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.
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