Stories behind the songs - Sunday January 13, 2008

"Blessed Be Your Name"
This powerful worship song by Matt Redman has a phrase that is based on Job 13:15. The Message translates it like this

"So hold your tongue while I have my say, then I'll take whatever I have coming to me.Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end. Just wait, this is going to work out for the best—my salvation!"

We'll begin our worship with this powerful song by Matt Redman.
Click here to hear the story behind the song by Matt Redman.
www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-257-BlessedBeYourName-Redman.mp3
Click here to hear the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6xo5KogzaI
Click here to worship along with Tree63
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mZH9T9XNVU&mode=related&search=

"Mighty To Save"
This is another song from the Hillsong music ministry in Sydney Australia. This song is by Rueben Morgan & Ben Fielding. This song has a great reoccuring text. "OUR GOD IS MIGHT TO SAVE". This is taken from the passage in Zephaniah 3:17

17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Click here to read more about Rueben Morgan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_Morgan
Click here to worship along with the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXCAhKDZRlo

"Something Happens"
The worship choir with Jennifer Reynolds will share this powerful song. Meditate on the lyrics

Jesus Something special Supernatural about your name Jesus Something happens when I mention your name Demons have to flee when I say Jesus (Jesus) Sickness has to heal when I say Jesus (Jesus) Every knee shall bow beforeand every tongue proclaim With worthy praise that matchless name of Jesus

When I call upon Your name the very atmosphere will have to change We'll be transformed We'll never be the same By the power of Your Holy name

Worship along Kurt Carr
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCfInYK_9Vg
Worship along with the Marcus Pointe worship choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0NhSITwd4o

"All My Life"
by the Parachute Band
John 8:36 says: 'So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed'. All My Life was written in response to the freedom found in Jesus. It's a simple song, but it's a simple message. Jesus is my freedom and my reason and I love Him with all my life.

"Break Through"
This is another great song by Tommy Walker, you'll want to listen to this one you can find the song here
www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php
Break through, break through all my doubts
Break through, break through all my fears
Break through that I may worship You
Break through, break through all my pain
Break through, all my guilt and my shame
Break through like only You can do
You are brighter than my darkest night
Stronger than my toughest fight
Just one touch from You my King, my friend
And I’ll never be the same again
Break through, break through

"Holy Holy Holy"
Click here to listen to the story behind the song:
http://hymns.lifespringonline.com/?p=13
Click here to listen to the song:
www.joyfulministry.com/holyholyt.htm
Click here to read more about the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy,_Holy,_Holy
Click here to listen to an organ arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=una7Q2z0WME
Click here to listen to another organ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWCXI-b0O54
Click here for an acoustic guitar arragement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFrhK1n_K9M

Stories Behind the Songs - Sunday January 6, 2007

"You are Good"
Click here to learn more about Israel Houghton's ministry.
www.profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=99989541Israel leads a worship band called "New Breed" here's their website, you can listen to portions of the songs they sing including "You are Good"
www.newbreedmusic.com/
Click here to learn more about Israel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Houghton

"Say So"
Another great song by Israel Houghton click here to read about his ministry with "NEW BREED"
www.newbreedmusic.com/
Click here to listen to Israel in the studio:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayuUrynTMy0
Click here to worship along at a worship event the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGlVQzUweso&mode=related&search=
Click here to watch more of Israel sharing a new song
"If not for Your Grace"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgizH3sIizU&mode=related&search=

"Your Grace still Amazes Me"
Click here to sing along with Phillips, Craig & Dean
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqlYw_RtgGY&feature=related

"You are My All in All"
Many of you will remember our joint concert with area churches up at First Baptist Church of Grapevine.. The evening of praise was led by Dennis Jernigan. Dennis has written many of the worship songs we sing including "Who can Satisfy", "We will worship the Lamb of Glory", "I belong to Jesus", "When the night is Falling" and "You are my all in all".
Here are some links that will share more about Dennis' ministry.
Click here for an article about Dennis
http://www.okbu.edu/news/view_article.php?id=1127
Click here for Dennis' website
http://www.dennisjernigan.com/
Click here to hear Dennis ministering in Brazil * must see
http://mickey.tv/r/Video.aspx?v=B_O6TUAMWIw&key=Dennis+Jernigan
Click here to sing through the song with Dennis Jernigan
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC617kE1maU

"Take my Life and Let it Be"
Frances R. Havergal wrote the following about how he wrote the song: I went for a lit­tle vi­sit of five days (to Are­ley House). There were ten per­sons in the house, some un­con­vert­ed and long prayed for, some con­vert­ed, but not re­joic­ing Christ­ians. He gave me the pra­yer, “Lord, give me all in this house!” And He just did. Be­fore I left the house ev­ery one had got a bless­ing. The last night of my vis­it af­ter I had re­tired, the gov­ern­ess asked me to go to the two daugh­ters. They were cry­ing, then and there both of them trust­ed and re­joiced; it was near­ly mid­night. I was too hap­py to sleep, and passed most of the night in praise and re­new­al of my own con­se­cra­tion; and these lit­tle coup­lets formed them­selves, and chimed in my heart one af­ter ano­ther till they fin­ished with “Ever, On­ly, ALL for Thee!”click here to hear a newer version of the hymn
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEzbwcMG9Gc

"The More I seek You"
click here to read more about Zach Neese who wrote this powerful worship song
www.gatewaypeople.com/churchinfo/index.php?action=staffbiodetails&sid=180
Click here to worship along with Kari Jobe (LD Bell High school graduate)www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk

"Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)"
New Song Cafe - story behind the song "Amazing Grace" * must see
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU_4lIik9D8
More information on how the song came about.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IliVc9JqW0I
Click here to watch the music video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXV6HJxUebg&mode=related&search=

Stories behind the Carols - Sunday Dec. 23, 2007

Merry Christmas from the Garners -

You've got to check out our elf song here

www.elfyourself.com/?id=1511856864

"Shout to the North"
Click here to read about Martin Smith http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Smith_(songwriter)
Click here to worship along with Delirious:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BUe_8I4j54
Click here to worship along with Charlie Hall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBuakvHqE9E&mode=related&search=

"Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"
The music for this hymn is by Ludwig van Beethoven . Taken from the fourth and final movement of his Ninth Symphony (completed in 1824), for four solo voices, chorus, and orchestra.
You can sing several different texts to this great hymn. We'll sing two Christmas verses this Sunday -

"Joyful, Joyful, we adore You,

God of glory, Lord of light;

Angels lifting praise before You

sing thoughout this holy night

In a manger lies a Baby,

child of Mary, son of God.

Voices joined in joyful chorus

praise you for Your gift of love."

All Your works declare Your glory;

All creation, joins to sing

Praise resounds as earth rejoices

in the birth of Christ, the King.

Shepherds kneel before the infant.

Trumpets sound and anthems raise

As with joy our hearts are lifted,

joined in wonder, love and praise"

*these verses were adapted by Linda Lee Johnson
Click here for Leonard Bernsteins' rendition of "Ode to Joy"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZJ1Tgf4JL8
Click here to listen to a hammered dulcimar
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VGhhxzP364
Click here to hear it on a clawhammer Banjo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPsnX4HWTCg
click here to hear it played on chimes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h54Zn47OZ0g
Click here for a German choir - absolutely beautiful
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMGKPajKs08

"Hallelujah Chorus"
The worship choir will sing a newer arrangement of the "Hallelujah Chorus" by Handel, click here for more reading on the song and the oratorio "The Messiah"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_%28Handel%29#The_.22Hallelujah_Chorus.22
Click here for an article on whether you should stand when the song is sung or not - makes for interesting reading
www.lafolia.com/archive/skyley/skyley200412messiah.html
another article with several views on this
www.festival-singers.org.nz/haleluia.htm

Click here for the Robert Shaw version
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXTJQY2SY4
Here is a fun youtube video that actually has the music where you can follow along
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnHksDFHTQI
Here is an interesting arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=phhqYXTA5dA
Here is the arrangement that the choir will be singing Sunday with Anthony Berger playing the piano
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGG_Of0ccYM

"It came upon a midnight clear"
Click here to read more about this carol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Came_Upon_the_Midnight_Clear
Click here to listen to Josh Groban
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DottUe8PSk8
Click here for a great acapella arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuBI9mkWY
here is an arrangement from Perry Como that starts with Happy Holidays:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NnnmnY_TGo

"Here I am to Worship"
We're adding the lyrics from "Away in a Manger" to this song for the second vers:
Click here to listen to the story behind the song by Tim Hughes.www.theheartofworship.org/stories/Story-196-HereIAmtoWorship-Hughes.mp3
Click here to worship along with Darlene Zschech in Australia leading the song.www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2d10n1Cpcc&mode=related&search=
Click here to read more about the composer Tim Hugheswww.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/worship/1227531/

"Hark the Herald, Angels Sing"
Click here to read more about his carol by Charles Wesley
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hark!_The_Herald_Angels_Sing
Click here to hear Jewell sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUqtKJ13eH4
Click here for the Mariah Carey arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWQzmb3xjn8
Click here for an acapella arrangement from the Duke's Co-ed Acapella choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLZlWmpDMTY

"Angels we have heard on High"
Click here to read more about this French carol:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_We_Have_Heard_on_High
Click here for a guitar arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBGAPYHx9gs
Click here for the Westminster choir arrangment:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2hsQS79YS8
Click here if you want to see a guy play the song on a big piece of Brocolli
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GabHGlGm14

Sermon Sunday is titled "Those who held our Lord"
Simeon Luke 2: 25-35

Offertory Sunday is Jennifer Reynolds singing "One Child"
click here to preview the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND9uOzw-TZg

Stories behind the Carols - Sunday Dec. 16, 2007

"Joy To The World"
One of our most popular Christmas carols is the result of the efforts of Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason—and, some believe, George Frederick Handel. Watts was a frail, quiet man only five feet tall. Mason was an energetic publisher, choir director, and composer. Handel was a large, robust musical genius. Handel and Watts were contemporaries in London and one imagines they must have appreciated each other's talents. Mason lived 100 years later in Boston.
In 1719 Isaac Watts, already a notable scholar and author, sat down under a tree at the Abney Estate near London and began to compose poetry based on Psalm 98. Watts had begun writing verses as a small child. In his teen years he complained that the songs in church were hard to sing. His father said, "Well, you write some that are better." And so he did. For the next two years, young Isaac wrote a new hymn each week. (He would eventually write more than 600 of them, all based on Scripture.) Today, hymns like "Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" are hallmarks of the Christian church, and Watts is regarded as "the Father of English Hymnody."
In 1741 George Frederick Handel, who was already famous as the composer of several operas and oratorios, decided that he wanted to do a truly great work. After spending time in prayer, he arose from his knees and for 23 days labored almost continuously day and night. The immortal Messiah, now a Christmas tradition, was the fruit of that incessant struggle.
A nobleman once praised Handel for the "entertainment" he had furnished in one of his compositions. In no uncertain terms Handel let the nobleman know that his music was composed to make men better, not to entertain them.
Almost a century later, Lowell Mason set Watts's poem of "joy" to music. For years it was assumed that Mason used tunes from Handel's Messiah for portions of the arrangement, but the veracity of that claim is now debated among scholars. Listeners can judge for themselves. But this we know: It was Mason who ultimately brought the pieces together to give us "Joy to the world"
Click here to listen to the acapella group Take 6:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=evywpq32Oa0
Click here to listen to the Vienna Boys choir:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlhWQhtTfq4
Click here if you like Michael Bolton:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXY8Vtnrsxc
Click here to listen to a Mannheim Steamroller version: www.youtube.com/watch?v=inhQTvEhsiU
Click here for a solo guitar version:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiVamM-Uk6A

"Go Tell It On The Mountain"
Go Tell It on the Mountain, was the product of the prayers and faith of an unknown slave, probably before the Civil War. He was probably unable to read the Bible, but gleaning from stories he had heard, he imagined the emotions of the shepherds and wise men, though he did not mention them specifically.
Click here to read about the story behind the song:
www.niu.edu/PubAffairs/RELEASES/2004/nov/carol04.shtml
Click here for a Bob Marley arrangement of the carol:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkUjtl3sH_k
Click here for the Aretha Franklin arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-HHh-pSkiA
Click here for the Dolly Parton arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpSGps6Uqco
Click here for the Peter, Paul & Mary arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0nAyWVp-hY&feature=related
Click here for an acapella arrangement by the Voices of Liberty:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=es4UglURN9k
Click here for a great jazz arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBh4Y2m6Vqc&feature=related

"Carol of the Bells"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_of_the_Bells
click here to listen to the George Winston arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JYrOMK1aDA
click here for a Celtic arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tNbsQ8eDbA
Click here for the Tucson Boys choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TL1ll4nWo
Click here for the Bradford Barlow arrangement the choir will be singing:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E74x_mdblWg

"O Little Town Of Bethlehem"
Click here for the story behind the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Little_Town_of_Bethlehem
Click here for a traditional choir arrangement:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql0CnTY49mc
Click here if your a Nat King Cole enthusiast:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWq8HxloB6Q
Click here if Kenny Rodgers is your style:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIEVhgqMHso
Click here if you like Elvis:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLTUqVv6Klc
Click here for a contemporary arrangement of the song by First Call:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS7YK2CRfRs

"Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)"
"Untitled Hymn"This song by Chris Rice was on his recording "Run the earth and watch the sky". What a great name for a recording.
Click here to learn more about Chris
www.christianmusic.com/chrisrice/bio.html
Click here to worship along with the song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=39XD1ImxGWw&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to worship along with song
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_4g8_e16dc&mode=related&search=

"Away in a Manger"
Away in a manager is always the first carol that children are taught. Away in a Manger was originally published in 1885. The publication of Away in a Manger was in a Lutheran Sunday school book and this created the misconception that the lyrics of Away in a Manger were actually written by Martin Luther himself. The author is unknown. The music to Away in a Manger was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

Click here to read more about the Carol:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Away_in_a_Manger
Click here to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJO15vuC8g0
Click here to hear a great contemporary arrangement by Third Day
www.youtube.com/watch?v=s96m4Kk5BGU
Click here to listen to a Celtic arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOJb6uOF05Q

Stories behind the Carols - Sunday Dec. 9, 2007

"Glory to God in the Highest"
This gospel song was written by Daryl Williams. Click here to read more about his trio and Daryls' ministry:
http://darylwilliamstrio.net/index.php
Click here to listen to the Old Friends quartet sing the song on a Gaither video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tYaI7UL_NE
Click here to hear Ernie Hasses' quartet sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKMrhp5uS3g

"Everlasting"
Brenton Brown wrote this song after both he and his wife had being diagnosed with Chronic fatigue syndromeGreat song by Brenton Brown, check him out here. http://www.brentonbrownmusic.com/
Click here to listen to him share about how the song came about
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YePOcs88kqw
Click here to listen to Lincoln Brewsters' arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM&mode=related&search=
Click here to listen to Brenton Brown & Paul Baloche
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bLWwnVBuF8

"Angels From the Realms of Glory"
James Montgomery was the son of Missionaries who went to the West Indies and left their son in a boarding school when he was only 6 years old. While his devout parents shared the gospel, their son was shuttled from home to home. He failed at school. He failed as a baker's apprentice. But, he could write poetry. In time, he worked for The Sheffield Register, a radical newspaper which he later bought out and renamed, The Iris. Because of addressing sensitive political issues in his paper, twice Mr. Montgomery was fined and imprisoned.On Christmas Eve, 1816, at the age of 45, James published his poem, "Angels from the realms of glory," in his paper.The stirring tune, Regent Square came from the pen of the blind musician composer, Henry Smart who was born in 1813 and lived until 1879. The name Regent Square was taken from the most prominent Presbyterian Church in London. Montgomery produced more than 400 hymns, surpassed only by Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts in the number of hymns now in general use throughout Christendom.
Click here to listen to an organ arrangement with Chimes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-t7koyC9QE&feature=related

"This is Christmas"
These are great words set to the tune of "Silver Bells". I'm really not sure where I got the words, but because the tune is so familiar, it works well in worship. Here are the alternate christmas lyrics that can be sung to "Silver Bells".

"This is Christmas, This is Christmas
Every pure heart is filled,
with a song that is praising the Saviour
For the glory and the blessing
that has brightened our way,
Since Jesus was born on that day
Wonderful (echo) Counselor (echo)
Down from His throne to a manger
Mighty God (echo) Prince of Peace (echo) Soon he is coming again"

Click here to read more about the song "Silver Bells"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Bells

Click here to listen to John Denver sing "Silver Bells"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=djfgoGAEU4E

"Good Christian men Rejoice"
This is a 14th Century Latin carol, translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866). The original Latin title of this song is "In Dulci Jubilo" meaning "in sweet shouting". This is known as a "macaronic carol" because it combines 2 or more languages. In this case, German and Latin.........with a 19th Century English rendering by Mr. Neale.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Dulci_Jubilo
Click here to hear a brass arrangement
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftdtocjj7i4

"One Day"
This is a new arrangement of an old hymn by Michael Bleaker worship pastor at the Village church in Flower Mound. The words were penned by J. Wilbur Chapman.Click here to play the song - scroll down to new worship songs
www.firsthurst.com/HURST_worship_resources.php
Michael on worship:
"At the Village church , we believe that worship is our response - both personal and corporate - to God for Who He is and what He has done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live."
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my Example is He!
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!
One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!
One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o’er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my belovèd ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

Offertory "Breath of Heaven"
Amy Grant wrote this song. In 1992 she produced her second studio Christmas album, Home For Christmas. The album was a smash success, going multi-platinum and earning acclaim for its large symphonic arrangements. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)", a song which told the nativity story from Mary's perspective, was one of the album's biggest successes. Grant had been pregnant with her third child, Sarah Chapman, during the writing of the song and has said that she was inspired by her pregnancy to reflect on Mary's struggle.
click here to hear Amy Grant sing this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2egKS4d1oI
Click here to see sign-language of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYVd5h5bro&feature=related

Stories behind the CAROLS - Sunday Dec. 2, 2007

What is a Carol anyway?

A song of praise or joy, especially for Christmas.
An old round dance often accompanied by singing.
To sing in a loud, joyous manner.
To go from house to house singing Christmas songs.
To celebrate in or as if in song: caroling the victory.
To sing loudly and joyously.

"O Come All Ye Faithful"
Also known in Latin as "Adeste Fidelis", this Christmas carol is credited to an English hymnist named John Francis Wade (1711-1786).
Click here to read more about the history of the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adeste_Fideles
Click here to listen to Bianca Ryan sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I8XAf4Rwa4
Click here to hear a traditional setting:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZKp4npV47Q&feature=related

"Lord I lift Your Name on High"
Rick Founds wrote this song.
It was written in 1989 during Found's morning devotion. Having developed the habit of playing guitar while watching television, he found it very natural to play while reading Scripture on his computer monitor.
"I'd just reach over and grab my guitar," he recalls. "I'd plunk along with whatever I was reading that day."
He remembers marveling one early morning at the love of God who created the world though He knew we would rebel and fall. It amazed Rick that God had a plan to redeem us from the very beginning. As Founds meditated over his cyber-Bible and touched his guitar strings, God's plan struck him as something of a cycle.
He thought of the cycle of rain that comes down, waters the earth, evaporates back into the clouds and then returns.
Suddenly, the now famous chorus emerged: "You came from heaven to earth to show the way / From the earth to the cross my debt to pay / From the cross to the grave / From the grave to the sky..." Interrupting his own lyric, Founds explains, "The response to grasping even a little bit of that knowledge is praise, and thanksgiving and gratitude!" When he completes the line, 'Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,' a moment of silent awe follows.

Click here to read more about this Carol
www.ccli.com/WorshipResources/SongStories.cfm?itemID=11
Click here to worship along with Rick Founds
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBezK_v_FqY
Click here to worship along with the group Petra:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cx5YmS7GXQ&feature=related
Click here to worship along with some great images:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OF5iaFNE7Q


"Unto the Lamb"
This great worship song was written by Brian Ming, worship director for CHRIST FOR THE NATIONS in Dallas.
Here is Brians' testimony in his own words:
Recently, God has called me out to the body of Christ to impart at local churches, at conferences, and various events. I feel called, not to one exclusive organization, or denomination, but to go where He opens the door. If you are interested in having me, my wife, and/or team come, send me a message. Well, a little background on me.....I've been in full time ministry since the age of 19yrs old (unless you count playing the drums for my parents church at age 9). I was youth pastor, college pastor, music pastor, young adults district cordinator, masters commission director, and the list goes on & on. I pioneered a lot of cool ministries (with the help of amazing people that God put around me).....I love working with young people who are passionate for Christ! We had a group that traveled all over the country leading people to the Lord through worship & dramas. God has allowed me to accomplish many things at a young age. I am very excited at what He is doing in my life NOW! I am currently the worship leader at Christ for Nations Institute & I have the privilege of being around some awesome students! God has put a desire in my heart to challenge this next generation to make a difference in their world, with a life of worship. As well as ministry on the platform, I feel just as called and anointed to be a loving husband to my beautiful wife Kristen, and a father to three amazing children.

Click here to worship along with Brian Ming - the song is on his stand-alone player
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=185732641


"This is Christmas"
These are great words set to the tune of "Silver Bells". I'm really not sure where I got the words, but because the tune is so familiar, it works well in worship. Here are the alternate christmas lyrics that can be sung to "Silver Bells"

"This is Christmas, This is Christmas

Every pure heart is filled, with a song that is praising the Saviour

For the glory and the blessing that has brightened our way,

Sin..ce Jesus was born on that day

Wonderful (echo) Counselor (echo)

Down from His throne to a manger

Mighty God (echo) Prince of Peace (echo)

Soon he is coming again

Click here to read more about the song "Silver Bells"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Bells
Click here to listen to John Denver sing "Silver Bells"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=djfgoGAEU4E


"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"
In 1738, the love and grace of God gripped the heart of Charles Wesley, and he actively sought to share the knowledge of His love with others. Charles wrote over 6000 hymns, including "Christ the Lord is risen today," "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing," "Jesus Lover of My Soul" and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling."

In this Christmas carol, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," Wesley makes many references to who Jesus is and what He can mean to those who believe on Him. Take time to consider this carol of anticipation and fulfillment.

Click here to listen to a Bagpipe arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PuVoYnhcbU
Click here to listen to a great Pipe organ arrangement of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbgbS42n_U8
Click here to listen to a solo arrangement with guitar
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCCy9MvdHSQ

"Tell me the Story of Jesus"
This great hymn was written by Fanny Crosby, here is some short information on her testimony:
The story of Fanny Crosby is one of sorrow, yet of the deepest love. At the age of six weeks old, Fanny developed an eye infection. The family physician was unavailable so another physician was called. He applied hot mustard poultices to the baby’s eyes. This caused severe burns to Fanny’s eyes and she was permanently blind from then on.Fanny never felt bitter but instead grew into a young woman who “saw” God in everything around her and in every circumstance that life handed to her. Although she was physically blind, Fanny had the keenest of spiritual sight…which is reflected in her 9,000 plus hymns. Her love for God and her eagerness to share with others what Christ had done for them brought countless numbers to Christ.


Click here to hear a gaither video of the song great harmony:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cclh18f3Fc4
Click here to hear a great trio sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JezvAf3PGfU


"The First Noel"
The word Nowell comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas", from the Latin word natalis ("birth"). It may also be from the Gaulish words "noio" or "neu" meaning "new" and "helle" meaning "light" referring to the winter solstice when sunlight begins overtaking darkness.

Click here to read more about the song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_No%C3%ABl#Animaniacs_parody
Click here to listen to Clay Aiken sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJhlB-CzCsc
Click here to hear Helmut Lotti sing the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=We4xRHMuCNg&feature=related
** Click here for an interesting arrangement - one person, two guitars: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cyWiw3cSOI



"Breath of Heaven"
Amy Grant wrote this song. In 1992 she produced her second studio Christmas album, Home For Christmas. The album was a smash success, going multi-platinum and earning acclaim for its large symphonic arrangements. "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)", a song which told the nativity story from Mary's perspective, was one of the album's biggest successes. Grant had been pregnant with her third child, Sarah Chapman, during the writing of the song and has said that she was inspired by her pregnancy to reflect on Mary's struggle.

click here to hear Amy Grant sing this song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2egKS4d1oI
Click here to see sign-language of the song:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYVd5h5bro&feature=related

Stories behind the songs - Sunday Nov. 25, 2007

For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird, and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"My God Lives"
We do this song a lot, but I love how it paints the picture of the gospel. This song was originally recorded at Fellowship Church in Grapevine. My favorite line is “He went to the cross for my sins and in three days He rose again, and on His throne He reigns for eternity”

"Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King"
This arrangement is by Thomas Miller, Worship Pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. I had the opportunity to visit with Thomas during my sabbatical, he said the added chorus came to him on a Saturday morning watching college football. He was singing through the order for that evenings service and wanted to have some kind of transition to the next song and the following simple chorus came to him.
"Come Thou fount, come Thou King,
Come Thou precious Prince of Peace;
Hear Your bride, to you we sing,
come Thou fount of our blessing."
The original hymn was composed by the 18th century Methodist pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. The hymn is set to an American folk tune known as Nettleton, by attribution to the evangelist Asahel Nettleton who composed it early in the nineteenth century. Robinson penned the words at age the of 22 in the year 1757.
Click here to watch and sing along with the Gateway church version
http://www.blogger.com/www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BFNvhbuNg4&mode=related&search=
If you like more of a traditional arrangement check out this choir arrangement here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUhU0HgTq94&mode=related&search=

"Thou, O Lord"

This is one of our Choirs' favorite anthems, based upon the Psalm 3

Psalm 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
7 Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Click here to hear the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir minister the song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=y284YvkYrZo

Click here to hear the Lee University Campus choir minister the song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0yOfnwPNd4

"New Every Morning"
This song is based on Lamentations 3:22-23
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
click here to hear a recording of the song http://www.blogger.com/www.worshipmusic.com/vmd8076.html
Click here to learn more about the composer
www.scottunderwood.org/

"Amazed"

Click here to read an interview of the composer Jared Anderson

www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/jaredanderson.html

You dance over me

While I am unaware

You sing all around

But I never hear the sound
Lord I’m amazed by You

Lord I’m amazed by You

Lord I’m amazed by You

How You love me

Click here to worship along with Jared Anderson
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO0adHGUdxo

Click here to watch a video montage of the song (clearer audio)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGBRkx--w7I&feature=related

"Offering"

This song is by Paul Baloche. Paul Baloche has written some of this generation’s most compelling worship songs, songs that have become the soundtrack for believers all over the world in times of worship both corporate and private. His approach to his calling is simple, yet profound: “The best worship songs come as a byproduct of worship.”

Click here to watch the iworship dvd of the song

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRovY3GoEUk

Click here to worship along with Paul Baloche

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxuyRyi8ulw&feature=related

"The Solid Rock"
One morning it came into my mind as I went to labour, to write an hymn on the ‘Gracious Experience of a Christian.’ As I went up Holborn I had the chorus,

‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand,All other ground is sinking sand.’
In the day I had four first verses complete, and wrote them off. On the Sabbath following I met brother King as I came out of Lisle Street Meeting…who informed me that his wife was very ill, and asked me to call and see her. I had an early tea, and called afterwards. He said that it was his usual custom to sing a hymn, read a portion, and engage in prayer, before he went to meeting. He looked for his hymn-book but could find it no where. I said, ‘I have some verses in my pocket; if he liked, we would sing them.’ We did, and his wife enjoyed them so much, that after service he asked me, as a favour, to leave a copy of them for his wife. I went home, and by the fireside composed the last two verses, wrote the whole off, and took them to sister King…As these verses so met the dying woman’s case, my attention to them was the more arrested, and I had a thousand printed for distribution.

Click here to listen to an arrangement by the Cadet sisters

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJnb3l9UuYU&feature=related

here is a gospel arrangement by the

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkGv-2Yb8a4&feature=related

here is a more traditional arrangement of the song on organ

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkGv-2Yb8a4&feature=related

Offertory this Sunday is Mark Kent singing "Thankful"

Here is Caedman's call singing the song:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0HS_ICk8Js

Click here to watch a video montage of the song

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhGAYc_ZIP0&feature=related