Whether it’s because of the often-chilly weather, gifts, a special church service, spending time with loved ones or some other time-honored tradition, Christmas is a time near and dear to the hearts of many.
However, one new song - “More than Hands Can Hold”- from Peter Hollens and the father-daughter duo, Mat and Savanna Shaw, reminds us to stop, take a second and think about others during the Christmas season and how we can help out our fellow man.
All three take their turn showing off their impressive pipes as they belt out the song with its Christmas-themed lyrics and beautiful message in picturesque settings.
The video opens with Savanna singing the first verse while walking along a bridge in a forest fit for a Disney princess. We then get a glimpse of Peter in a church, sitting in a pew sharing the song’s reminder that Christmas is more than just about us and our needs, wants and desires.
Seconds later, Peter changes location and is joined by Mat, who chimes in with more about getting outside ourselves and providing a helping hand to those in need.
As good and helpful as the message throughout is, the following three lines from the song’s chorus best capture the intent and call to action for its listeners:
“May we share our hearts and give ourselves
Feel the hope in helping someone else and
Let us shine the light of love this Christmas”
Christmastime is a busy and chaotic period for nearly everyone. There are gifts to buy, parties to attend and food to eat. But what about someone else? What are you doing to help your fellow man?
“More Than Hands Can Hold” is a terrific reminder to change our perspective, slow down and get outside our comfort zone in order to assist someone who may be down on their luck during the Christmas season.
Proverbs 3:27 “Do not keep back good from those who have a right to it, when it is the power of your hand to do it.”
Christmas is the time of year when people exchange gifts, share a meal or two or three together and partake in several other holiday traditions. All of those activities are to commemorate and remember an event that took place thousands of years ago. The birth of that child so long would go on to forever change the world.
Luke 2:11 says, “For on this day, in the town of David, a Saviour has come to birth, who is Christ the Lord.” A song by the band Crowder – “Your Praise Goes On” - is a retelling of that child’s birth.
The catchy tune also mentions how we are still overjoyed by and celebrating Christ’s birth all these years later.
As the first and second verses provide details about the events leading up to and following the birth of Jesus Christ, the song’s chorus helps to differentiate it from other similar tunes.
“Your praise goes on never ending
Your praise goes on, how sweet is that sound
It’s been 2000 years, we’re still singing Your song”
The song also points out that what took place in that stable all those years ago changed and is still changing lives in our world today.
The band’s song is intended for the Christmas season. The lyrics speak of the Christmas story found in the New Testament. The song mentions the shepherds, the wise men and the manger. There are also several Christmas trees that can be seen behind the band members in the video. But the song’s message, particularly its chorus, is something that can easily translate throughout the rest of the year.
Exodus 15:2 “The Lord is my strength and my strong helper, he has become my salvation: he is my God and I will give him praise; my father’s God and I will give him glory.”
Whether we like it or not, death is something that we will all experience. Death, as odd and ironic as it may seem, is a part of life. Generally, most people fear death, likely simply due to all the unknowns surrounding the conclusion of our time on earth. But thankfully, for those who confess with their mouths and believe in their hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord, it is not the end.
The lyrics to Hillsong Worship’s song “As it Is (In Heaven) are all about heaven, the eternal reward for those who believe in Christ. It also mentions that the earth is only a temporary spot for Christians and that heaven awaits. Three lines of the song’s second verse help to drive this point home perfectly.
“Should I suffer long
This is not my home
I know heaven waits for me.”
During our time on earth, we will experience struggles, hardships, failures and sickness. Later in the song, the beautiful lyrics point out this as well. The musicians remind their listeners that the earth is not a stopping point, but that a place much, much better awaits. However, until that time comes, the musicians sing that death will have no fear over them because of Christ.
The musicians share their message with hundreds of people as they play in a concert setting, as the video shows. Throughout the entirety of the song, the audience can be heard singing right along to the lyrics.
The song's awesome message can also be found in Paul’s letter to the Romans. In Romans 6:23, Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”
Bragging and boasting about ourselves and our possessions is generally not the best way to win people over. You’ll only annoy and aggravate. People will avoid a braggart like a plague. However, Psalm 44:8 states that “In God we boast all the day long, and praise your name forever. Selah.”
We all have our shortcomings and failures and have made our fair share of mistakes. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he reminds us of this fact. Writing in Romans 3:23,” For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
However, a song from Hillsong Worship tells us that we do have reason to boast. It’s not because of ourselves or due to anything we own. No, instead, it’s because of Christ and because of what he has done for us.
The song’s first verse tells listeners what exactly Christ has done for them. The lyrics mention the price he paid to release us from the bondage of sin and death.
And it’s because of that act of Christ, his dying on the cross for our sins, that we are able to boast in his name, as the chorus states.
“I will boast in Christ alone
His righteousness
And not my own”
Later in the song, the musicians go on to mention the power of Christ’s blood that he shed for all sinners. As the song says, Jesus Christ’s spilled blood has the power to take away our sins and mend our broken lives.
As the video shows, a stadium full of people is hearing and singing along to this song with lyrics telling this message of the redeeming power of Christ’s blood, which he shed for you and for me.
Galatians 6:14 “But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
In life, we will undergo trying and difficult circumstances. Life is not easy at times. These periods may even test our faith. However, God will remain faithful. One song is an excellent reminder that, through it all, God will not leave us nor forsake us.
The song from Hillsong Worship – “Elohim” – paints a picture of a God who is faithful to keep his promises. Even when it may not appear that he is around amid a struggle or a downright awful situation, he is still in control.
The song's first verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness and that he will always fulfill his promises.
The chorus of “Elohim” describes him as a God of love. It does so using a very popular verse in The Bible. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, it is written, “Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud.” The musicians used the qualities mentioned in the passage from 1 Corinthians about love to describe God.
“God is patient
God is kind
He does not envy”
The song’s second verse informs its listeners that God is all-powerful. That he’ll be around long after our time on earth is gone and done but he still cares enough about what happens in our lives to call us “his children.”
The performance of this song, as the video shows, takes place during a concert. One man sings while playing the piano. He is joined by a woman who sits on a stool while she sings about the power and faithfulness of God. A third person can also be seen in the video for the song. A man plays the guitar.
Give a listen to this song about an ever-faithful, all-powerful and loving God!
Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the Lord your God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;”
Written in 1945 and first recorded by The Nat King Cole Trio in 1946, “The Christmas Song,” also known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” gets a special rendering when The Voice Judges come together to perform the holiday classic!
While typically competing against one another on their hit television show, the four artists collaborate to bring viewers a special treat for Christmas! John Legend, Camila Cabello, Gwen Stefani, and Blake Shelton make up a dream team with their diverse musical styles and gifts. Watch as they do the perennial favorite proud!
Moving from right to left across the stage, John opens the song with his smooth, cool expression of the lyrics. Camila is a bit dainty and kittenish in her delivery, hitting the high notes with her soprano voice. Gwen sings in a more mature and sophisticated way, and Blake sings in his simple, country manner before offering a “simple phrase” in unison with his wife at 1:55.
Check out John and Camila as they dance while the pianist and guitarist play solos. The glammed up artists, the silvery flames against the black backdrop, the towering white Christmas tree, and the musical beauty of the singing judges and the instrumentalists convey a mellow, holiday mood. Think hot cocoa, falling snow, and a cozy spot in front of your fire or tree—or both!
The rotation starts again with John and Camila singing solo before all four sing together the final lines of the song and send out “Merry Christmas “ wishes from them all! It’s a lovely performance!
It may have been said many times and in lots of ways, but is there really a bad way to say “Merry Christmas” to friends, loved ones, co-workers, or strangers on the street? We can’t think of any. Though it won’t often be done as artistically as the greeting provided by the voices of The Voice, it may be that the only real failing is to fail to say it at all!
“And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” Matthew 5:47
“Last Christmas,” performed here by Pentatonix has been covered by many artists since it was first recorded by British pop duo Wham! in 1984, but, as always, Pentatonix brings something unique and special to their work!
For this recording of a well-loved holiday song staple, the five-person a cappella group that formed in Arlington, Texas is joined by HIKAKIN & SEIKIN, a Japanese duo and real-life brothers. The brothers, dressed in silver jackets over black and wearing dark glasses, sing in front of a red background. In contrast, Pentatonix vocalists wear a variety of red outfits and make their music while standing in front of what looks like silver tissue paper. It is visually satisfying!
The seven artists are shown in little frames—a collage of Christmas crooners. Against the silver tissue paper, Pentatonix members and their friends appear in the frames arranged across a red-and-white wrapping paper backdrop.
Perhaps, one fun thing about Pentatonix is the way in which they dress and behave to reflect their individual personalities. Beatboxer Kevin wears plaid, while baritone Scott wears a red, leather jacket over a sheer shirt. Tenor Mitch wears a long red jacket over white, and Kristin is flirty in her glittery holiday tunic. And, the group’s newest member, Baltimore’s Matt Sallee sports a printed shirt under a black jacket.
Notice, too, how well HIKAKIN & SEIKIN sing their parts in English. There is only a slight sound of their native tongue. And, HIKAKIN holds his own very well during a beatboxing volley that begins at 2:25. It’s amazing!
The song just can’t help making listeners smile, even though it is about a sad romantic encounter. The words tell the story of a disillusioned and dejected partner:
My God, I thought you were someone to rely on
Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face of a lover with a fire in his heart
A man undercover, but you tore me apart
But, Pentatonix, you never let us down!
This song, along with 11 others are included on Pentatonix’s sixth holiday album, released in late October, 2022. The album titled Holidays Around the World includes recordings with artists from around the globe.
“I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed,” Genesis 26:4
“The First Noel” sung here by Everly Fair may become a new favorite. It has all the elements: beautiful ladies beautifully dressed, angelic voices, and soul-stirring lyrics. Enjoy!
Meet, if you don’t already recognize, these gorgeous songstresses, Mandy Mariscal (left) and Lauryn Evans (right). The two best friends are Everly Fair. Together, they do Christian, country, and pop music covers and have performed solo, as part of the trio Charlotte Avenue, and currently as a duet over the course of several years.
In this video, they lend their lovely voices to words that have eternal meaning!
And to the earth, it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel Noel Noel Noel!
Born is the King of Israel!
Mandy and Lauryn, dressed in frothy, fluffy gowns, resemble crimson-clad angels or perhaps princesses. The ladies commented on a Facebook post, “If we were 100% honest, part of why we do Everly Fair is so we can actually order things like these huge puffy red dresses that have been sitting in our Amazon carts forever.” We get it, girls! And Lauryn’s blingy boots are really cool, too!
How appropriate it is—Everly Fair sings in an open field, where the stars surely shine brightly in an open sky at night. They look positively regal, and their voices blend into heavenly harmonies! However, these believing ladies know that while they bring the best of their talents and gifts to the tune they sing, the glory goes completely to the King of Israel, whom their song is all about!
At 2:47, they boldly and beautifully sing the word “Noel,” synonymous with the word “Christmas,” one last time during the song. They send praises upward to Him and bless all of us in the process!
Thank you, Everly Fair! You’ve done far more than a “right fair” job!
“and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2
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