Three boys aim their rifles in this screenshot from a Jan. 8, 2017 ISIS propaganda video showing these 'Cubs of the Caliphate' executing three men for allegedly spying for Kurdish forces in Syria.
Men Working On The Christ The Redeemer Statue Had Our Jaws Dropping
These daring men are walking on one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. They’re risking their lives to do repairs due to a lightening strike that hit the limb, of the Christ The Redeemer statue, in Rio de Janeiro. We were amazed at the heights these dedicated men are working at. The concrete and soapstone statue is 30 meters high, the pedestal is another 8 meters, and the statue is located on the 700 meter peak of Corcovado mountain. The statue is truly enormous from hand to hand the distance is 28 meters and it weighs 700 tons. The statue is a greatly recognized symbol of Christianity world wide. This awesome structure is a wonderful tribute to Our Lord that some day we look forward to visiting.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly replaced Christmas with celebrations honoring his deceased grandmother. While Christians remain a minority in North Korea, Kim has declared Dec. 25 a holiday to pay tribute to Kim Jong Suk, who died in 1949, according to media reports Sunday.
Kim’s grandmother was born on Christmas Eve in 1919. Known as the “Sacred Mother of the Revolution,” she was the wife of former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung and a Communist activist. To honor her birthday, many North Koreans visit her tomb on Dec. 25 each year.
North Korea has previously banned Christmas trees and Kim has upheld his family’s anti-Christmas beliefs. In 2014, he threatened war against South Korea after it announced it would erect a Christmas tree along the border.
“The DPRK ostentatiously treats anyone of faith, but especially Christians, as hostile,” wrote Doug Bandow, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank in Washington, D.C. “Believers place loyalty to God before that of the North Korean state. Churches allow people to act and organize outside of state entities. Christianity also has ties to a world seen as almost uniformly threatening by Pyongyang.”
Christian celebrations, including decorating Christmas trees, were banned in 1950s, but some of the nation’s estimated 70,000 Christians continue to put up holiday decorations each December, especially in upscale shops and restaurants. In recent decades, however, North Korea has sent some Christians to prisons because of their religion.
“Under the rule of Kim Jong-Un, North Korea remains among the world’s most repressive countries. All basic freedoms have been severely restricted under the Kim family’s political dynasty. A 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry found that abuses in North Korea were without parallel in the contemporary world. They include extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, forced abortions, and other sexual violence,” Human Rights Watch wrote in its most recent report on North Korea.
The gospel music industry in Nigeria has grown tremendously in recent years, from an industry struggling to gain mainstream recognition to one filled with promise. This thriving industry of faith based music still has its challenging times and hurdles but today it is no longer a dormant community but promising career path.
The new found growth in the industry stems from the recent rise in media houses, tv and radio stations, and a large influence by the internet and technology. A huge part of this internet and technology influence can be credited to the rise of music and entertainment blogs, internet radio stations, applications and tv all around the country.
Here we go with the top gospel musicians:
Kefee
Her music career started at the age of eight in the children’s choir. She moved on to the adult choir when she was fifteen. Became choir director at eighteen because she could teach the three parts namely Soprano, Alto & Tenor.
Lara George
Lara George is one of the classiest Nigerian gospel singer/ artist in the world today, this multi-talented, singer, producer and music director has a spell-binding and captivating voice, she was a member of the former KUSH group which was one of the earliest modern Gospel music groups in Nigeria. Lara released her first solo album in 2007 which was titled Ijoba Orun, the single was a hit and it still enjoys a huge support and airplay on radio stations, churches and homes. Lara George biography show that the talented singer was born in Lagos; she is the fourth child of five children. Lara developed passion for music while she was amember of the choir in her Alma mater Queens Colege, Yaba Lagos. Lara George studied law at the prestigious University of Lagos and she is also a legal practitioner.
Lara George's music career as a professional singer began in 1997 but she released her first hit single ; ijoba orun in 2007. Lara’s professional career began in 1997 when she joined the “Rock solid” group which belongs to a campus fellowship called Rock Foundation Mission, she later met some other talented singers – Ty, Emem and Dapo and together they formed KUSH. KUSH received many international awards and record deal and when the breakup of the group berthed the solo career of Lara. “Your dreams come true” is the first group album to be released by Lara. Popular Lara George songs include; Orin “I will write a song”, Season, Fig tree, Forever in my heart, I can, Ko ma si {Nobody like you}, More than anything, Higher, Rise, and Higher.
In 2008, Lara George album- forever in my heart won him several awards, these include ; 2008 Voice of the year award at the Nigerian Music award, and Female artiste of the year at the 2009 Nigerian Gospel music awards. Lara claims, her personal experiences as well as experiences shared from other people always influence her songs. Lara George New Album was released in July 2009, it was a sophomore album that comes with 14 tracks and she features Lord of Ajasa, and Midnight crew’s Pat Uwaje in 2 of her hit songs from the album- Run with you, and Ko le baje. Lara George 2012 album was titled “Higher” and it comes with lots of hit songs.
Lara George wedding to her husband Gbenga George is blessed with a son- Adeoba Alexander George. Lara George married her husband few years ago in Lagos Nigeria. Lara George husband is also a legal practitioner who also doubles as Lara’s manager.
Frank Edwards
Frank Edwards
Nicknamed Rich boy, Frank Ugochukwu Edwards,a member of Christ Embassy Church in Nigeria is signed to the church’s LoveWorld Records. Frank, a talented instrumentalist, broke into the scene with his debut album, The Definition, which was released in 2008. Frank returned to the studio and in 2010 and produced his second album, Angels on the Runway; he hit the market with another, ‘Unlimited’, in 2011. Frank began singing at the age of ten years as he learnt how to play the piano from his father. Currently, he has four albums to his credit, with the latest one ‘Tag Jam’ released in November 2011 which took frank to the A-class of Gospel artistes. He also made a cameo appearance in label mate Sinach’s video ‘I know who I am’. In May 2011 he was nominated as the Gospel Artiste of the Year at the 6th Annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA). He won the award for the Best Gospel Rock Artiste in the 1st edition of the awards. He also won West Africa Best Male Vocalist in 2012 and Best Hit Single at the Love World Awards 2012. Frank also bagged three awards at the Nigeria Gospel Music Awards (Male Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Vocal).
Sinach
Sinach
Also signed to LoveWorld Records and a key member of the music team at Christ Embassy,Sinach has become a household name in Nigeria. She has over 200 songs to her credit, including ‘Awesome God’, ‘Simply Devoted’, ‘I am Ready for Your Spirit’, ‘Shout of the King’, ‘All Things are possible’, ‘Born to Win’, ‘Fire in Me’, ‘More of You’, ‘No Failure with God’, ‘This is Your Season’; also winning the Song of the Year, Song Writer and Vocalist of the Year’ at the Love World Awards. Inspired by the ministry of the word by her Pastor, Sinachi also ministers as a vocalist and worship leader of Christ Embassy, alongside LoveWorld Music team. Through her Godly talent, she has ministered to millions of people all over the world in mega programs such as Night of Bliss withPastor Chris, Word at Work conventions with Pastor Chris, Youth Conferences with Pastor Chris, The Higher Life Conference, The Christ Embassy Healing School and many other programs by Pastor Chris with record attendances reaching millions.
Buchi
Buchi
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria to parents of Abia State origin, Buchi’s early education began inEnuguand took him through Methodist College, Uzuakoli and Federal Government College, Enugu. In 1983, he came to Lagos to study English Language and Literary Studies at the University of Lagos, where he obtained a BA in 1986 and a MA in 1988. Later in the same year, he took up an appointment to lecture at the same institution while studying for his doctorate degree. Buchi remained at the Department of English until 1994 when he yielded to the higher calling to propagate the Gospel of Jesus through writing and singing in the reggae genre. While in the university, his casual involvement in black activism through reggae club grew more intense after listening to Oliver Thambo and the officials of ANC (African National Congress) from South Africa during the club’s exhibition on “Apartheid in South Africa”. Again, having studied the black activism literature of Dennis Bruts, Wole Soyinka, Muta Baruka and the likes, Buchi’s preoccupation with reggae music as an “outcry against oppression” became deeper. Little wonder he also became involved in one of the campus’ confraternities which at the time prided itself as an anti oppression movement. This preoccupation with reggae music took a new turn when his friend Ras Kimono invited him to join the team of deejays on the Floating Bukka – a reggae nightclub situated on a docked vessel in Marina, Lagos Island. Foremost on the list of Buchi’s strong musical influences are Eric Donaldson, Joseph Hills, Burning Spear and Frankie Paul. In 1992, Buchi gave his life to Jesus Christ at the Christ Embassy Church and transferred himself from the nightclub to the choir of that ministry where he has remained till date. His first album released in 1999 (These Days) second album released in 2002 (So Beautiful) third album released in 2005 (What a Life). Buchi is married to Jane and they have four children. He has ministered in church concerts including Reinhard Bonnke’s stadium-packed outreaches. Multiple award winner including prestigious AMEN for Best in Gospel Category, 1999 Faith, POMP and TOMA Awards for Best Artiste, Reggae Artiste and Gospel Album of the Year variously.
Chris Morgan
Chris Morgan
The name Chris Morgan Abah Ochogwu might not sound familiar, but this talented Gospel singer, songwriter, composer, and performer is the brain behind “WORSHIP ON THE HILLS OF AFRICA”, a vision that is dedicated to raising people to worship God in spirit and in truth. The Orokam-born Benue Statesinger is no doubt an accomplished music minister, whose songs are filled with the divine presence of God, with great lyrical depth and inspiration and a great message of hope for our generation. Morgan has also ministered on the same platform with great international Gospel singers. Since stepping into the Gospel podium, the Ifeoma crooner has continued to carve a niche for himself by marking the beginning of a new worship trend in Africa. The Abuja-based gospel artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.
Nathaniel Bassey
Nathaniel Bassey
Nathaniel Bassey, born in Lagos, Nigeria makes the list of Connect Nigeria’s top 10 Gospel was a minister in The Apostolic Church Bashua Assembly before taking up the position of director of music at the Redeemed Christian Church of God,developed a love for both music and the Gospel at a very young age. According to the young music minister, he was inspired when he saw Dr Panam Percy Paul, a prominent Nigerian Gospel music icon in concert over twenty years ago and since then, his passion for music has grown and translated into various musical experiences. Nathaniel’s debut album ‘Elohim’ was recorded and mixed in Cape Town, South Africa in the year 2008. It has been described as a spiritual and artistic masterpiece with the hit track ‘Someone’s knocking at the door’ a soft-rock tune currently generating so much interest locally and internationally.
Joe Praize
Joe Praize
Joe Praize, singer and song writer, also belongs to the Christ Embassy Love World. Born Joseph Omo Ebhodaghe, the acclaimed Gospel music minister who hails from Edo State released his debut album, ‘My Praise’. Joe Praize has performed around the world including cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, KZN – all in South Africa, and countries like Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Nigeria, Ghana. The award-winning singer bagged the 2010 song of the year award at the prestigious Love World Awards for the song ‘Mighty God’ which is the fifth track on his album ‘My Praise’. He was also nominated for Best African Gospel by SABC Crown Gospel Award in 2011.
Tope Alabi
Tope Alabi
She holds sway when it comes to singing Gospel in Yoruba language with over five albums to her credit and over 800 movie sound tracks. The beautiful music minister who hails from Yewa, Imeko of Ogun State joined the then Jesters International, a theatre group with acts such as Jacob, Papilolo and Aderupoko at Ibadan and since then, she has distinguished herself as both a talented actress and singer. Tope Alabi is a pacesetter of soundtrack makers in the Yoruba Home Video Industry.
SamSong
SamSong
Samsong is a dynamic Nigerian Gospel artiste based in Abuja, Nigeria. He has had a successful recording career with radio hits like ‘Bianule’, and a handful of accolades such as The Psalmist Award in 2000, and recently being nominated for the Best Gospel Artiste by the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York in 2008. He has graced the stage with Gospel greats like Marvin Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Panam Percy Paul, as well as successful mainstream artistes like Donnell Jones, Kenny Lattimore, 112, TuFace, D’Banj, Faze, and Styl Plus. Born Samson Uche Mogekwu inDelta State, Nigeria. He discovered his talent for singing while in high school. It was also in high school he was adobted the stage name Samsong.
In 1991, he formed a quartet known as Praise Creation and got signed to Ivory Music Label with a debut album in 1996 titled ‘Best of Life’. The group however broke up and Samsong became a solo artist, releasing his debut album in 2002, which was titled ‘Count Your Blessings’. His album was a success, garnering airplay, and resulting in winning The Psalmist Award that same year. His sophomore album was released in 2004, ‘titled Still Counting’. He continued his award winning streak, snagging The Best Male Vocalist of the Year Award at Today’s Music Award in 2004, and Best Male Vocalist of The Year Award in 2005 at The Amen Awards. Samsong had become a bona fide celebrity and Gospel star at this point, having songs and videos in rotation on radio and TV, while receiving top billing at concerts. At The Vigoma Awards in 2005, he received The Best Video of The Year Award. His third release which was titled ‘The World of My Dreams’ was issued in 2007 and was his most ambitious release yet. It featured a remake of the mega hit ‘One Love’ by music icon Onyeka Onwenu, in which he performed a duet with her. The album also had a collaboration where Samson recorded the track ‘Live Right’ with Styl-Plus. His ambitious output was recognized as he was awarded with The Grace Honorary Award for Excellence in 2007. In 2008, he was nominated for The Best Gospel Artiste at The Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) held in New York City. He embarked on an international tour to promote his album, with stops at South Africa, the United Kingdom and Germany. In Germany, he had recorded and performed with Chris Lass, the famous German Gospel producer and artists
GRAMMY® nominatedHillsong Young & Free’s newest music video for their current radio single “Falling Into You” premiered exclusively with Billboard. To view the video, click here.
“We’ve had the best year in twenty-16 seeing the world and meeting so many new people,” Hillsong Young & Free’s Laura Toggs shared exclusively with Billboard. “To celebrate, we’re releasing a new music video for ‘Falling Into You’ that shows some of the highlights from our travels. This song is about letting go and choosing to enjoy Gods plan for your life. Each one of us could say that we’ve had to consciously choose to do this in the past year and although there can be elements of fear that holds us back – there’s truly nothing like the thrill of living out Gods purposes. We have such a sense of joy and freedom when we do this song… so wherever you are… we hope you enjoy it! Love Laura & everyone from Y&F. Merry Christmas” Releasing in February of 2016, the eclectic collection of songs found on Youth Revival articulate the deep desire of the human heart for something more. Youth Revival earned Hillsong Young & Free their first GRAMMY® Nomination.Making an impact at Christian radio, Youth Revival has garnered two Top 5 singles, as their newest “Falling Into You” quickly climbs the charts.
About Hillsong Young & Free: GRAMMY® nominatedHillsong Young & Free is a youth movement born out of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. In this thirty year story, they have seen generations of people serving, leading and pioneering movements. Young & Free is comprised of a collective of young people who come together to make music for youth and young adults everywhere. Their first album We Are Young & Free (2013) and EP, This Is Living(2015), garnered a No. 1 spot on Billboard Top Christian / Gospel Albums Chart. With millions of social followers engaging in the social conversation, Young & Free has scored two No. 1 radio singles and support from MTV, MTV Hits and mtvU among others. Young & Free fills stadiums across the globe and continues to push their positive message in the musical context of EDM and pop influences. Their latest No. 1 releaseYouth Revival (2016) is available now. About Hillsong Church: In August 1983, Brian and Bobbie Houston founded the Hills Christian Life Centre in the Hills District of Sydney, Australia. It has grown from a congregation of 45 to what is said to be the largest local church in Australian history. It has now expanded to be a global church with local expressions in significant cities; with churches in Australia, London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Cape Town, Stockholm, Germany, Kiev, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Phoenix. Each week, tens of thousands of people across the globe call Hillsong Church ‘home’ and the reach, impact and influence of this local congregation is seen across many nations.
Conservative group American Family Association has criticized National Geographic after the magazine announced it will feature a 9-year-old transgender child on its January cover.
The upcoming magazine cover will feature Avery Jackson, a 9-year-old child who was born male but is transitioning to look like a girl, along with the caption: “The best thing about being a girl is, now I don’t have to pretend to be a boy.”
“We devoted our entire January 2017 Special Issue to an exploration of gender,” the magazine announced on Twitter.
An accompanying broadcast documentary, “Gender Revolution, A Journey with Katie Couric,” will air Feb. 6 on National Geographic Channel.
“It seems that the discussion about gender is really at the center of our national conversation,” explained Susan Goldberg, the magazine’s editor in chief. “It is playing out in our education system, legal system, the military. Everywhere you look there is this conversation.”
She added that the Kansas City fourth-grader was a “natural choice” for the magazine cover: “We thought Avery was so strong, so proud … and confident about her decisions that she was a good person to symbolize the new discussions about gender. She seems to sum up the complexity of the issue. “
However, the move isn’t sitting well with conservatives, including The American Family Association, which slammed the magazine’s decision to promote transgenderism.
“BE WARNED PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS!!! National Geographic shakes a fist at God and biblical authority on their radical mission to advocate gender confusion in upcoming issues. The biblical teaching of the truth about gender identity is confirmed by biological science,” the group said on its Facebook page.
“Human sexuality is binary by design. Binary means there are two and only two options according to medical science – a child either has an XY chromosomal pattern or an XX. These are genetic markers which indicate God’s master design for humanity and create the capacity for human reproduction,” it added. “This Scripture verse comes to mind, ‘But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.’ Matthew 8:16 NIV.”
In an article explaining the reasoning behind the upcoming cover, Goldberg admitted that not all readers were happy with National Geographic’s decision to feature a transgender child, and some have said they plan to cancel their subscriptions. Others took to social media, criticizing the publication for promoting child abuse and the left-wing agenda.
“I used to love National Geographic,” one person wrote on Twitter. “Unfortunately it has become nothing but a cesspool of Left-wing insanity.”
“National Geographic is trying to brainwash young people into thinking this kind of degeneracy is normal,” wrote another.
The “Gender Revolution” issue, which hits newsstands nationwide on Dec. 27, examines the “cultural, social, biological and personal” aspects of gender identity, according to a press release.
1. "Glory (Let There Be Peace)" by Matt Maher
[BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES]
Christmas worship is one of my favorite parts of the season. There's just something special about combining the incredible beauty of the season with reverent vertical worship to God. Matt Maher's new worship song for the season, "Glory (Let There Be Peace)" will make a beautiful addition to any Christmas worship set list and is a worthy contender for one of the best Christmas songs released this year.
As with any good Christmas song, the focus is squarely on Jesus' birth in the manger and the reasons He came: To speak for the voiceless, hope for the hopeless, to bring us together in love, and peace for all. It's a timeless and incredibly current message all at once. The song builds to a beautiful chorus that is the musical equivalent of one of those heavy, deep sighs we all need at the end of a long, stressful, seasonal task-filled day: "Do not be afraid / His love is strong enough to save us / Nothing stands in the way / His love is strong enough to lead us."
God's love is just that simple. Love. It serves no other ulterior motive. And during a time where it feels all we're doing is ensuring we don't fail everyone around us, it's nice to sing about a love with no strings. Plus, there's jingle bells.
- Kevin McNeese, Founder/President
2. "Glorious" by for KING & COUNTRY [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] The Smallbone brothers who captain for KING & COUNTRY have a way of presenting the familiar and accessible, while doing so in a way that completely shocks you and draws you into something new. People who think they have "figured out" for KING & COUNTRY's sound immediately will be confounded with the brand-new Christmas single, "Glorious." Featuring more electronic elements than we've ever heard from the group, Luke's falsetto rings stronger and brighter than we've heard it to date, while Joel delivers the punchy, declarative chorus: "He is the chord to every song we were born to sing / He is the rhythm of your heart so let the beat begin / It's so glorious, glorious, glorious is God with us." This song is worshipful without being cliche, cutting edge without being inaccessible, beautiful without being predictable, a great introduction to what's next for the band and much-needed holiday offering.
- Marcus Hathcock, Executive Editor
3. "God With Us" by We Are Messengers [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] We Are Messengers' "God With Us" is a song for hurting hearts this Christmas season. Although Christmas is meant to be a joyful time of celebration, for some it becomes a hard time that feels lonely and acts as a reminder of loss. This song tackles that tender subject well, with Darren's emotional vocals leading the bold chorus that points listeners to the Hope of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us always. While the message is perfect for the Christmas season, it's not an overtly Christmas-sounding track and is one that can be enjoyed year-round because of it's timeless truth: "He is with us always, in our joy and in our pain / in the lonely midnight, keep looking up / Love has come / God with us."
- Caitlin Lassiter, News Curator
4. "Light of the World" by Lauren Daigle [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] Lauren Daigle has very quickly become one of the best-known names in Christian music, with her debut album How Can It Be sparking a meteoric rise and a chance to fill arenas with her striking voice. But for her brand new Christmas album, Behold, Lauren went home to her New Orleans roots. The result is a much more personal and intimate experience of one of the biggest voices in Christian music. The stripped back, frequently jazzy approach is part of what makes her original Christmas tune "Light of the World" shine. The lyrics however are even stronger still, marrying raw places of hurt and a worshipful heart: "He is the song for the suffering, He is messiah / The Prince of Peace has come, He has come, Emmanuel / Glory to the light of the world." Listeners will enjoy Lauren Daigle's voice in a whole new way with this calming, poignant song.
- Mary Nikkel, Associate Editor
5. "Little Drummer Boy" by Peter Hollens [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] OK, I'm an a cappella nerd. It's true. I sang in a group in college, and I sang with a certain Mr. Peter Hollens. Despite the obvious personal connection I have to this talented singer and YouTube star, I'm a big fan of his a cappella rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" from A Hollens Family Christmas, featuring another YouTube a cappella star, Mike Tompkins. Featuring no actual drums--vocal percussion, snaps and claps provide the beat--there's so much to love about this bright, sonically interesting rendition of this classic song telling the story of a little drummer boy whose gift to Jesus is rocking the drums. There are some awesome jazzy/gospely chords flying throughout the song in little interludes. In one particular verse, the one about Mary, there's even a brief reference to the song "Mary, Did You Know?" (which also is a track in its own right on the record). Also make sure you check out the emotive and honest original track "December Song" on the project.
- Marcus Hathcock, Executive Editor
6. "Amaryllis" by Christy Nockels [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] What I love about the original Christmas worship song, "Amaryllis" by Christy Nockels is that it sets my mind on the Light of Christmas, Jesus. The message of the song strips away the commercialism and secular celebration of this most blessed season, and instead focuses in on the ultimate gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I hear a yearning and longing from Christy to see Jesus face to face, and the phrase, "Sending a message to a sleeping world, that You are here with us now and You are making all things new again" is something all believers can sing to God. That's one of those beautiful truths that we can all cling to and get through anything we might be dealing with on this side of eternity, knowing that we have a blessed hope waiting for us in Heaven.
The ultimate gift of Christmas is that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin." That's cause for true community amongst God's sons and daughters and true fellowship with Him and one another. Jesus wants to give you Himself this Christmas and share in His light of life, and not walk in darkness. His love was born and bloomed in winter, like the winter flower, the Amaryllis. Now that Jesus has ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father, He tells us in His Word that through the Holy Spirit living inside of us, that we are the light of the world, and a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. This song celebrates that amazing gift.
- Kevin Davis, Lead Contributor
7. "The Song of Christmas" by NewSong [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] Many of us get lost in the shopping, the family gatherings, the work parties--and let's not forget the vacation days off--instead of focusing on what Christmas is truly all about: the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NewSong's worshipful and emotionally powerful "The Song of Christmas" pulls the listener into reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas: the beginning of salvation for us, the beginning of the end for Satan. "The Song of Christmas" shows reverence to our King--something we need to remember going into this holiday season.
- Staff Writer Phill Feltham
8. "Joy to the World" by Canton Juncton [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] The best news in the world is found by playing a simple scale on the piano. Canton Junction's rendition of "Joy to the World" is both classic and fresh, traditional with a little edge. I love the groove they find to showcase the timeless response to Jesus' birth: Joy! In a season that so easily gets bogged down with "stuff" and the clamoring for more, don't forget the Lord has come! That's something to celebrate.
- Staff Writer Sarah Bassett
9. "Shine So Bright" by Salt of the Sound [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] "Shine So Bright" is one of six meditative tracks on Salt of the Sound's latest project, the reflective Advent offering Waiting for the Dawn. Featuring bell-tones that hearken back to the mysterious melody of "Carol of the Bells," this tune by Swedish couple Ben and Anita Tatlow is all about the Light of the World coming to us. With a sound that mixes chill electronic vibes with the Celtic resonance of Enya and the octave-unison you hear with Of Monsters and Men, this song represents a sort of experience that's at once relaxing and cerebral. One of my favorite lines is one of response to this incarnation: "Will the light shine in the darkness once again? / When I see it, I let it in / You'll be the sunlight and I'll be the moon / To reflect your light, yes I'll shine so bright for you."
- Marcus Hathcock, Executive Editor
10. "Christmas is Here" by JJ Heller [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] My youngest of three daughters, Bethany, is ten years old, and she has that childlike faith that God challenges us to have. As a father of three young girls, I need to point my girls to their Heavenly Father. There's a lot more we can accomplish together by leaning into God as opposed to trying to solve life's challenges on our own. Life is messy and JJ Heller's song "Christmas is Here" is a great song celebrating the joy of Jesus coming and living amongst us as Emmanuel: God with Us.
As Christians, one of the aftershocks of the most important birth in the history of the world, Jesus', are the commercial celebrations we see all around us. What we need to remember is to "not be conformed to the patterns of this world." We need to sing "Gloria" and celebrate the birth of our King and Savior. The song expresses the blessed hope of our Savior, Jesus: "Light in the darkness, hope for the hopeless, His love will never fade away, Heaven came down to earth, To bind our wounds, and wipe away our tears." Ask the Lord Jesus to look into your heart and allow you to receive Him with a childlike wonder.
- Kevin Davis, Lead Contributor
11. "Come To Save Us" by All Sons & Daughters [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] It's not flashy, but there's something about the soothing melody and simplistic lyrics of All Sons & Daughters' "Come To Save Us" that makes it a terrific addition to my annual Christmas rotation, courtesy of the Majesty in a Manger compilation by Integrity artists. Perfect for a quiet Christmas Eve at home, Leslie Jordan and David Leonard do what they do best, crooning, "You're the hope among us / You're the peace that binds us / You have come to save us, Lord." It's a subtle, much-needed reminder of the true reason for the season: God's redemptive plan through Jesus' birth and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. As my schedule picks up during the hustle and bustle of the busy Christmas season, this track helps me focus on what truly matters. Let us never forget the baby in the manger.
- Micah Garnett, Publicity Manager
12. "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep/Silent Night" by Jody McBrayer [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] Let me start by saying this particular combination is magic to me. My favorite Christmas movie is "White Christmas." My favorite Christmas carol is "Silent Night." And since I first heard Avalon, Jody McBrayer has been one of my favorite singers. So, I'm biased. However, someone who has never seen "White Christmas" or listened to "Silent Night" or heard of Jody McBrayer will enjoy this song. While Bing Crosby's warm bass/baritone is smooth and rich, Jody's tenor is velvety and tender. The tone is reflective and reverent, befitting the season of peace on Earth and goodwill to all men. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXKxazgio2s bing and rosemary (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fADc19Svf0U jody (audio)
- Staff Writer Sarah Bassett
13. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Hannah Kerr [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a classic song that personifies family gatherings--lounge style. The right version of this song can fill the listener with Christmas spirit and stir memories of Christmases past. In my opinion, this song is not open for musical interpretation, remixes, or so-called new versions. Hannah Kerr's version respects the song's classic sound and achieves the song's intended goal: filling the listener with Christmas spirit. Good job, Hannah.
- Staff Writer Phill Feltham
14. "A Big Ole Texas Christmas" by Canton Junction [BUY THIS SONG ON iTUNES] Canton Junction wishes everyone across the globe "A Big Ole Texas Christmas." Texas is known for having bigger everything, so why not Christmas too? "A Big Ole Texas Christmas" is a swingin' celebration of the season. It's like a big boot-stompin' singing Christmas card that shares Canton Junction's heart for their listeners this holiday season.
With his first new music since 2013, "American Idol" Top 10 finalist Chris Sligh releases a new CD today through iTunes. The 11-song electropop/worship project titled "Mighty Roar/Healing Flood," features music written or co-written by Sligh, who also engineered, produced, mixed and mastered the album. "The almost four year wait for new music was exactly what Chris Sligh needed to produce an album unlike any he's ever released before, "The electro-pop vibe runs from beginning to end, even in the more worship-focused tracks, which creates a diverse listen and shows growth as an artist since his last release." "This album started out as a collection of songs written for the church where I was working at the time," Sligh said. "I quickly realized that the songs were less about moments of corporate worship and more about moments of deeply personal worship."I'm really proud of how the album turned out," he said. "It has radio songs, worship songs and artsy songs. And all of it kind of stays in this electro-pop realm that feels current to me."
Sligh became a household name following his successful appearance on Season Six of "American Idol." After making his way to the Top 10 of the popular talent search, Sligh released "Running Back to You," with its single "Empty Me" peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart in 2008. Three more releases followed between 2009 and 2012: "Christmas EP," "The Anatomy of Broken" and "For Our God and King." In 2013, Sligh released "This Is Life," a 37-song, three-album set of new music.
A complete track listing of "Mighty Roar/Healing Flood" follows: "Freedom Song" "Stripes" "Backwards" "More of You" "Here" "Worthy" (featuring Kayla Bailey) "Your Love" "All to You" "You Are God" "Mystery of Love" "Fill This Place"
The CD is available on iTunes. To learn more about Sligh and "Mighty Roar/Healing Flood," visit chrissligh.org, like Sligh on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.
