”
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Phil Wickham brings his unmistakable worship-driven sound to “SOS (Don’t Let Me Go),” a powerful new single inspired by the hit television series The Chosen. Released as part of Songs Inspired by The Chosen: Seasons 1–5, the song draws its inspiration from one of the most memorable moments in the Gospel accounts: Peter stepping out of the boat and walking toward Jesus on the water. As the wind and waves begin to overwhelm him, Peter loses sight of Jesus and begins to sink, crying out for the Lord to save him. Wickham takes that biblical moment and turns it into a deeply personal expression of our own need for Jesus when life’s storms become more than we can handle.
The inspiration behind the song is particularly meaningful for Wickham. He has shared that it began during a difficult season when a close friend was battling cancer. As he prayed for his friend, his thoughts repeatedly returned to Peter walking on water and the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus through life’s greatest storms. When the team behind The Chosen subsequently invited him to write a song inspired by that very biblical story, the connection became especially meaningful. Wickham recognized that Peter’s desperate cry for help was something all of us can relate to, because none of us can successfully navigate life on our own.
“SOS (Don’t Let Me Go)” is ultimately a reminder that Jesus is greater than whatever storms we encounter. There will be times when fear, uncertainty, grief, and hardship threaten to overwhelm us, but we are never beyond the reach of His love and grace. Like Peter, we can call out to Jesus when we begin to sink, trusting that He is there to reach for us and carry us through. With its heartfelt message, compelling musical delivery, and connection to one of Scripture’s most powerful moments, Phil Wickham has given listeners another meaningful reminder to keep their eyes on Jesus, especially when the waters get rough.
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Chelsea Plank – “Make Me Willing”
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Chelsea Plank, best known for her work as a principal vocalist and worship director with SEU Worship, steps further into her solo career with “Make Me Willing,” a heartfelt song that explores one of the most honest prayers a Christian can offer: asking God to change our hearts when we’re struggling to surrender to His will. Rather than presenting faith as a journey where we always have the right answers or are automatically willing to do whatever God asks, Plank embraces the reality that sometimes our hearts need a little help getting there. With her expressive vocals and a thoughtful contemporary worship sound, she turns that very human struggle into an invitation to draw closer to Jesus.
What makes the song particularly meaningful is its perspective on surrender. We often think of following God as simply making the decision to obey, but what happens when we know what we should do and still find ourselves reluctant? Plank explores that tension, recognizing that the parts of us that resist God’s direction are often the very places where we need Him most. Instead of trying to manufacture willingness through our own determination, the song encourages us to bring our hesitation, uncertainty, and even our unwillingness directly to God, inviting Him to do the transforming work within us. It’s a refreshing reminder that we don’t have to pretend to have everything figured out when we come before Him.
“Make Me Willing” also offers a glimpse into Chelsea’s forthcoming solo debut album, I think that you kept the light on, expected in early 2027. Having already helped lead and write some of SEU Worship’s most recognized songs, including “What A God,” “Monday Morning Faith,” and “Fruit Takes Time,” Chelsea is now developing her own voice as a solo recording artist. This latest release demonstrates that her music isn’t simply about creating something enjoyable to listen to; it’s about encouraging listeners to examine their relationship with God and invite Him into every part of their lives. Ultimately, “Make Me Willing” is a humble prayer for anyone who wants to follow Jesus more faithfully, even when their heart hasn’t quite caught up with their intentions.
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Gracie Binion – “Gloria” (feat. Mitch Wong)
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Gracie Binion teams up with acclaimed songwriter and worship leader Mitch Wong for “Gloria,” an uplifting worship release centered on the glory, greatness, and majesty of God. With Gracie’s expressive vocals complemented by Wong’s musical contributions, the song creates an atmosphere of joyful praise that invites listeners to turn their attention away from the distractions of everyday life and focus on the One who deserves all our worship. The title itself evokes the familiar biblical expression of giving glory to God, and the song embraces that idea with an enthusiastic celebration of His presence and goodness.
The collaboration is particularly fitting given Mitch Wong’s extensive background in contemporary worship music. Known for his songwriting contributions to artists and worship movements around the world, Wong has helped create songs that encourage the Church to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus. His involvement brings another dimension to Gracie’s recording, combining the perspective of an established worship songwriter with the fresh energy of a rising Christian music voice. Together, they offer a musical expression of praise that is both accessible and rooted in the heart of Christian worship.
At its core, “Gloria” is a reminder that our lives are meant to bring glory to God. Whether we’re celebrating life’s blessings, walking through difficult circumstances, or simply going about our everyday routines, He remains worthy of our praise. It’s easy to become consumed by the things competing for our attention, but songs like this encourage us to pause, remember who God is, and give Him the honor He deserves. With its joyful worship atmosphere and the combined talents of Gracie Binion and Mitch Wong, “Gloria” is a welcome addition to this week’s collection of Christian music discoveries.
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Aaron Williams & Hope Darst – “Abide (Christmas)”
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Aaron Williams joins forces with acclaimed worship leader Hope Darst for “Abide (Christmas),” a beautiful reimagining of Williams’ popular worship song that brings the timeless message of remaining close to God into the wonder of the Christmas story. Released through Integrity Music on October 30, 2026, this special version takes the original song’s invitation to draw nearer to Jesus and gives it a distinctly seasonal perspective, celebrating the arrival of Emmanuel, God with us. With Williams’ heartfelt delivery complemented by Darst’s expressive vocals, the collaboration creates a warm, worshipful atmosphere that feels right at home during the Christmas season.
What makes this version particularly special is the way its newly written verses connect the familiar message of abiding in Christ with the biblical account of His birth. The lyrics reflect on the prophecies fulfilled through Jesus’ arrival, describing the eternal Son of God entering the world He came to save. References to the incarnate Word, the promised Messiah, and the newborn King bring the Christmas story into sharp focus, reminding listeners that the child born in Bethlehem was much more than a baby in a manger. He was Emmanuel, God dwelling among us, bringing the hope of salvation to the world. The song also incorporates the familiar invitation to adore Christ, giving the recording a wonderful connection to traditional Christmas worship.
The song’s central message comes from Jesus’ teaching in John 15, where He describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches, inviting us to remain in Him. That message takes on an especially meaningful dimension when considered alongside the Christmas story. Jesus came into the world not simply to be celebrated during one season of the year, but to establish an everlasting relationship with those who put their trust in Him. “Abide (Christmas)” reminds us that the greatest gift of Christmas is not something we receive and eventually put away with the decorations, but a Savior who came to dwell among us and invites us to walk with Him every day. It’s a beautiful combination of Christmas celebration and personal worship, making this collaboration a wonderful addition to the season’s Christian music offerings.
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Josh Baldwin – “Whole Heart”
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Josh Baldwin delivers a powerful expression of wholehearted worship with “Whole Heart,” a standout track from his October 2026 album, Worth Everything. Known for his work with Bethel Music and his ability to combine contemporary worship with heartfelt, personal expressions of faith, Baldwin invites listeners to consider what it truly means to give God everything. Built around a simple but meaningful declaration of surrender, the song encourages us to approach Jesus without hesitation or reservation, bringing all that we are and all that we have before Him.
At the center of the song is the idea that following Jesus requires more than simply showing up when we need something. It’s about making Him the priority in every area of our lives. Baldwin sings about laying everything at the altar, recognizing that nothing we possess is more valuable than our relationship with God. The song also challenges us to let go of the things we hold too tightly, trusting that when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we’re not giving up something greater in exchange for something lesser. We’re placing our trust in the One who is Himself the greatest treasure. It’s a message that speaks to the heart of Christian discipleship, reminding us that genuine worship involves our everyday choices, not just the songs we sing.
“Whole Heart” fits beautifully within the larger message of Worth Everything, an album inspired in part by the worship music that shaped Baldwin’s own early faith. He has described the project as an expression of what God has been teaching him about surrender, faithfulness, and recognizing that Jesus is worth everything. That perspective comes through clearly in this song, particularly in its invitation to offer every breath, every step, and every part of our lives to Him. With its memorable worship refrain and deeply personal message, “Whole Heart” is an encouraging reminder that we don’t have to hold anything back from the One who gave everything for us.
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Chris Tomlin – It’s Christmas Time Again”
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Grammy Award-winning worship leader Chris Tomlin welcomes the Christmas season with “It’s Christmas Time Again,” an upbeat and heartwarming new single that captures the familiar sights, sounds, and traditions that make this time of year so special. Featuring the warmth of Tomlin’s signature vocal style and an inviting contemporary arrangement, the song celebrates everything from gathering with family and friends to decorating the Christmas tree, singing carols, and creating memories that become part of our holiday traditions. It’s a slightly different musical direction for an artist best known for powerful worship anthems, but one that allows him to explore the joy and nostalgia of Christmas in a wonderfully accessible way.
While the song embraces the familiar pleasures of the season, its heart is firmly rooted in the true meaning of Christmas. Beneath the lights, laughter, presents, and celebrations is the remarkable story of God’s love for the world through the birth of Jesus. Tomlin brings that message into the chorus, reflecting on the wonder of that holy night and the love beyond compare that entered the world through the arrival of the Savior. One particularly beautiful thought is that Christmas isn’t simply a time to remember something that happened long ago; it’s an opportunity to rediscover the hope, peace, and promise that the birth of Jesus continues to bring to our lives today.
“It’s Christmas Time Again” also serves as the lead single from Tomlin’s upcoming Christmas album, Good News Of Great Joy (Christmas Songs Of Worship), his fourth full-length Christmas project. The 11-song collection includes new material alongside fresh interpretations of familiar Christmas favorites, including “Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Comfort And Joy).” Tomlin has explained that this particular song was a little outside his usual worship-writing approach, but its nostalgic celebration of spending Christmas with loved ones ultimately inspired the direction of the entire album. With its combination of seasonal nostalgia and a reminder of the good news that started it all, “It’s Christmas Time Again” is a delightful way to begin celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.
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Bryan & Katie Torwalt – “Glory To The One”
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Bryan & Katie Torwalt return with “Glory To The One,” a powerful contemporary worship song that celebrates the transforming grace of Jesus and gives listeners a reason to lift their voices in praise. Featured on their October 2026 EP, Over and Over Again, the song draws from a deeply personal perspective, beginning with the recognition that our past mistakes, struggles, and moments of spiritual weakness don’t have to determine our future. Through God’s amazing grace, even those who have felt buried beneath shame can discover a new beginning and a renewed purpose. With its memorable melody, heartfelt vocals, and uplifting worship arrangement, the Torwalts deliver another song that encourages believers to celebrate everything God has done in their lives.
The song’s message becomes particularly powerful as it moves from personal testimony to an expression of gratitude. Rather than allowing our past to define us, Jesus offers us a new identity and brings us into the Father’s family. The lyrics reflect the incredible difference that His grace makes, reminding us that our lives can become a testimony to His goodness. It’s a beautiful picture of redemption: the mistakes we’ve made, the battles we’ve faced, and the burdens we’ve carried no longer have the final word. Through Christ, we are given a new story, one that can be lived for His glory rather than being defined by our failures.
The bridge takes that message even further, declaring that the enemy no longer has the authority to hold our past over our heads because we have been redeemed. Drawing on biblical themes of freedom from condemnation, restoration, and perseverance through difficult circumstances, the song encourages listeners to stand firmly on the foundation of their faith. Even when the storms of life threaten to knock us down, we can remember what God has already brought us through and trust Him to continue working in our lives. Ultimately, “Glory To The One” is more than a song about singing praises; it’s a reminder that every breath we take is another opportunity to testify to the goodness of Jesus. When we consider all He has done for us, He is the One who deserves the glory.
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Jamie MacDonald & Tori Kelly – “A Million Chances”
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Jamie MacDonald joins forces with Grammy Award-winning vocalist Tori Kelly for a beautiful new rendition of “A Million Chances,” a soulful, piano-driven song celebrating the incredible power of God’s grace and the opportunity for a fresh start. Originally released as part of MacDonald’s self-titled debut album, the song receives new life through this special collaboration, with Kelly’s unmistakable vocals adding another dimension to an already powerful message. Supported by rich harmonies and an uplifting musical arrangement, the two singers deliver a heartfelt reminder that our past doesn’t have to determine our future and that God’s love continues to offer hope even when we’ve made mistakes.
The message behind the song is especially personal for Jamie MacDonald, who has openly shared how dramatically God transformed her own life. Growing up in and out of group homes, leaving high school without a clear direction, and facing circumstances that could easily have defined her future, Jamie eventually discovered that God had something entirely different planned for her. She has described “A Million Chances” as a reflection of that remarkable turnaround, recognizing that God can take even the most broken circumstances and create something beautiful. Her testimony gives the song an authenticity that goes beyond simply singing about forgiveness; it’s a firsthand expression of what happens when someone discovers the life-changing power of God’s grace.
For Tori Kelly, joining Jamie on this recording represents a special opportunity to celebrate a song whose message she deeply appreciated. Jamie has shared that Tori was moved by hearing her perform the original song and eventually expressed interest in recording it together. The result is a collaboration that reinforces the song’s central message: no matter how many mistakes we’ve made, how far we’ve wandered, or how hopeless our circumstances may sometimes appear, God is always ready to welcome us back. His grace isn’t limited by our past, and His plans for our future aren’t canceled by our failures. “A Million Chances” is an encouraging reminder that through Jesus, redemption is always possible and it’s never too late for a new beginning.
Welcome to Monday Memories, where we take a look back at the Christian songs, artists, albums, and moments that have helped shape the music we love. From timeless favorites to songs that may have slipped from memory, each week we revisit a piece of Christian music history and remember why it still matters today.
DC Talk – Jesus Freak
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DC Talk – Jesus Freak: The Album That Changed Christian Music
There are certain albums that come along at just the right moment in music history. Albums that challenge expectations, push boundaries, introduce new sounds, and sometimes change the direction of an entire musical genre. For Christian music fans who grew up in the 1990s, few albums fit that description quite like Jesus Freak by DC Talk.
Released on November 21, 1995, Jesus Freak wasn’t simply another album from an already successful Christian group. It was a statement. It was a musical declaration that Christian artists didn’t have to stay inside the familiar boundaries of contemporary Christian music. They could embrace the sounds dominating mainstream radio, experiment with alternative rock, hip-hop, and pop, and still put their faith in Jesus Christ front and center. In fact, they could do all of that while achieving commercial success that the Christian music industry had rarely seen.
And that’s exactly what happened.
Meet DC Talk: Three Guys With Something to Say
Before Jesus Freak became a cultural phenomenon, there was DC Talk, a trio consisting of Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max. The group’s name came from the Washington, D.C., area where Toby McKeehan grew up, and the three eventually came together while attending Liberty University in Virginia.
Their musical beginnings were rooted in hip-hop and rap, something that was still relatively unusual in Christian music during the late 1980s. At a time when much of Christian music was built around traditional pop, inspirational ballads, and familiar worship arrangements, DC Talk brought something different to the table.
Their self-titled debut arrived in 1989, followed by Nu Thang in 1990. Both helped establish the group as an exciting new voice in Christian music. But it was their 1992 release, Free at Last, that really propelled them into the spotlight.
Free at Last became a major success, earning platinum certification and bringing the group widespread recognition. They were no longer simply three young musicians experimenting with Christian rap. They were becoming one of the most recognizable acts in contemporary Christian music.
But something was about to change.
The Sound of a Generation
By the time DC Talk began working on their next major project, the musical landscape had changed considerably. Alternative rock was dominating the airwaves. Grunge had become a defining sound of the early 1990s, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden changing what popular rock music sounded like.
DC Talk recognized that the musical world was moving in a different direction, and rather than simply repeating the formula that had made them successful, they decided to take a creative risk.
The result was Jesus Freak.
Gone were many of the familiar hip-hop arrangements that had defined their earlier work. In their place were driving guitars, alternative rock influences, layered vocal arrangements, unexpected musical changes, and a much more adventurous production style.
The transformation was particularly noticeable in the title track. “Jesus Freak” opened with an unmistakable guitar riff before launching into a powerful combination of rock and rap. It wasn’t subtle, and it certainly wasn’t apologetic.
The song asked a question that many Christian teenagers had probably considered at one time or another: What would people think if they knew how much you believed in Jesus?
Rather than treating that possibility as something to hide, DC Talk turned it into a badge of honor.
The message was simple: If following Jesus makes you a little different from everyone else, so be it.
For a generation of young Christians trying to navigate their faith in a world that didn’t always understand it, that message resonated in a big way.
An Album Full of Standout Moments
Of course, Jesus Freak was much more than its title track. One of the reasons the album remains so memorable is the variety of musical styles and lyrical themes found throughout its collection of songs.
“What If I Stumble” is perhaps one of the most thoughtful moments on the record. Rather than presenting Christian musicians as people who have everything figured out, the song acknowledges the responsibility that comes with being someone others look up to. Its central concern is that people might be disappointed by the imperfections of the person sharing their faith.
It’s an unusually honest message, especially for an album that otherwise celebrates an unapologetic commitment to Jesus.
“Colored People” takes on the subject of racial differences, reminding listeners that humanity shares a common Creator and that our differences should be celebrated rather than used to divide us.
“In the Light” is another standout, with its powerful melody and deeply personal reflection on what it means to live a life centered on Christ. It’s one of those songs that can still stop you in your tracks, even decades after you first heard it.
“Between You and Me” brought a more accessible pop-rock sound to the album, exploring forgiveness, reconciliation, and the importance of repairing relationships.
And then there’s “Mind’s Eye,” which combines a more experimental musical approach with a fascinating exploration of faith and spiritual perception.
Taken together, these songs made Jesus Freak feel like a complete musical experience rather than a collection of singles built around one hit.
It was an album that could make you want to turn up the volume, think about your relationship with God, and perhaps reconsider what Christian music could accomplish.
The Numbers Were Extraordinary
The Christian music industry had certainly seen successful albums before 1995. DC Talk themselves had already enjoyed considerable success with Free at Last. But what happened when Jesus Freak arrived was something else entirely.
The album sold 85,814 copies during its first week, setting a record for the biggest first-week sales of a contemporary Christian album at the time.
It debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard 200, placing it among some of the biggest mainstream releases of the week.
Here’s another remarkable detail: approximately 78,000 of those first-week sales came from Christian bookstores.
That matters because it demonstrated that Christian music consumers represented a substantial market, one that the mainstream music industry could no longer afford to overlook.
The album quickly earned RIAA Gold certification, reaching that milestone within approximately a month. It eventually achieved double-platinum status in the United States, representing more than two million certified units.
And while we shouldn’t confuse its first-week sales record with an all-time Christian album sales record, there’s no question that Jesus Freak established a commercial milestone that helped change how the industry viewed Christian music.
It wasn’t just a big Christian album. It was a major music-industry story.
Opening Doors Beyond Christian Radio
Perhaps even more important than the sales figures was the attention DC Talk began receiving outside the traditional Christian music marketplace.
The title track attracted attention for its alternative-rock sound and unapologetic message. Its music video received exposure on MTV, an important achievement for a group whose identity was so firmly rooted in Christian music.
Then came “Between You and Me,” which helped introduce DC Talk to an even wider audience. The song received mainstream radio exposure, and its music video reached MTV and VH1.
For a moment, DC Talk occupied a particularly interesting place in popular music. They were unmistakably Christian artists, but they were also making music that could compete in the broader marketplace.
That distinction is important.
They weren’t trying to disguise their faith or reinvent themselves as secular musicians. Their Christian identity was central to their music. Yet they were demonstrating that a Christian message didn’t have to be accompanied by a particular musical formula.
You could rock. You could experiment. You could sound contemporary. And you could still sing about Jesus.
For many Christian musicians who followed, that was an enormously important example.
What Happened to DC Talk?
Following the enormous success of Jesus Freak, DC Talk continued their musical journey with 1998’s Supernatural.
The album represented another evolution in the group’s sound, blending pop, rock, and electronic influences. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, an extraordinary achievement that demonstrated the group had not simply enjoyed a one-album breakthrough.
But the members were also beginning to explore their individual creative interests.
Eventually, DC Talk entered an indefinite hiatus, and Toby, Michael, and Kevin pursued their own musical careers.
And if you’ve followed Christian music over the last couple of decades, you know that the story doesn’t end there.
TobyMac: From DC Talk to Christian Music Superstar
Perhaps the most commercially successful of the three members in terms of his subsequent solo career has been Toby McKeehan, better known to millions of music fans as TobyMac.
TobyMac took the musical creativity that helped make DC Talk successful and expanded it into an entirely new career.
His 2001 solo debut, Momentum, introduced a sound that combined hip-hop, pop, rock, and electronic influences. It was followed by albums including Welcome to Diverse City, Portable Sounds, Tonight, Eye on It, This Is Not a Test, and Life After Death.
Along the way, TobyMac became one of the defining artists of modern Christian pop music.
His music has consistently embraced contemporary sounds, incorporating everything from hip-hop and dance music to rock and pop. He’s also become known for energetic live performances and collaborations with a wide range of artists.
Songs like “Made to Love,” “Lose My Soul,” “City on Our Knees,” “Me Without You,” “Speak Life,” “Feel It,” and “I Just Need U.” have helped establish a catalog that reaches far beyond his original DC Talk audience.
His success has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, and numerous other honors.
In many ways, TobyMac carried the experimental spirit of Jesus Freak into the next generation of Christian music.
He demonstrated that Christian artists could continue to evolve, embrace new musical styles, and connect with younger audiences without abandoning the message that brought them into music in the first place.
And he certainly wasn’t the only DC Talk member to continue making an impact.
Michael Tait and Kevin Max: Continuing the Journey
Michael Tait went on to establish himself as a major voice in Christian music in his own right. After pursuing solo projects, he eventually became the lead singer of the Newsboys, one of Christian music’s most recognizable bands.
His powerful voice, which had been such an important part of DC Talk’s signature sound, continued to find an audience through songs and albums with the group.
Kevin Max also pursued a solo career, exploring a variety of musical directions and demonstrating the creative versatility that had always been part of DC Talk’s identity.
Although the three musicians would no longer operate as a regular recording and touring group, their individual careers ensured that the DC Talk legacy continued to influence Christian music.
Thirty Years Later, the Message Still Matters
It’s hard to believe that Jesus Freak is now more than three decades old.
For those who remember buying the original CD, listening to the cassette in the car, watching the music videos, or hearing the songs at youth group gatherings, the album probably brings back a flood of memories.
But its importance isn’t limited to nostalgia.
The album helped demonstrate that Christian music could be adventurous, commercially successful, culturally relevant, and unapologetically Christian all at the same time.
It challenged the assumption that Christian music had to sound a certain way. It encouraged artists to experiment. It helped bring Christian music into conversations that extended well beyond Christian radio and bookstores.
Most importantly, it reminded an entire generation that following Jesus wasn’t something to be embarrassed about.
You didn’t have to hide your faith to fit in. You didn’t have to water down your beliefs to make music that people would enjoy. And you didn’t have to choose between being musically creative and being committed to Christ.
That was the spirit of Jesus Freak.
And perhaps that’s why, all these years later, the album still deserves a place in the conversation about the most important releases in Christian music history.
So, whether you’re revisiting these songs for the hundredth time or discovering them for the first time, turn up the volume and enjoy a little trip back to 1995.
Because some albums are simply good records.
And some albums help change the world of music around them.
DC Talk’sJesus Freakwas definitely one of the latter.
There’s something timeless about the great hymns of the Christian faith. Though many were written generations ago, their words continue to speak to the heart, proclaim the truth of Scripture, and lead us into worship. Hymn of the Week is for everyone who believes these beloved hymns should always have a place in modern worship. Each week, we’ll take a moment to revisit one of these enduring songs of faith and celebrate the message, story, and music that have helped generations of believers worship God.
“Marching to Zion” – Fountainview Academy
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Marching to Zion – A Song of Joy, Promise, and the Children of the King
Some hymns invite us to worship. Others invite us to sing a little louder. And then there are hymns like “Marching to Zion,” which seem to suggest that if we’re going to heaven, we might as well make a joyful noise along the way!
This week’s Hymn of the Week is one of those timeless favorites that has been encouraging Christians for generations. Our featured presentation comes from Fountainview Academy, whose beautiful outdoor performances have a way of combining wonderful music with some breathtaking scenery. This is another opportunity to sit back, enjoy the surroundings, and appreciate a group of talented young musicians sharing their faith through song.
And this particular hymn has a message worth exploring beyond its wonderfully memorable chorus.
A Verse That Says More Than You Might Think
While the familiar refrain is probably what most people remember, I’d like to spend some time with the second verse:
Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God But children of the Heavenly King, but children of the Heavenly King May speak their joys abroad, may speak their joys abroad.
There is something wonderfully confident about those words. Isaac Watts wasn’t suggesting that Christians should keep their faith to themselves, wait for permission to express their joy, or apologize for believing what they believe. Quite the opposite! Those who know God have every reason to let the world hear about it.
But there’s another dimension to this verse that has always interested me.
Throughout human history, there has been a recurring division between those who recognize and honor God’s promises concerning the children of Israel and those who oppose them. That story goes all the way back to the Abrahamic Covenant, when God made His promises to Abraham:
“I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.” (Genesis 12:3, KJV)
The descendants of Abraham would become a people through whom God would carry forward His promises, and the history of Israel has been intertwined with that divine promise ever since.
The conflict surrounding Israel is certainly nothing new. Across thousands of years, the Jewish people have experienced extraordinary opposition, persecution, displacement, and attempts to deny their place in history. The modern headlines may change, the political arguments may evolve, and the alliances may shift, but the underlying historical story is remarkably persistent.
As Christians, we can recognize that this is a complicated world, with real human suffering on multiple sides of today’s conflicts. We can pray for peace, compassion, and the protection of innocent lives without abandoning our understanding of God’s promises.
And personally, I think there’s a pretty straightforward way to express where I stand:
“I will bless them that bless thee” is good enough for me!
That doesn’t mean we have to agree with every political decision made by any government. It means that God’s promises deserve our respect, and that we shouldn’t be embarrassed to acknowledge the biblical foundation of our faith.
And that brings us right back to the hymn. The children of the Heavenly King have something to sing about. We have a reason for our joy, a reason for our hope, and a reason to make that joy known.
The Story Behind Marching to Zion
One of the interesting things about this hymn is that it actually began its life with a different title.
Isaac Watts (1674–1748), one of the most influential hymn writers in Christian history, originally published the words in 1707 in his collection Hymns and Spiritual Songs. The hymn was titled “Heavenly Joy on Earth” and originally contained ten stanzas.
Watts had a particular gift for taking biblical truths and expressing them in language that ordinary believers could understand and sing. His hymns weren’t simply songs to fill a worship service. They were expressions of theology, biblical instruction, and personal devotion.
In this case, Watts was describing the joy of belonging to God, both in our present lives and in anticipation of the eternal life to come.
The familiar version we sing today, however, owes much of its musical identity to Robert Lowry (1826–1899).
Lowry was an American Baptist minister, professor, and prolific hymn writer and composer. In 1867, he supplied the familiar music and the wonderfully memorable refrain:
We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion; we’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.
That addition transformed the hymn into something especially memorable for congregational singing. The original words of Watts were given a new musical life, and the result has endured for more than 150 years.
The Zion described in this hymn is the heavenly destination of God’s people. It represents the eternal home promised to believers, the place where sorrow gives way to joy and where we will finally experience the fullness of God’s presence.
And if you’ve ever sung this hymn in a church full of enthusiastic believers, you know that the refrain almost sings itself!
From the Hymnal to the Southern Gospel Stage
There is another reason this hymn has remained so recognizable, particularly in Southern Gospel circles.
Southern Gospel has always had a special appreciation for traditional hymns, especially those with strong melodies, memorable refrains, and opportunities for wonderful four-part harmony. “Marching to Zion” checks all those boxes.
Its energetic melody and repeated chorus make it particularly well suited to quartet singing. The words are familiar, the message is unmistakable, and the music practically invites an audience to join in.
It’s also a natural companion to another great processional hymn: “Onward, Christian Soldiers.”
Interestingly, the two hymns came from different generations and different circumstances. “Marching to Zion” began with Isaac Watts in 1707, with Robert Lowry’s familiar musical setting arriving in 1867. “Onward, Christian Soldiers” was written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1864 for children participating in a church procession in England. Arthur Sullivan, of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, supplied its now-famous “St. Gertrude” melody in 1871.
Both hymns have a strong sense of movement and purpose. One celebrates the Christian journey toward our eternal home, while the other portrays believers moving forward together in their service to Christ.
It’s easy to see why Southern Gospel performers have enjoyed bringing these two songs together.
In fact, Bill and Gloria Gaither have presented a live medley of “Onward, Christian Soldiers” and “We’re Marching to Zion,” featuring Dean Hopper, Ann Downing, and Kim Hopper. It’s a wonderful example of how these two traditional hymns complement each other.
For those who enjoy the traditional Southern Gospel sound, I’ve included an opportunity below to enjoy that performance through Apple Music.
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It’s a different musical treatment from our Fountainview Academy presentation, but that’s part of the fun of exploring the history of Christian music. The same timeless message can be expressed in so many different ways.
One Destination, One Wonderful Promise
There’s a reason this hymn has survived for more than three centuries.
The world has changed dramatically since Isaac Watts first put these words on paper. Nations have risen and fallen. Political boundaries have shifted. Generations have come and gone. And yet the central promise of the hymn remains just as relevant today.
For Christians, Zion represents something greater than any earthly destination. It is the promise of eternity with God.
And that is something worth celebrating!
Whether you prefer the beautiful outdoor performance from Fountainview Academy, a traditional church congregation singing at full volume, or a Southern Gospel quartet bringing those harmonies to life, the message is the same.
We have a reason to sing. We have a reason to rejoice. And we have a destination toward which we’re all looking.
One final thought about today’s world: With all the disagreements surrounding Israel and Palestine, the Middle East, and the meaning of Zion, perhaps we have finally found something that both sides can agree on.
Marching to Zion!
Of course, they might have somewhat different ideas about the destination, but hey, we’ll let them work that out!
Until then, let’s keep singing, keep sharing the good news, and keep our eyes on the beautiful city of God.
Every week brings a fresh batch of Christian music into the world—new albums, EPs, and songs from artists we know and artists we’re just discovering. New This Week is our chance to explore some of the music that has just been released, learn a little about the artists and their new music, and perhaps discover something that deserves a place in your playlist. So let’s take a look at what’s New This Week in Christian music!
💿Albums
Kirk Franklin – I Am What I Am
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Kirk Franklin returns with I Am What I Am, an ambitious 14-track double album that celebrates the many dimensions of one of gospel music’s most influential and recognizable voices. Divided between seven contemporary studio recordings and seven powerful live performances, the project brings together traditional choir-driven gospel with elements of hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and modern soul. Featuring an impressive collection of guests, including Jelly Roll, GloRilla, Davido, Tobe Nwigwe, Karen Clark Sheard, and Tim Rogers, Franklin continues to demonstrate his remarkable ability to connect generations and musical styles without losing sight of his gospel roots. From the introspective honesty of “Free Me Tonight” and the uplifting encouragement of “Hope In You” to the exuberant live worship of “Thank You For Everything” and “It Is Well,” I Am What I Am is an expressive collection of faith, gratitude, personal growth, and the enduring power of God’s grace. It’s another reminder that Kirk Franklin isn’t interested in standing still—and gospel music is all the richer for it.
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Various Artists – Songs Inspired By The Chosen: Seasons 1-5
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Bringing together an impressive collection of artists from across the Christian, country, gospel, and contemporary music worlds, Songs Inspired By The Chosen: Seasons 1–5 is an 11-track collection of original music inspired by the stories, characters, and powerful moments of the hit television series The Chosen. Featuring Phil Wickham, Anne Wilson, Lady A, Boyz II Men, Tyler Hubbard, Jamie MacDonald, Blessing Offor, Franni Cash, LOST & FOUND, Stephen Stanley, Madison Ryann Ward, and Jac Ross, the album offers a musical reflection on the life and ministry of Jesus and the impact He continues to have on those who encounter His story. From Phil Wickham’s heartfelt “SOS (Don’t Let Me Go)” and Jamie MacDonald’s faith-filled “Roots” to Anne Wilson’s moving “Even This” and the collaboration between Lady A and Boyz II Men on “I Love The One,” each song brings its own perspective to the themes of faith, redemption, perseverance, and the transforming love of Christ. More than simply a companion to the television series, this collection stands as an invitation to revisit the remarkable stories of Jesus and consider anew what it means to follow Him.
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Beach Chapel – A Special Place In Heaven
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Beach Chapel brings an atmospheric blend of indie rock, alternative pop, and modern worship to A Special Place In Heaven, a new release that reflects the group’s distinctive approach to making music with a spiritual foundation. Drawing inspiration from a variety of musical influences, Beach Chapel combines shimmering guitars, melodic arrangements, and contemporary production to create a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly different from much of today’s mainstream Christian music. The project reflects an artistic perspective that sees no need to separate musical creativity from matters of faith, allowing spiritual themes to find their place within an accessible alternative-rock sound. For listeners who appreciate Christian music that ventures beyond traditional worship arrangements while still keeping its heart pointed toward Jesus, Beach Chapel offers an intriguing new addition to this week’s releases.
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The Oak Ridge Boys – Buried Treasures
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The Oak Ridge Boys have never been particularly shy about letting their gospel roots show, and Buried Treasures is another wonderful example of the group’s longstanding appreciation for music that speaks to matters of faith, life, and the human experience. Throughout their remarkable career, the Country Music Hall of Fame members have moved comfortably between mainstream country hits and recordings that celebrate their Christian heritage, a tradition increasingly embraced by artists throughout the country music world. From Alan Jackson and Carrie Underwood to Kid Rock, musicians with mainstream audiences have increasingly made room for albums and projects reflecting their faith. On this 10-song collection, the Oaks revisit a selection of beloved songs, including the inspirational classics “How Great Thou Art,” “Deep River,” and “Softly and Tenderly,” alongside familiar favorites such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Lean on Me,” and “What a Wonderful World.” Produced by Anderson East with executive production by Dave Cobb, Buried Treasures is a heartfelt collection that brings together the group’s gospel foundation, country heritage, and appreciation for songs that stand the test of time.
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The Hyssongs – We’ve Got a Song to Sing
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Celebrating 30 years of sharing the Gospel through music, Southern Gospel family trio The Hyssongs return with We’ve Got a Song to Sing, an 11-track collection filled with the uplifting harmonies, heartfelt performances, and unmistakably Christian message that have become hallmarks of their ministry. Featuring a blend of traditional Southern Gospel, contemporary praise, and inspirational arrangements, the album encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith and remember the hope found in Jesus Christ, even through life’s most difficult seasons. Songs such as “Good News Savior,” “I’m Glad I Know Jesus,” “The Voice of the Master,” and “Death in the Grave” make the group’s spiritual focus unmistakable, while a worship medley featuring “You Are Good,” “Shout to the Lord,” and “Awesome God” brings familiar praise favorites into the collection. With their signature family harmonies and a message rooted in the Good News of Jesus, The Hyssongs offer another encouraging reminder that there’s always a reason to sing.
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🎵Songs
TobyMac – “The Hard Times”
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TobyMac returns with “The Hard Times,” an energetic new single that finds the seven-time Grammy Award winner turning life’s most difficult seasons into an opportunity for renewed faith and spiritual growth. Blending his familiar mix of contemporary Christian pop, hip-hop influences, and infectious rhythmic energy, the song acknowledges the struggles, disappointments, and painful experiences that can sometimes leave us feeling lost, while reminding us that God can use even our hardest moments to reshape our hearts. TobyMac describes the inspiration behind the song as recognizing that difficult seasons often become invitations to turn toward God, sit at His feet, and discover the growth that comes through His loving care. With its encouraging message that trials can strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Jesus, “The Hard Times” is an uplifting reminder that even in our darkest valleys, God is still at work.
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Lauren Daigle & Preservation Hall Jazz Band – “Sleigh Ride”
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Lauren Daigle teams up with the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a lively, New Orleans-inspired take on the holiday classic “Sleigh Ride.” Released October 30, 2026, the recording brings together Daigle’s distinctive, soulful vocals and the band’s unmistakable traditional jazz sound, giving this familiar Christmas favorite a fresh personality filled with warmth, energy, and festive spirit. The collaboration also celebrates Daigle’s Louisiana roots, blending the musical traditions of her hometown with a song that has become a holiday staple. It’s a joyful seasonal release that offers something a little different from the usual Christmas arrangements while showcasing the musical chemistry between two uniquely talented performers.
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Lauren Daigle & Preservation Hall Jazz Band – “Go Tell It On The Mountain”
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Lauren Daigle joins forces with the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a spirited, jazz-infused rendition of the beloved Christmas hymn “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Released October 30, 2026, this recording brings a distinctly New Orleans flavor to the traditional celebration of Jesus’ birth, pairing Daigle’s rich, soulful vocals with the band’s unmistakable musical character. The collaboration is especially meaningful given Daigle’s Louisiana roots, bringing together two musical traditions in a joyful celebration of the Christmas message. With its lively arrangement and timeless proclamation of Christ’s birth, this version offers a fresh and festive way to share one of the season’s most enduring expressions of faith.
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Bethel Music – “Greatness” (feat. Aubree Archibeck & Martin Smith)
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Apple Music subscribers: Sign in above to hear the full song.
Bethel Music brings together worship leader Aubree Archibeck and acclaimed British worship artist Martin Smith for “Greatness,” a powerful new declaration of God’s unmatched character, faithfulness, and love. Released October 30, 2026, the single is the second offering from Bethel Music’s forthcoming 2027 album and invites listeners to build their lives on the One who never fails. The song celebrates the beautiful contrast between God’s infinite power as King of the universe and His deeply personal love as a faithful friend who walks alongside us through every season of life. Archibeck describes the song as a special opportunity to lead worship alongside Smith, while Smith shares that its inspiration began with a simple but profound thought: “The Greatness of the Lord is beyond compare.” With its message of trust, devotion, and wholehearted worship, “Greatness” is an encouraging reminder that God’s greatness remains unchanged in both joy and tragedy.
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Chelsea Plank – “Make Me Willing”
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Chelsea Plank, known for her work as a principal vocalist and worship director with SEU Worship, steps further into her solo career with “Make Me Willing,” a heartfelt song about surrendering our hearts and desires to God. Released October 30, 2026, the single explores the honest reality that our willingness to follow God’s direction doesn’t always come naturally. Rather than pretending we have everything figured out or trying to manufacture a perfect attitude, Plank invites listeners to bring even their resistance and uncertainty before God, asking Him to transform the places within us that still need to grow. The song offers a powerful reminder that our relationship with Jesus isn’t about relying on our own strength or determination, but about allowing His grace to shape who we are and make us willing to follow wherever He leads. “Make Me Willing” also previews Plank’s forthcoming eight-song solo debut album, I think that you kept the light on, expected in early 2027.
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Gracie Binion & Mitch Wong – “Gloria”
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Gracie Binion reunites with acclaimed songwriter and worship leader Mitch Wong for “Gloria,” a joyful new release celebrating the glory of God. Released October 30, 2026, the collaboration brings together Binion’s contemporary pop sensibilities and Wong’s celebrated songwriting experience for a song rooted in worship and praise. Binion has a longstanding creative relationship with Wong, dating back to their work together on “Hunger,” a worship song she co-wrote as a teenager that was later recorded by CeCe Winans. Their reunion here is another opportunity to share their passion for worship, inviting listeners to turn their attention toward the greatness and glory of God. “Gloria” is a fitting addition to the week’s new Christian music releases and a reminder of the joy found in giving God the praise He deserves.
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Phil Wickham – “SOS (Don’t Let Me Go)”
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Phil Wickham delivers a deeply personal and faith-filled new single with “SOS (Don’t Let Me Go),” inspired by the biblical account of Peter stepping out of the boat and walking toward Jesus on the water. Released October 30, 2026, the song was written during a difficult season as Wickham prayed for a close friend battling cancer, finding himself repeatedly drawn back to the story of Peter and the reminder to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus through life’s greatest storms. The song became part of Songs Inspired by The Chosen: Seasons 1–5, a collaborative project from the creators of the hit television series and Capitol Christian Music Group. Wickham describes the song as a reflection of our shared need for Jesus, recognizing that we cannot navigate life’s storms through our own strength. With its heartfelt plea for Christ to hold us close, “SOS (Don’t Let Me Go)” is a powerful reminder that even when the waves rise around us, Jesus is greater than the storm and faithful to carry us through.
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ZOEgirl – “I Still Believe”
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After more than two decades away from releasing new music together, beloved Christian pop trio ZOEgirl returns with “I Still Believe,” a heartfelt declaration of enduring faith featuring original members Alisa Childers, Kristin Schweain, and Chrissy Katina. Released October 30, 2026, the single brings the group full circle, revisiting the message of their very first radio hit, “I Believe,” from 2000. But this isn’t simply a nostalgic return to the past; it’s a reflection of what happens when faith is tested by years of life’s challenges, difficult questions, seasons of doubt, and personal growth. The members have experienced plenty since their early days, and their renewed declaration of belief carries the perspective of women who have walked through those experiences and continue to find their hope in Jesus. For longtime ZOEgirl fans, “I Still Believe” is a welcome reunion with a familiar sound and an encouraging reminder that faith can endure, even through life’s darkest seasons.
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Jordan St. Cyr – “Guide Me Home”
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Jordan St. Cyr brings his heartfelt contemporary Christian sound to “Guide Me Home,” a new single released October 30, 2026, through BEC Recordings. Known for songs that combine honest storytelling with encouraging messages of faith, St. Cyr has built a connection with listeners through music centered on God’s love, grace, and the hope found in Jesus. “Guide Me Home” continues that faith-focused direction, with a title that evokes the comfort of trusting God to lead us through life’s uncertainties and keep our hearts anchored in Him. It’s another addition to a productive year for the Canadian singer-songwriter, who has been introducing listeners to a new season of music through a series of 2026 releases.
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New Wine Worship – “For Jesus”
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New Wine Worship brings the sound of a massive gathering of believers to “For Jesus,” a powerful live worship anthem recorded before more than 7,000 people at New Wine Festival 2026. Released October 30, 2026, the song was written by Joe Hardy and Nick Herbert and centers on a simple but profound declaration: everything we do is for Jesus, because He is the reason we gather. Featuring a vibrant festival choir, driving rhythms, and a highly congregational chorus, the recording captures the energy and unity of thousands of voices lifting praise together. More than simply a festival performance, “For Jesus” is an invitation for churches and individual believers alike to put Christ at the center of their worship, their service, and their everyday lives. The single is the second release from New Wine Worship’s forthcoming live EP, Ready For More, scheduled for November 20, 2026.
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Blessing Offor & The Chosen – “Broken Me”
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Blessing Offor brings his soulful voice and thoughtful songwriting to “Broken Me,” a deeply reflective new single created in connection with The Chosen and its collection of songs inspired by the series. Released October 30, 2026, the song draws from the questions asked by James and his conversations with Jesus, exploring the difficult reality of waiting when the answers to our prayers don’t come in the way or on the timetable we hope for. Offor explains that the song grew out of his appreciation for James’s questions and, especially, Jesus’ response, which offers a meaningful perspective on how even seasons of waiting can become gifts. Rather than suggesting that faith eliminates our struggles or guarantees the outcomes we desire, “Broken Me” invites listeners to consider how God can work within our unanswered questions, disappointments, and broken places. It’s a moving reminder that Jesus remains present through the waiting, and that sometimes the very experiences we wish could be different can become opportunities for deeper faith and understanding.
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Lloyd Nicks – “Glory (Angels We Have Heard)”
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Lloyd Nicks puts a fresh, powerful spin on the beloved Christmas carol “Angels We Have Heard on High” with “Glory (Angels We Have Heard),” a soaring new recording released October 30, 2026, through Curb Records. Backed by a full choir, dramatic strings, and driving drums, Nicks transforms the familiar traditional arrangement into an energetic anthem of praise that celebrates the wonder of Jesus’ birth. The song retains the heart of the original carol while introducing a contemporary worship sound, with lyrics that invite listeners to adore the Savior and reflect on the majesty of Heaven’s King arriving in a humble manger. Written by Nicks alongside Tony Wood and Micah Kuiper, the song offers a particularly fitting addition to the Christmas music season, combining a timeless message of faith with an exciting new musical presentation. “Glory (Angels We Have Heard)” is a joyful reminder that the birth of Jesus is reason enough for all of Heaven and earth to sing.
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Aaron Williams (feat. Hope Darst) – “Abide (Christmas)”
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Aaron Williams joins forces with worship leader Hope Darst for a beautiful Christmas reimagining of his popular worship song “Abide.” Released October 30, 2026, through Integrity Music, this special version connects the song’s original message of remaining close to God with the wonder and promise of the Christmas story. The newly written verses celebrate the arrival of Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us, drawing on the prophecies of Scripture and the fulfillment of God’s promise through the birth of Christ. Darst’s expressive vocals complement Williams’ heartfelt delivery, creating a worshipful arrangement that invites listeners to reflect on the significance of Jesus coming into the world. The release also includes an intimate acoustic version performed by Williams, offering another way to experience the song’s message. With its combination of Christmas celebration and a timeless invitation to abide in Christ, “Abide (Christmas)” is a meaningful addition to this year’s holiday music offerings.
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Carly Ann Taylor – “How Glorious (Amazing Grace)”
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Curb Records newcomer Carly Ann Taylor offers a beautiful and imaginative Christmas worship song with “How Glorious (Amazing Grace),” released October 30, 2026. Built around the familiar melody of the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace,” the original verses celebrate the incredible wonder of Jesus leaving the glory of Heaven to enter the world as a tiny child in a manger. Taylor’s soaring vocals bring an anthemic quality to the recording, while the lyrics explore the beautiful contrast between the King who once reigned in heavenly glory and the Savior who came to live among us. The song closes with a stripped-down vocal presentation that brings the familiar “Amazing Grace” refrain into the Christmas story, creating a particularly moving conclusion. Written by Taylor alongside Tony Wood and Jeff Pardo, “How Glorious (Amazing Grace)” is a fresh celebration of the incarnation and a reminder of the extraordinary love behind the birth of Jesus.
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Hunter Plake – “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
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Hunter Plake puts his own contemporary pop-rock spin on the holiday favorite “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” bringing a fresh personality to one of the season’s most recognizable songs. Released October 30, 2026, through BEC Recordings, the single showcases Plake’s distinctive vocal style and energetic musical approach while retaining the cheerful spirit and nostalgic charm of the original. Known for his work as a singer-songwriter and his appearances on The Voice, Plake has continued to build a following through music that blends pop sensibilities with heartfelt performances. This Christmas release offers listeners a fun change of pace from traditional worship recordings, celebrating the excitement, anticipation, and familiar traditions that make the holiday season special. It’s also one of several Christmas recordings Plake is scheduled to release during the 2026 holiday season.
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Will Ellis & Ben Laine – “My Yesterdays Are Gone”
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Will Ellis joins songwriter and fellow Christian artist Ben Laine for “My Yesterdays Are Gone,” a deeply personal song about redemption, forgiveness, and the freedom found in Jesus Christ. Released October 30, 2026, the single grew out of Ellis’s own journey through addiction and the life-changing realization that true freedom comes not from trying harder in our own strength, but from discovering who Jesus is, what He has done, and who He says we are. Drawing on the promise of 2 Corinthians 5:17 that anyone in Christ is a new creation, the song celebrates the opportunity to leave behind the failures and struggles of the past and embrace the new life God offers. Laine contributed to the song’s second verse and bridge, helping bring Ellis’s testimony into a powerful musical declaration of faith. “My Yesterdays Are Gone” is an encouraging reminder that our past does not have to define our future when we place our lives in the hands of Jesus.
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Nai and J – “Follow”
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Husband-and-wife worship duo Nai and J deliver a heartfelt anthem of surrender with “Follow,” a song encouraging believers to remain faithful to God through every season of life. Released October 30, 2026, the single explores what it means to follow the Lord not only when life is going smoothly, but also through seasons of suffering, uncertainty, sorrow, and waiting. Its message centers on the unchanging faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting Him regardless of the circumstances we face. The song’s powerful bridge brings that message into focus with a declaration of surrender, reminding listeners that following Jesus means placing every part of our lives in His hands. Joined by friends and members of their church community in bringing the recording to life, Nai and J have created an encouraging worship song that challenges us to make following the Lord a daily commitment, whatever the road ahead may bring.
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Razzie & OnBeatMusic – Brick After Brick
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Razzie teams up with producer OnBeatMusic for “Brick After Brick,” a thoughtful hip-hop release about rebuilding your life after mistakes, accepting forgiveness, and learning to move beyond the weight of the past. Released October 30, 2026, the song explores the struggle of knowing you’ve been forgiven while still wrestling with guilt, shame, and the temptation to define yourself by yesterday’s failures. Rather than simply offering a motivational message about starting over, the song draws on the Christian understanding of repentance and grace, reminding listeners that forgiveness opens the door to a different future. Its central theme is one of restoration, encouraging us to recognize that our past does not have to determine who we become when we accept the freedom God offers. “Brick After Brick” is an encouraging reminder that rebuilding takes time, but with faith, forgiveness, and a willingness to move forward, a new foundation can be established one step at a time.
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Lady Audri – “My Body”
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Lady Audri takes on a subject that is often discussed in today’s culture with “My Body,” offering a thoughtful Christian perspective on what it truly means to have ownership of our bodies and how that responsibility should shape our choices. Released October 30, 2026, the smooth R&B and pop-inspired single addresses the importance of healthy boundaries, self-respect, patience, and honoring personal convictions, particularly when it comes to intimacy and commitment. Rather than embracing the selfish, individualistic interpretation that often accompanies the familiar declaration “My Body, My Choice,” Lady Audri encourages listeners to look beyond personal desire and consider the greater responsibility we have to honor God with the bodies He has given us. Her message challenges the idea that freedom means simply doing whatever we want, reminding us that genuine self-respect includes recognizing our God-given worth and making choices consistent with our faith. With its contemporary sound and meaningful message, “My Body” offers an opportunity to reconsider a familiar cultural conversation through a distinctly Christian lens.
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🔍 Future Releases
There’s plenty of new Christian music on the way! Here are some upcoming releases we’re looking forward to over the next several weeks. Be sure to check back as release dates approach for more details.
November 6
Chris Tomlin – Good News Of Great Joy (Christmas Songs Of Worship) — A new full-length Christmas worship album from one of contemporary Christian music’s most recognizable worship leaders.
Big Daddy Weave – It’s Time For Christmas (EP) — A new holiday project from the popular Christian band.
We Are Messengers – Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas LIVE) — A live Christmas collection bringing a Celtic musical flavor to the band’s familiar Christian sound.
November 13
Blanca – A Christmas To Remember — The singer’s first full-length Christmas album, featuring original music, familiar carols, Latin influences, and collaborations.
Tye Tribbett – V20: First Semester — A major live Gospel project celebrating 20 years of his landmark album Victory, reimagined with a new generation of Gospel performers.
Jackie Hill Perry – Still Blameless (Deluxe) — An expanded edition of her recent project.
November 20
New Wine Worship – Ready For More (EP) — A live worship project recorded at New Wine Festival 2026, featuring thousands of worshippers gathered together.
December 4
Forrest Frank – The Jesus Generation — A highly anticipated new album from one of Christian music’s biggest contemporary names, featuring collaborations with Lecrae, KB, Michael W. Smith, JVKE, and Elevation Rhythm.
Jordan St. Cyr – Guide Me Home (EP) — A new project from the Canadian singer-songwriter.
December 11
Hunter Plake – No Man Is A Failure Who Has Friends — A forthcoming full-length release from the singer-songwriter we’ve recently featured.
Release Date To Be Announced
Third Day – Live From Atlanta, GA: The 30th Anniversary Tour — A special live release celebrating three decades of music from one of Christian rock’s most influential bands.
Release dates are subject to change. Individual songs and albums will be evaluated for their Christian message before being selected for FishWorship features.
