A couple of weeks ago my husband told me to keep Thursday, February 22nd clear because he had something special planned for us. He said we needed to leave by 6:45. So, I made sure we had dinner a little earlier than normal so we could clean the kitchen and head out on time. I love surprises and I kept thinking for two whole weeks, "what does he have up his sleeve?"
We got in the car, and before long, it became evident to me that we were going to the seminary. I was a little confused. What could be so exciting about hanging out on campus all night? We went over to the chapel and found a seat. I then realized that we were in for a night of worship! Keith and Kristyn Getty were on campus and were leading a couple of hours of worship. If you are not familiar with their names, you may be familiar with their music. They are Irish hymn writers. Their songs are beautiful and theologically rich! One of their popular songs is "In Christ Alone."
When I hear the word "concert" I think of a performance. I have been to many Christian concerts and, though I like the music, I often feel like the evening is focused more on the performers than on their creator. Oftentimes they claim they are doing it all for the glory of God (and maybe they are), but it feels like it's more about them rather than Christ. This was certainly not the case with the Getty's. There were no elaborate lights or stage props. There was really no attention drawn to them at all. They didn't even stand on the stage - they stood at ground level with the rest of us and many times asked us to stand and sing along. It was truly congregational worship.
Ben and I have enjoyed their music as it draws us closer to Christ. My personal favorite is a song they wrote in a single day. It is called "The Power of the Cross." If you read the following lyrics, you will understand how this music draws us to the Lord.
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Click here to listen to their music on-line. I trust you will be encouraged as you do so.
We got in the car, and before long, it became evident to me that we were going to the seminary. I was a little confused. What could be so exciting about hanging out on campus all night? We went over to the chapel and found a seat. I then realized that we were in for a night of worship! Keith and Kristyn Getty were on campus and were leading a couple of hours of worship. If you are not familiar with their names, you may be familiar with their music. They are Irish hymn writers. Their songs are beautiful and theologically rich! One of their popular songs is "In Christ Alone."
When I hear the word "concert" I think of a performance. I have been to many Christian concerts and, though I like the music, I often feel like the evening is focused more on the performers than on their creator. Oftentimes they claim they are doing it all for the glory of God (and maybe they are), but it feels like it's more about them rather than Christ. This was certainly not the case with the Getty's. There were no elaborate lights or stage props. There was really no attention drawn to them at all. They didn't even stand on the stage - they stood at ground level with the rest of us and many times asked us to stand and sing along. It was truly congregational worship.
Ben and I have enjoyed their music as it draws us closer to Christ. My personal favorite is a song they wrote in a single day. It is called "The Power of the Cross." If you read the following lyrics, you will understand how this music draws us to the Lord.
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Click here to listen to their music on-line. I trust you will be encouraged as you do so.
9 comments:
Wonderful!! I am listening to them right now from your link. I will always love "In Christ Alone" I choke everytime this verse is sung.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
Even though it seems like satan is always hovering "No pow'r of hell,...Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Thanks for posting this Kelly!
Jenny,
Did you listen to "The Power of the Cross"? If you didn't - do it! It's so much better to listen to it than just read the lyrics.
By the way, I too love "In Christ Alone."
Yes I did listen to the short byte on the link you had. VERY good!
that is so awesome kelly! i love their music.
THE GETTYS ARE ONE OF MY ALLTIME FAVORITES!!!!!!!!!! Did you see my post about them a while back? They actually have been at our church for the last year writing and trying out new hymns on our congregation. This year they're doing a lot of touring so we won't see them at church too often. I LOVE the power of the cross hymn they wrote. And you can tell Kristyn Getty is so earnest and sincere when she's singing. My heart feels like shouting those last few lines, "Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live, won through your selfless love!"
Did they sing "Don't let me lose my wonder" ? That's a beautiful one.
Alicia,
I don't recall your post about the Getty's. I'll have to look for it. She did sing "Don't Let Me Lose My Wonder," and yes, it was beautiful! I totally know what you mean when you mention how sincere Kristyn is. It is so obvious that she is singing straight from her heart.
Thanks for the info on the music. I am the 'stalker' that your friend from Michigan told you about. I enjoy reading your posts!
Carol
Carol,
No problem! Thanks for checking out my blog. Feel free to leave a comment any time!!
I hope you are able to get your hands on some of the Getty's music.
Kelly
Post a Comment