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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​Continuing on in our focus on the person of Jesus Christ, and the worship due Him, today’s song feature is one that the rest of my family actually heard before me.  They were attending a church service in a different town than I was that particular Sunday, and this song was sung.  It deeply touched them and they came home telling me about.  However, it wasn’t until more recently that this song really resonated with me too.

​Welcome to a new month and new worship set!  Over the last two months, we’ve enjoyed focused worship celebrating God’s faithfulness and His power.  This month, God has really laid upon my heart anew the person and sacrifice of Jesus.  Who Jesus is and what He did for us is amazing, slightly unfathomable, and completely worship-inducing.  As we center our minds and remember Jesus’ sacrifice, our hearts should fill with awe, wonder, and heartfelt praise.  

​God is able to do much more than all we ask or imagine.  He is higher, stronger, and greater than all else.  Yet despite His power and authority, His place of honor and superiority over all things, He chose to humble Himself and become like us—fragile and human.  Why?  So that He might overcome death.

​The Bible tells us that God the Father lifted up God the Son—Jesus Christ—above all and that at His name every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2).  He alone is high over all, and by His name and His sacrifice are we saved.  Therefore, how fitting it is to worship Him and lift His name up as the only name.

Known as modern day hymn writers, Keith Getty and Stuart Townend have co-written many great songs for the church.  But perhaps the most well-known modern hymn of our day is “In Christ Alone.” 

​Today’s song feature has many special memories for me.  I originally heard and learned it back in 2014 with a group of dear friends and brother and sisters in the Lord.  We were gathered for a worship time and someone requested this song.  It was a special time to fellowship and worship and the song has stuck with me all these years.  Now I lead this song in my church and it continues to be a powerful avenue through with we can worship the Lord and celebrate all He’s done.  

​It truly feels like summer has arrived!  The weather has turned warmer and the sun is shining brightly.  It’s a season to celebrate and enjoy.  And in the spirit of joy and celebration, let’s rejoice in our Savior and all that He’s done for us—the shining Son of God!