It will be no secret to readers of Fide-o that I have become a huge fan of Sovereign Grace Music over the last few years. Their commitment to excellence in the area of worship music and their desire to write music for the church is refreshing. It has given me renewed hoped that we can turn the tide of the the modern CCM version of “worship music” and make it something that is God honoring.
Several weeks ago Bob Kauflin of Worship Matters asked certain blogs to review the new Christmas CD from SGM. I have never done something exactly like this and I want to be fair and honest about how I feel about the CD. Savior “Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man” is not your typical Christmas CD in several areas. The music doesn’t follow the typical Christmas pattern of harps, sleigh bells, and cheery sentimentality. You want get a lot of sleigh bells or fluffy lyrics about the cute cuddly little baby Jesus surrounded by animals. What you will get is exactly what the album title promotes. A biblical reminder of the reason for the incarnation. Those who truly understand the nature of Christmas cannot help but head to the cross and songs such as “Salvation is Born” shows a real understanding of this. Even the one somewhat lullabyish song “Sleep, Jesus, Sleep” is alive with exaltation of the Christ as a child, and a message of his purpose in salvation. “Glory Be to God” is also a great melody full of incarnational theology.
My one disappointment was that I didn’t think I would be able to use much of it congregationally. The songs are great, but somewhat difficult to learn for use one or two services a year. Although as I listen to it more I may be proven wrong on that.
I recommend anyone purchasing this a stocking stuffer. My entire family has really enjoyed this album.
Tweet
36 year old husband, father, pastor, singer, musician, reader, eater, rider, watcher,
Scott, thanks for pointing this out. I have really enjoyed becoming more acquainted with SG’s music over the past year. We’re planning to use a number of their songs this next year.
I just finished listening to the free demos of each of the songs on the album. If you don’t mind telling us, which songs do you think are most singable for your congregation? Are you incorporating any of them this year?
I am not incorporating any of them this year. By the time I heard the CD I had already planned everything for Christmas. In fact I would have needed to have gotten the album in early September to have even considered it.
If I were going to use some of the songs I might use Emmanuel Emmanuel as a congregational song, and maybe Christ the Lord Is Born Today. I am pretty sure next Christmas I will do a version of Salvation is Born with a youth ensemble.
Wow…that’s a great CD..I just bought it and downloaded it…
thanks very much, I’m always on the lookout for Christian music that is theology sound and honors God….
bob