Advent & Christmas Playlist 2014
With the season of Advent upon us we wanted to share some of our favorite picks for Advent and Christmas. Listed in no particular order, these are songs we have on heavy rotation this year.
With the season of Advent upon us we wanted to share some of our favorite picks for Advent and Christmas. Listed in no particular order, these are songs we have on heavy rotation this year.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY
written by David Gentiles and Jennie Lee Riddle
A beautiful hymn that celebrates the joy and hope of the coming of Christ. Though A new song, it is reminiscent of the greatest of sacred carols, faithfully proclaiming the Christmas narrative, and salvation found in Christ. A great option for an choral and orchestral Christmas opener!
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
written by Shane Bernard, Sean Carter
A fresh arrangement of the classic carol. Shane And Shane modernized the melody of the traditional chorus, and The added bridge is an invitation to join the heavenly song, translating the latin "Gloria in excelsis Deo" to english "Glory be to God in the highest"
GOD IN FLESH AND BLOOD
by Travis Ryan, Brandon Collins and Jennie Lee Riddle
A song that celebrates the incarnation of God through Jesus Christ. This is a heart moving arrangement with string quartet, piano and acoustic guitar. A great selection to point the incarnate word made flesh , and to the saving work of Jesus blood on the cross.
CHRISTMAS TIME JUST FOR YOU AND ME
by Crystal Yates
Less Advent but Extra-Christmas, Crystal Yates does what she does so well, and captivates the listener with her soulful voice. This one, is for anyone in love on Christmas; think Norah
Jones's "Come Away With Me" meets "Baby It's Cold Outside"
GLORIA
by Elizabeth Hunnicut, Sean Carter and Ryan Flanigan
Taken from "The Message" version of John 1 (MSG) the opening line helps to wrap our minds around how God humbled himself into humanity, leaving a throne and moving "into the neighborhood". Other lyrical poetry, "Heavens Creator, gravity bound" and "Gave up the power and privilege of deity" is interpreted from Philippians 2.
O COME DIVINE MESSIAH
written by Robbie Seay and Jennie Lee Riddle
It is a modern day English adaption of the original lyrics from "Venez, Devin Messie," a 16th century French card by Abbot Simon-Joseph Pellegrin (1663-1745). Although originally intended to celebrate the advent of the Messiah's birth, this version takes the liberty of expanding Pellegrin's message to include the long-awaited advent of Christ's return.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
written by Lauren Daigle, Paul Duncan and Paul Mabury
"The drought breaks with the tears of a mother A baby's cry is the sound of love Come down" uniquely merges the humanity of child Messiah's birth, with the flood of divinity that came to earth after 400 years of silence. The bridge of this song is a declaration of hope that our King has come.
SON OF LIGHT
written by Magen Thurman, Tony Alany, Jennie Lee Riddle Son of Light is an artistic take on Mary's perspective as the mother of Jesus. It's an interesting look through her eyes as she sees the fulfillment of who her son really is--the promised Messiah and King of the world.
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
To this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful...
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
Buy the I Believe - EP from Crystal Yates on iTunes.
I lost my sweet Maw Maw last year. I watched her deteriorate for two years after a massive stroke. It was tough. I remember the relief I felt the day she went home. It was hard but I was thankful that she was whole and healed completely. One day while I was thinking about her and how sassy she was. I thought about when I first fell in love with Will and told her about it. I told her how nothing else mattered in the world and I was flying! She was quick to put my feet back down to the earth and say ‘honey, you haven't even left the ground!’ Of course me being the young fool, I said to myself, ‘she simply doesn't get it.’ Now after 16 years of marriage I see she was absolutely right. It took this idea into a co-writing session with Jennie Lee Riddle and Don Poythress. We had the sweetest day writing, ‘Feels Like We're Flying’ and to this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful. I can't believe I ever had the silly notion that the high of young reckless love was as good as it gets. No, my Maw Maw was talking about the high of years of devotion and selfless love that stands the test of time. Now that I’m older, quieter and wiser, I remember her stories. Especially the ones that matter most; all the times that she stood by her husband’s side when it was difficult - and was my grandaddy a wild card! I pray we choose the kind of devotion that Maw Maw had. The kind that will see love through all the way to the end.”
CCLITV Top 25 Videos of 2014
CCLITV just released their list of "Top 25 Worship Videos of 2014"...
We are so thankful for CCLI & CCLITV who equip the Bride of Christ with songs for worship. CCLITV just released their list of TOP 25 WORSHIP VIDEOS OF 2014 and we honored to have 3 Videos featured by our People & Songs Community!
#2 Passion Song - Sean Carter
#3 I Stand Before Almighty God Alone - Jennie Lee Riddle, Brandon Collins
#21 Until That Day Comes - Megan Thurman, Crystal Yates, Sean Carter, Brandon Collins
See the complete list at WWW.CCLITV.COM
Jennie Lee Riddle's "Revelation Song" Certified Gold
Integrity Music recently honored Dove Award winning songwriter Jennie Lee Riddle in recognition of the gold certification of Riddle's inspiring worship anthem "Revelation Song" as recorded by Phillips, Craig & Dean...
Post Courtesy of Jesusfreakhideout.com
NEWS SOURCE: Integrity Music
December 3, 2014
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (December 3, 2014) - - Integrity Music recently honored Dove Award winning songwriter Jennie Lee Riddle in recognition of the gold certification of Riddle's inspiring worship anthem "Revelation Song" as recorded by Phillips, Craig & Dean. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the song, commemorating over 500,000 digital downloads of the recording. The radio single also remained in the No. 1 position for 17 weeks on Billboard's AC Monitored chart, reached No. 1 on Billboard's National Christian Audience Chart, and also on both the AC Indicator and Soft AC charts. Pictured left-to-right are: Mike Murray, Creative Director for Integrity Music Publishing; Jennie Lee Riddle; Walker Beach of Integrity's publishing partner Gateway Create, and Craig Dunnagan, Vice President of Music Publishing and Ministry Alliances.
About Jennie Lee Riddle: Jennie Lee Riddle is a three-time Dove Award winning songwriter and a BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) Award winner whose songs have been recorded by numerous artists including Selah, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Michael W. Smith, NewSong, Kari Jobe, Dustin Smith, Chris Tomlin, Jesus Culture, Travis Ryan and many more. Her songs include "Revelation Song," "When The Stars Burn Down," "Hope of the Broken World," "You Are My Shepherd," "One True God" and "The One That Really Matters." In addition, Jennie is the founder of http://www.theemergingsound.com and http://www.peopleandsongs.com.
PRESERVING AND PRIMING
Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world...
Teresa of Ávila by François Gérard
PRESERVING AND PRIMING
Written By David Gentiles
“Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, Yours are the eyes, you are his body.”
Donald Miller, in his book ‘Father Fiction’ said: “We have a tremendous influence on how people perceive God.” What is interesting is that Jesus began this train of thought when he commented: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:34-35. In Matthew 5:16 we again see this sentiment: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
When we as the body of Christ show love to one another, we are strongly sharing the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost world. I also believe and have experienced that when we fail to love one another, we damage the testimony of Jesus towards the body and our community. It has been a passion of mine in the last several years that God would move in a great way to bring unity in His church nationally, regionally, and locally. I sense that with the spirit of love and unity nurturing and growing in the body of Christ, great power can be shown through the grace of God that we offer to one another on a daily basis.
"When we offer such compassion and care for one another in daily provision and protection, the world stands in silence because it cannot comprehend why a fellowship can function with such joy, grace, and unity."
This biblical principle acts as a beacon, for when others see our kindness and our grace toward one another, it is altogether different than what the world has to offer. When we offend one another and then are able to offer supernatural forgiveness that does not appear in the daily expression of entertainment, politics, and athletics the world is confounded. When we offer such compassion and care for one another in daily provision and protection, the world stands in silence because it cannot comprehend why a fellowship can function with such joy, grace, and unity. The only explanation is the power of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul noted: “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11I believe with all of my heart that as we love one another through the beauty of Jesus-centered community, God will be with us in a supernatural way- A way that will not make sense before a watching world- A way that will be contagious in a body and outer community- A way that will CALL those who’ve never experienced such grace, love, and power to a new life. This is our call. This is our mark. This is our hope that Jesus would be the center and fuel for the kind of life together that brings joy to the family of God and hope to the watching world.
As we live this life together in Jesus name, we are PRESERVING the soil of the Family of God and PRIMING the soil of our community. They are observing and watching. Maybe not consciously all the time, but when we claim to be “of God,” it is possible and quite probable that they could be waiting to see what it might look like if they were “of God” too.
BEHIND THE SONG: I STAND BEFORE ALMIGHTY GOD ALONE
I typed “I Stand Before Almighty God Alone” into the blank space knowing the journey that would begin. I’m reminded of so many saints who have gone before with stories of their own encounters with God alone...
Brandon Michael Collins
There exist in life those moments that don’t give you the courtesy of preparing for them. They move into your home like unexpected guests, remodel it, and then depart, leaving you with the bill and a lack of familiarity. Those moments come in many ways both good and bad – an unfavorable medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, the birth of a child, a natural disaster, an encounter with God. Those moments bring new unfamiliarities, redefine cherished memories and past experiences, and require the cost of learning how to find a new normal.
I had just moved from California to the Riddle’s home in Nashville, where I would spend the next eight months. When I arrived, I was emotionally raw. I was dealing with the realization that the woman that I had loved for six years and had hoped would be my wife wouldn’t be. Though not as drastic as cancer or death or a tornado, a broken heart still produces sorrow. My friend Tim once told me that “Sorrow understands sorrow,” that it’s not about which situation is worse because both situations produce the same result. Jennie knew my sorrow and as we talked one evening, something about the conversation inspired me to sit down at the piano and play the chorus melody.
The next morning, Jennie and I sat down to write and she asked if we could use that melody. We write in Google Docs, so whatever is typed shows up on the other person’s computer in real-time. We sat there for a long time, staring at our screens and trying to find the lyrical direction of the song. Eventually, Jennie typed “I Stand Before Almighty God Alone.” When I saw the line, I was cut to the heart. It simultaneously honed in on the pain of my present reality and showed the goal of that sorrow: a closeness of relationship with God like Adam had in the garden, unhindered by any weight. The song took three days to finish and a great deal of it was spent with God, listening for the right words.
"The song has been costly and relentless. It asks me to invite God into the deepest places of pain in my life."
Writing “I Stand Before Almighty God Alone” was one of “those moments”. I had gotten stuck and it took something as powerful as a song to move me into a new place. The song has been costly and relentless. It asks me to invite God into the deepest places of pain in my life. It demands that I be vulnerable when I’d prefer to put up walls. It tears down any semblance of an idol.
I live in newness but I don’t have the benefit of seeing the end of this story. I don’t have the perspective of Joseph as the second in command of Egypt. I don’t have the name Israel instead of Jacob. I don’t have the benefit of standing on the mountain of God with His people. What I do have is hope: the promise of God’s presence in my circumstances – in the darkness of prison, in the pain of the limp, in the wilderness between the Red Sea and the Promised Land. Calvary is breaking my mourning as I wait for resurrection.
Jennie Lee Riddle
Brandon was raw. Everything in me hurt for him and with him that day. I knew that if I were to risk putting that painful yet life giving truth in front of him it would be a wound to his already broken heart. An altar awaited my friend and I had just been handed a lyrical scalpel as the Lord whispered the words to my heart.
I typed “I Stand Before Almighty God Alone” into the blank space knowing the journey that would begin. I’m reminded of so many saints who have gone before with stories of their own encounters with God alone. Peter stood before Almighty God alone in the utter failure of betrayal, beholding mercy, and receiving a confirmation of his election as he was questioned by the Lord, “Peter do you love me? …Feed my sheep.” The woman caught in the act of adultery found herself before Almighty God alone as her accusers were silenced and she beheld mercy – alive and forever transformed by grace. The accuser who bravely dropped the first stone to the ground did so because He determined to stand before God alone. His was a costly decision to publicly admit his own sin, identify with an outcast woman, and choose to walk away from his friends and peers. Noah stared at every board as the eyes of God and man stared at him. He made the decision to make an ark in spite of the jeering of gawkers, his own doubt and unbelief, and his tired body. He made the decision to stand before Almighty God alone. Mary yielded her rights and everything she believed to God who does the impossible, beyond what could be imagined or conceived. She stood before almighty God alone full of her Savior. We are forever grateful.
"This song leaves me no way out but freedom. I yield my need to cast the blame. I drop my stones. He fills my empty hands with His own. This is enough."
I’m reminded of my childhood spotted with impurity and the ones who believed it okay to rob innocence from a girl. I’m reminded of the One who restores by His word and His blood. I deeply understand the reality that whomever has been forgiven much, loves much. I now stand before Almighty God alone, having released and pardoned those from whom I demanded an account. I am the one made free as a result. This song leaves me no way out but freedom. I yield my need to cast the blame. I drop my stones. He fills my empty hands with His own. This is enough. “I stand here with my God alone.”
MORE ABOUT "I STAND BEFORE ALMIGHTY GOD ALONE":
ITUNES, ALBUM PAGE, CCLI SONGSELECT
Crystal Yates "I Believe"
I Believe is a collection of songs that were written for people I love with each song having a specific purpose. Songs convict, heal and resonate with the soul like nothing else...
I BELIEVE
Written by Crystal Yates
I Believe is a collection of songs that were written for people I love with each song having a specific purpose. Songs convict, heal and resonate with the soul like nothing else. I deeply want to be the kind of person, writer and artist that touches another’s soul. After all, that is the only investment that matters. The soul is the only thing that will continue on after we breathe our last breath. God has made us to love, care, and "speak" to one another. Music speaks to the human heart like no other earthly thing. So I hope this offering of music meets folks right where right where they are and helps them to lift their eyes higher.
LET THAT RECORD PLAY ON
“I watched a friend go through so much pain as her husband left her for another woman. This was after two reconciliations over two other affairs. My heart broke for her and I was angry. I wanted him to hear a song that cut him straight to the bone; one that would cause him to stop and return to his wife and children. I decided to write one and started singing the words ‘I'm gonna let that record play on, go down deep and cut you to the bone...let it run through your veins, till you finally feel some shame...I'm gonna let that record play on.’ I recorded a voice memo and sent it to my friend, Jack Doyle. He quickly caught the vision and ran with it. We all need conviction that leads to repentance. It sure would make me smile to know that someone came clean or that this song replayed in the back of their mind before they made the decision to take an unfaithful step… and for those who have been wounded and betrayed, I hope this helps them deal with their anger in a classy way.”
GOODBYE LETTER
“It became clear to me after the papers were filled that my friends husband was not changing his mind, he was not coming back to her and the kids. I remember repeatedly telling her, ‘he is going to continue this destructive cycle, just not with you.’ I had a co-write set up with Jennie Riddle and Jack Doyle. I went to the cowrite with this broken hearted woman on my mind. I wanted to see her reach down and obtain the strength to move on. I took my thoughts and a melody and we all wrote a song that day that accomplishes just that. ‘Goodbye Letter’ was not written for those who aren't happy in their relationship; this is not permission to get out. No, it was written for those who have been punched below the belt by betrayal. A hurt that cuts deep like only infidelity can. It was written to build up after they have been torn down and give courage to move on and live again. I listened as my friend shared enemy accusations. I listened to the harassing questions, ‘why would my husband cheat and leave me?” I listened to the lying conclusions, ‘Maybe I wasn't pretty enough… exciting enough…’ and a bunch of destructive should-haves. We prayed. We cried. I spoke Truth. We do not excuse sin...we forgive. I hope this song brings resolve and hope to those wounded by abuse, infidelity and abandonment. I believe the best days are still ahead for my hurting sisters.”
GOOD THING GOING
“I like this musically lighthearted and upbeat little song. I believe in the message. This is meant to encourage the church and marriages. I brought Charlie Peacock a verse and chorus while we were in studio recording the tracks. Charlie brought his thoughtfulness and musical ideas to the song. We played around with it quite a bit. I ended up proud of the song but even more proud of the message it showcases. This song charges the battery. It charges mine! It inspires a move past circumstances. It helps to turn the proverbial lemon into lemonade and inspires a dance in the rain. It makes me think of the scripture John 16:33 ‘In this world you will have trouble, but take heart because I have overcome the world.’ It is filled with the hope that joy and peace can be found in the midst of trouble. That is the ‘Good Thing Going.’ Real promise and hope. Is it raining? Pouring? Dance anyway. Don't settle for anything else than joy. Tenaciously find reasons to laugh, sing and dance! Have courage! Take heart! Overcome!”
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
I lost my sweet Maw Maw last year. I watched her deteriorate for two years after a massive stroke. It was tough. I remember the relief I felt the day she went home. It was hard but I was thankful that she was whole and healed completely. One day while I was thinking about her and how sassy she was. I thought about when I first fell in love with Will and told her about it. I told her how nothing else mattered in the world and I was flying! She was quick to put my feet back down to the earth and say ‘honey, you haven't even left the ground!’ Of course me being the young fool, I said to myself, ‘she simply doesn't get it.’ Now after 16 years of marriage I see she was absolutely right. It took this idea into a co-writing session with Jennie Lee Riddle and Don Poythress. We had the sweetest day writing, ‘Feels Like We're Flying’ and to this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful. I can't believe I ever had the silly notion that the high of young reckless love was as good as it gets. No, my Maw Maw was talking about the high of years of devotion and selfless love that stands the test of time. Now that I’m older, quieter and wiser, I remember her stories. Especially the ones that matter most; all the times that she stood by her husband’s side when it was difficult - and was my grandaddy a wild card! I pray we choose the kind of devotion that Maw Maw had. The kind that will see love through all the way to the end.”
I BELIEVE
The song "I Believe" was written for people that struggle with addiction. People in my own life. People I love. I'm still watching what sometimes seems to be a losing battle. However, I refuse to lose hope. As long as people breath and live to battle another day, I will hope. I believe. Sometimes we may have to dig deep but we must continue to pray, trust God, and believe. He is able. Romans 5: 6-8 says… ‘You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’
I find a lot of faith in this scripture. I am encouraged to demonstrate the love that loves ‘in spite of.” Love, loves. No matter what. Christ didn't justify us because we are good and deserve it. He died for love’s sake. This is what gives me the strength to love freely and keep hope. ‘I believe.’”
Some CLOSING THOUGHTS...
All relationships have hardships. We are each incomplete halves making up incomplete wholes. But, if we know we are in safe arms beautiful things can happen. My husband Will and I joke about our 'no one gets out alive' clause. But seriously! We are going to be a safe place for each other to risk exposure of self. You know, trying to hide self will kill your soul? That's the stuff that rots you to the core; self. If I know that the beams that hold up my house are weak and could collapse at any moment, why on earth would I ignore that? Digging must happen to fix it. We have to recognize our weaknesses, be willing to expose them, and receive the help that makes you stronger. Receive the love and grace that covers. We have to do this with and for and behalf of one-another. We must cover our relationships with love and grace. We need to learn to be a safe place and learn likewise to risk exposure of self. I want "I Believe" to be an album that welcomes the Spirit of God. It is His Breath that fills our lungs and makes us strong. It is His power that brings the change. His is His touch that produces healing.”
“All these songs were meant to be listened to as a complete message with "I Believe" being the string that ties the other songs together as an entire package. I believe that hurts are meant for healing and hearts and meant for love.”
Behind the Song: Divine Exchange
I wanted to write a song that had purpose, that the church could sing with thanksgiving and praise for the sanctifying blood of Jesus...
Behind the Song: Divine Exchange
Written by Charity Gayle
"I wanted to write a song that had purpose, that the church could sing with thanksgiving and praise for the sanctifying blood of Jesus; A song that would bring that message to life and sing it at the top of my lungs!"
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
I am daily amazed at the thought that the Almighty God became flesh and dwelt among US- mankind- sinful, wretched, and full of trouble. He sacrificed His perfect life through the cross, His blood, and by that amazing love, GRACE became ours. I wanted to write a song that had purpose, that the church could sing with thanksgiving and praise for the sanctifying blood of Jesus; A song that would bring that message to life and sing it at the top of my lungs! So together with my good friends Jennie Lee Riddle (Revelation Song) Brandon Collins (I Stand Before Almighty God Alone) and Melanie Tierce, we penned 'Divine Exchange'.
As we wrote, I realized 'Divine Exchange' would become one of my daily reminders of the gospel. Matthew 6:20+21 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I think of the lyrics "I lay down all lesser things for greater gain. He is alive inside of me" and joy fills my soul! I have been given life in exchange for my sin! I am thankful for the way this song speaks and ministers. It also serves to help missionary families spread the gospel as all of the profits made from the Divine Exchange single are being donated to Global Missions. I thank God for this song and for His amazing love.
Emerging Sound 2015
The Emerging Sound 2015 Registration is now open in two locations!
The Emerging Sound 2015 Registration is now open!!
The Emerging Sound is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young artists, songwriters, and worship leaders to lay a foundation for creative ministry. Come join a host of student leaders and enjoy the opportunity to collaborate throughout the week with a dynamic Team of Kingdom-minded, professional songwriters and artists.
Register Now
NEW RELEASES
Crystals new album "I Believe" is out now!
Crystals new album "I Believe" produced by Grammy winner Charlie Peacock (The Civil Wars, Holly Williams) is out now on iTunes.