Music is a huge part of my life.
Not only am I a singer, but music is one of my main ways of worshipping the Lord.
When I feel the music moving through me, getting inside of me, working its way into my heart and out through my raised hands, dancing feet, swaying body–I feel nearer to God.
Because music is so important, I thought it would be fun to share with you songs that especially move me. I’ll post a link where you can hear the song, or maybe I’ll post a video of me singing it myself. Then, I’ll tell you why it moves me, what about it strikes me and has stayed with me.
Sound good?
For today’s post, I thought I’d highlight Audrey Assad’s song, “Winter Snow.” I first heard this song last year at a Christmas Eve service and the melody stirs me. But more than that, I love the concept that Jesus could have come to this earth in so many ways to display His awesome glory and power.
But instead, He came as a child. Unobstrusive. Vulnerable.
Sometimes, I don’t get that. Why not sweep in like a hurricane or a forest fire or a tidal wave to show the world WHO HE IS?
But that’s just it.
His ways are different. He doesn’t beat us over the head with His majesty. Instead, He uses it to woo us. Yes, He is powerful. Yes, He is glory itself.
But when the world expected a god to be only those things–hurricanes, fires, waves on the powerful ocean–our God gave us something entirely different.
Doesn’t that just awe and astound you even more?
Your Turn: Have you ever heard this song or anything else by Audrey Assad? I’m really excited because I get to sing it for our church’s annual Festival of Lights production this Christmastime. What’s one of your favorite Christmas songs?
That's a great song. Thanks for introducing me to it. I'm sure you'll do an awesome job singing it, Lindsay. You have such a beautiful voice.
Isn't it awesome? And thanks, Keli. You're so sweet. 🙂
Lovely song, Lindsay. I can totally hear you singing it. 🙂
And isn't it true – He chose GENTLENESS. I love that.
I've always had a strange fascination for O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and a few years ago, House of Heroes did a rockin' remake of it. Our family band performed this version of it for a Christmas party – what a great experience.
http://youtu.be/J4raabf7zVo
Hugs,
Becky
I'll definitely have to take a listen!! I didn't know you had a family band. Sweet. What do you play?
Yeah. Music runs thick in our bloodlines. Hubby Kevin plays a little of everything – he's one of those gifted people who can hear something once and figure it out on the piano guitar. When he writes music, he hears the whole orchestration already written in his head. And he's passed that amazing ability on to our children. There are days when I'm green with envy… but our oldest daughter, Erin, is our drummer – she's amazing. She can play any beat you throw at her. Sometimes, she sings with me and Kevin gets behind the kit. Our son, Chris, plays lead guitar most of the time, but he and Kevin switch off. Kevin pretty much just fills in on whatever instrument is needed. I "play" bass – usually Kevin has to do it because I have a hard time singing and playing at the same time. Ha! Our youngest, Sammi, has a remarkable voice, and she's been writing her own songs for a few years now. She's 10. Everyone in the family sings – we're one of those freaky families who sit around after dinner and figure out the 4-part harmonies to arena-rock songs from the 80's. HA!
So yes, our music is one way we (literally) play together. It's been hard for us to do much in the last few years with the big kids growing up and getting married and having lives of their own, but when we do, we always wonder why we don't do it more often.
Hugs – and a belated Happy Birthday to you!
Becky
Joy to the World has always been my favorite goosebump-inducing Christmas song. I love it when it's full-out, robust choir singing. I also really like I Saw Three Ships (Sting has a great version, and I don't usually like modern-day versions, but I love the simplicity of his.)
Joy to the World…fabulous indeed. I love choir songs!
Beautiful song! Music gets me too & I wish I could hear you sing this. Yes, post the video. I pretend to be able to sing. God loves it. 😉
I might just make a video, for you, Wendy. And God only said to make a joyful noise, right? 😉
I want to listen to the song, but I'm at the office…so it'll have to wait til later today. 🙂 But I know you'll do an amazing job singing it!
One of my favorite Christmas songs is O Holy Night. So beautiful! Oh, and Bing Crosby singing any Christmas song makes me smile. 🙂
Yes! I love White Christmas. We normally watch it on Thanksgiving but haven't yet this year. Need to remedy that pronto!
I've never heard of her before, but this song is truly beautiful–much like you, friend! You'll have to send me a copy of you singing it! 🙂 I love Do You Hear What I Hear, The Little Drummer Boy, and Greensleeves (What Child Is This?) Top three I think.
Friend! You're so sweet. 🙂 I love Do You Hear What I Hear! So good.
Hi Lindsay!
I love Audrey's voice. I'd love to hear you sing! I've heard you sing beautifully. 🙂
I love, love Christmas songs. A new favorite that just moves me every time is Casting Crown's version of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Sometime soon, I'll be sharing on my blog the story of how God spoke to me through this song after my trip last year to Germany on my blog. I hope you will check it out.
If you haven't heard BarlowGirl's "Hallelujah (Light Has Come)" please check it out. It's such a moving song!
Two of my other favorite newer Christmas songs are Selah's "Mary Sweet Mary" and MercyMe's "Joseph's Lullaby." There are so many!
And Melissa, I totally agree about Bing Crosby! He's my favorite singer of all time. Gotta love his crooning on "White Christmas"! "White Christmas" movie night soon? 😉
I sang that BarlowGirl song in our church Christmas musical a few years ago. It's so hauntingly beautiful! Let me know when your blog post is up and I'll stop by! 🙂 In fact, I think I need to subscribe to your blog. I thought I had but I don't see it in my feed.
What a beautiful, soothing song, Lindsay. Thank you for sharing it with us today.