​Anxiety is a really big thing in this broken world, and this year has been riddled with this uneasy feeling.  While some people experience anxiety and stress to different degrees, from major panic attacks to a slight unsettled feeling, we’ve all had moments with lack of peace.  A lack of calm assurance and trust to step out of the boat and onto the water in the midst of the storm with our eyes fixed on Jesus.  

​Once in a while, I like to highlight a song I would use for communion in a service.  These songs are special to me because they exalt Jesus, remind us of His great sacrifice, and fill our hearts with gratitude.  Therefore, today’s song feature will be one of these “communion” songs.

​I hope you all had a blessed Resurrection Sunday!  As we continue to remember and celebrate the finished work of the cross, I have a newish song to share with you.  “He Lives” by Church of the City was released in January of this year.  It’s a powerful anthem celebrating the risen Lord.  Therefore, it’s the perfect one to focus on post-Easter.

​We are half way through Passion Week.  It has been a different Easter season with so many things canceled and closed.  However, if anything, we have more time and space to remember, ponder, and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice.  We are just two short days away from observing Good Friday and all that took place on that day over two thousand years ago.  Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday, when different churches remember the Lord’s last supper with His disciples, the final instructions He gave them, and then His struggle in the garden of Gethsemane where He fully submitted His will to the Father’s.  

​I love it when timeless hymns are given new life and vigor.  Not that the original song was old-fashioned or out-dated, but sometimes a new bridge or chorus to a traditional hymn allows it to speak to a new generation in a fresh way.  I feel like this is true for the hymn “Jesus Paid it All” with Passion Music’s new bridge added to it.

​Merry Christmas!  What a special day this is!  Joy as children open up brightly colored packages, merriment as families gather together, and yummy food as people come together to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world.  And on this special day, I have a special worship song to share.

​Advent is here!  The long awaited Christmas season is upon us!  A time for merriment, carols, and festivities.  Therefore, let’s make our worship reflect this special season.  Let’s celebrate Christmas by worshiping and adoring the King of Kings!

We’ve spent a month glorifying Jesus.  We’ve remembered and pondered the depth of His sacrifice and worshipped Him for who He is and what He’s done for us.  Now, as we come to the end of October and the world around us prepares to celebrate the darkest day of the year, let us magnify Jesus and lift Him up over all else.  

​This past summer, my family and I had the opportunity to spend several weekends away on vacation in a different area from which we live.  During that time, we attended a church we all love and enjoyed times of great worship and teaching.  Over the several weekends we were there, the worship team led a song each service that really stuck with me.  It resonated in my mind and heart so much, that when I got home I quickly looked up the song and learned it.  Since then, I’ve been introducing it to my church and now I want to share it with you.

​Typically, songs used during communion are reflective and slow.  However, I occasionally like to use “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin which does not fit those characteristics.  While this song is not a prayer, it is a declaration that beautifully walks us through the message of communion.  Therefore, I feel that it is totally fitting for this part of the service.
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