NEW MUSIC
“FACE OF GOD” by PHIL WICKHAM
from the album Christmas
triumphant declaration as Tiffany Hammer sings Verse 2 explores how Mary might be cherishing
passionately about the comfort and forgiveness within her heart as she stares into the eyes
we receive through Christ’s sacrifice. of Jesus knowing that this little one is the
Savior promised so long ago. Here, Wickham
The centerpiece of the EP is the previously creatively uses lyrics from “Hark the Herald
released, “See a Victory” which is the best Angels Sing” and by doing so brings new
song on the album. This song is an incredible meaning and purpose to the famous line, “Born
proclamation of the power of Jesus in every
part of our lives as Chris Brown confidently
sings “There’s power in the mighty name of
Jesus, every war He wages He will win, I’m not
backing down from any giant because I know
Writing
and
introducing
new
corporate
Christmas worship songs is a tricky task simply
because there is no other season of the church
year where tradition, especially in music, is more
how this story ends!” sacred. The challenge, especially in a corporate
“Love Won’t Give Up” draws upon the “lost” that appeal to traditional elements but also give
parables of Luke 15, while “With You” wraps
up the album appropriately as Tiffany Hammer
gives us a foreshadow of the peaceful eternity
we are destined for with Christ.
At its core, At Midnight is an album of
encouragement with a timeless message
that God is in control even when we aren’t.
The songs here share the incredible story of
Jesus’ power and victory over sin and death
so that at the end of it all, He can be with us
in perfect relationship. All five songs here could
easily be reproduced by most worship teams
and the melodies are singable and memorable.
Creatively there is nothing outside the modern
worship box, but this is a solid album worth
your time and I guarantee there will be a few
songs your congregation will love.
worship setting, is to craft new worship songs
the worshipper the opportunity to vertically
praise God with glory and honor while telling
the horizontal tale of the Christmas story.
Phil Wickham’s new Christmas album, simply
entitled Christmas, features a variety of such
songs and one of my favorites is the newly
penned, “Face of God”.
to save the sons of Earth, born to give them
second birth”.
“Face of God” gives the worshipper the best of
both worlds as we hear the story of what Mary
might have been thinking and then we get the
chance to lift up songs of worship in response
to what God has done.
The combination of the Gospel choir, violins,
cellos and other orchestral instruments give
this song a very traditional feel that meshes well
with the modern pop undertone and will appeal
to listeners young and old.
Wickham’s vocals shine with brilliance, as
Rhythmic keyboards, bells and an electronic
drum sit pensively below Wickham’s wispy
tenor as verse one finds us outside the manger
on Christmas. Here we hear about Mary holding
the newborn Christ and singing to him as the
star lights up the sky beckoning the shepherds
and Wise men to visit the newborn King.
a few times he soars into the stratosphere
mimicking the angels flying over the manger
that night. Overall, this could be a wonderful
corporate worship song maybe done with a
soloist on the verses and offering the chorus
for your congregation to sing along with as a
vertical response.
The chorus adds cellos and violins as it
transitions us to the voices of the angels singing
overhead, “Gloria, I hear the angels singing,
Gloria. All of the heaven’s ringing, Gloria. The
Savior of the world is in her arms. She’s staring
at the face of God”.
Gerod Bass
Worship leader in Tacoma, WA. Mentor with Worship
Catalyst. Singer, songwriter, guitarist with a passion
for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel.
www.oslc.com
December 2019
Subscribe for Free...
37