ChristianDance

“At the Cross” by Nicole Spowart is about what Jesus did for us by going to the cross, and what that means for us. The song was shaped during a time of heartache, hope, and realizing the power of God’s promises. Nicole shared that she had already begun writing this song when her little puppy became critically ill and nearly passed away — twice. Something extraordinary happened during that time, the rest of the chorus and verses came out and were filled with God’s anointing. She could literally feel God’s power as she sang the words out loud. It is amazing how life is filled with moments that can help us fine-tune our communication with God. The final result of her songwriting is amazing. The key message of the song is rooted in the promises found in Isaiah 61, the promise that God will send an anointed messenger to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and free the captive. The message may sound simple, but it has a huge impact. The song looks at the reality of the cross...

(by Jasper Tan) Hopestream Worship's song "My Safe Place," featuring Luke Wareham, is a refreshing and comforting contemporary worship song that talks about finding refuge and peace in God during our times of uncertainty and fear. It's a captivating song that makes use of catchy melodies that you can clearly feel the joy and happiness as they bear witness to God's steadying presence in our lives.  The song's theme dwells on the idea of God being our safe place. The song humanizes and acknowledges our vulnerability as spoken with the lines "fear keeps me silent, lonely and frightened" . Yet we are comforted by the biblical truth that "I'm not alone" because God is always there for us during our time of hopelessness. The chorus emphasizes that stability through life's difficult challenges can only come from God. And the chorus emphasizes that with certainty through the line "Through every joy and every sorrow, you're my cert...

(by Jasper Tan) "Come Alive" by JONATHYN is an uplifting CCM-Pop track that talks about spiritual renewal, grace, and finding purpose through our Christian faith. The song dwells on the classic darkness-to-light narrative, which is a common theme for those who are struggling with their Faith. The song begins by describing our state of being in a spiritual exhaustion, mirroring that feeling like we are breathing lead. It also speaks about our life that at times feels like it is dead, despite being alive in this world. This happens when we keep on making the wrong turn, and these frequent mistakes become our frustration. And in a twist of irony, sometimes we are being led to deeper depression, especially if we are clutching for hope, yet this is devoid of a firm foundation. And the chorus is where we are reminded that it is only through God and his gift of hope, which gives us new life and makes us feel much more alive. This is the emotional peak of the song, where the song tra...

Have you ever felt too far gone for grace? Like all of the wrongs in your life are just too many to be forgiven? If that is the case, then "Paradise" by New Life Worship has an important message for you. The song takes us back to one of the most powerful scenes in the Bible, the thief on the cross.  The song puts you right there. The thief, hanging right next to Christ on the cross. Guilty, undeserving, and despite that brave enough to be "Crying [to Christ] for mercy // Remember me." What this scene/song tells us is that it isn't about earning His mercy… It's about receiving it. The thief didn't have time to make things right again; he had no religious track record and no credentials. But he saw and accepted Jesus for who He was… and that was enough.  "You could've counted all my wrongs // Instead you counted me your own." These two lines alone are so precious. Just think about it! Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered paradise, extravag...

What if the dancefloor can point you straight to Scripture? That's exactly what Divine Vibes does with "Overcome" - a melodic house track built around one of the most powerful instructions given in the Bible: Romans 12. The message found in Romans 12 is simple and can make the world around us a much better place for all. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." In other words, don't fight fire with fire. Instead of retaliation, choose goodness. Instead of cursing those who hurt you, bless them. The lyrics deliver this message with the same clarity: "Live in harmony // Live in peace // Never pay back evil with evil // Do what is honorable." So, do we now sit back and point a finger at the governments that are causing this mess? No! This song (scripture) is a call to action, and asks you to look at what you can do here and now, and in the world around you! It challenges you to really love one another, to hang on tightly to what is ...

"The Bottom of Myself" by Mike Janzen is a spiritual journey with an Americana-pop groove. The song invites you into a space where the dark moments of life meet light.  Have you ever felt as if you were lost in a desert storm? Then you're not alone. Janzen also knows that feeling. He beautifully captures the struggle of losing your way with the following lyrics: "Fell down in the middle of the darkness // Woke up and the world had changed // Stumbling, squinting in the daylight // Wanna run but sometimes you gotta wait." But there is more, because Janzen shows that there is hope.  Instead of running away from the pain, Janzen sings: "sometimes you gotta wait." Why? Because at the end of yourself is God. Your weakness is where His strength begins. "When the clocks tickin twelve it's true // At the bottom of myself is You," this is where truth emerges. You might be trying to find your way home, but real peace comes when you stop striving...

(by Jasper Tan) "The Oldest Lie in the World" by Meagan Tubb & Shady People is a delightful Blues-Rock CCM song, soulful and gleefully blending classic blues and contemporary rock. It's quite rare for me to hear a CCM track that is produced from this type of genre. It offers a different type of reaching out to listeners by its solid foundation of blues-rock, with a groovy, mid-tempo rhythm that also sets a contemplative tone. It entertains as well as reminds us to watch out for fake self-worship, that the Gospel truth only comes from God. Meagan's vocals deliver a soulful and powerful performance. It stands out because of her rich vocal quality that is smoky and complements very well with the song's bluesy tunes. The guitar work is deftly played and impresses, with the tasty riffs and very well executed guitar solo that brings an emotional depth to the song. Coupled with the organ and steady beats of the percussion, this complements the whole song to deliver a...

Jordan West and the Red Letter Society continue their ambitious journey through the Psalms. "Psalm 9 (Thank You)" is a message of thanksgiving to a sovereign, righteous God who defends the oppressed and judges evil with perfect justice.  The song emphasizes the two core promises found in Psalm 9: "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." And, those who know God's name can trust Him, because He "has never forsaken those who seek Him." So, what do you do when depression fills your heart? Do you feel abandoned? Instead of focusing on pain, this song declares that God remains seated through (your) chaos. He is and always will be a stronghold even when "war" draws near. The lyrics ask: "My trials feel unseen // Have you forsaken me?" , and emphasize that you are not unseen.  The chorus invites us to praise through our fears. "I will thank you," because we trust the promise that our God judges...

(by Jasper Tan) After making a review of Action Worship's song "All Praise (Dawn)" early this year (which, by the way, moved me so much), Action Worship is here once more with a beautiful follow-up single called "At The Feet (Midnight)." Continuing their songwriting sessions at a beach house retreat, "At The Feet" is a powerful and once more immersive Christian contemporary worship song that captures a raw and intimate atmosphere of worship. Like their other previously released songs, the track is anchored in a "Beach House" setting, leaning on a warm, organic, and slightly lo-fi feel as compared to the more traditional stadium worship recordings of other Worship songs. This makes the song feel more like a shared spiritual experience rather than a polished studio recording. This has always been Action Worship's greatest strength with their songs. And this creative process has definitely defined the signature sound of the Action Worship te...

(by Jasper Tan) Sister siblings Jessica and Jaida have just released their latest single called "Better", a soulful Gospel R&B track that talks about overcoming our fears and uncertainties as we put our complete trust and faith in God.  The track is beautifully rendered by Sisters Jessica and Jaida, who are seeking to put their imprint on the modern CCM music scene. The opening lines of the song immediately illustrate to us how uncertain this world that we live in is. Using the metaphor of "Waves crashing in, Hear the thunder roaring big." It clearly establishes that there are certain times when our world seems to fall apart, and the noises of this world's false promises confuse and consume us. But these are moments when our faith is just being tested, but if we remain firm and committed to our faith, then God will surely redeem us. As the chorus says, God's way is always better than ours. So there's no cause for worry.  The chorus, "Your way...

Thoughts And Notions released a 20th Anniversary Edition of their song "Repentance," emphasizing that the weight and purpose of this message is still very relevant to us today.  The song was originally inspired by The Passion of the Christ and shaped by the songwriter's memory of seeing a lone cross high above the Swiss Alps. The key message is less about performance and more about our response. It places us at the foot of the cross. When you listen to the lyrics, you'll notice that it is a prayer in song form, and one that looks straight at Christ's suffering. It asks you to reflect on the question: "what will you do with such love?"   The lyrics begin with awe: "I looked at your bloodied face" and "you laid down your life." From there, the lyrics move into an honest confession. "God, how I've been such a fool" isn't despair or an excuse to stay trapped in guilt. It is the first step toward His grace, a journey o...

“Lord You Are So Awesome” by Mario Tucker is a reminder that worship doesn’t have to be complicated in order to be powerful. The song is based on the fact that what matters the most is that God’s greatness deserves our constant praise. Our praise doesn't have to meet any quality standards for it to be pleasing to God. So, ask yourself... when was the last time that you took a moment to say, “Lord you are so awesome / Lord you are so great / Your name is above the Heavens”? This song invites you to be constantly aware of God’s greatness, and that includes awareness outside the walls of church, like during car rides, your quiet time, and those precious triumphs in life. It's an awareness that leads to response. “So let’s praise and magnify your name.” Praise is not a matter of passively observing and responding... it’s a call to turn your admiration into active devotion. Think about it for a moment: what would change in your life if praise became your first reaction instead of ...

Have you ever struggled to see God's presence in your daily life? After a few chaotic days, it is easy to lose sight of the sacred. "Heaven On Earth" by Eauclaire is all about discovering the sacred in the everyday. An interesting fact is that the song was written beneath the "Looking Glass Arch" at the Heaven on Earth Music Festival in Moab, Utah (USA).  The song emphasizes that heaven isn't just a distant promise. And best of all, we don't need a "looking glass" to see that heaven is right here. So, instead of looking "out in the atmosphere," Eauclaire reminds us to simply "take a minute, take a breath," and get out of your head and into your chest.  Do you trust that God will order your steps, even when life gets heavy? Sure, easy to forget to see His hand around you, and the beauty is that you already have the ability to find His beauty and Love in the "wild flowers," the "golden hour," and even t...

"Forever Yes" by Nia Akins is about what it may mean to surrender your life to Christ. In Nia's case, her surrender wasn't an easy choice. She shares that her commitment to Jesus meant that she had to let go of the comfort of her former life. It was a necessary choice, and one that brought a lot of hardship instead of instant blessings. She traded her familiar life for uncertain faith and trusted that the seeds that God was sowing "in the unseen" would prove to be worth all of the struggles she was facing.  The song acknowledges that saying "yes" to God may require saying goodbye to people, places, and the dreams that you once cherished. And it is natural to wonder if your sacrifices for faith are worth it?  Nia doesn't hide her doubt. Yes, she questioned God's timing and wrestled with her unanswered prayers. Yet she answers this uncertainty with resilient hope: "evergreens'll grow where the thorns should." Even when blessin...

"My God Is Real (Psalm 145)" by Stephen M. Miller is a beautiful song with an amazing backstory! The beginnings of this song go back to a teenager's act of courage in the early 1970s. It started with a simple deal - his dad promised him a guitar if he would sing this song as his first solo in church. Can you imagine how he must have felt standing before the congregation to sing this song, "My God Is Real"? He did it, and afterwards he kept the song for himself…. until now. After more than 50 years, Stephen decided that this Easter time was the right moment to share this song with the world. The lyrics declare an unshakeable truth: Jesus is real, alive, and is actively present in our lives. Stephen sings "I've seen him at the altars of churches far and wide," reminding us that transformation happens daily when we invite Him in. Every word and every note you hear in this song is from a teenager around the turn of 1970!  Instead of letting doubt cree...

What does it feel like to stand at the edge of one of life's stormy seas, wondering if God sees you there? The seed for "Mid-Broken Sea" by Krystal Dawn Land was planted one early morning in March of 2024, somewhere between a deep sleep and waking up, when Krystal saw the words, "Mid-Broken Sea" appearing one letter at a time across white paper in an old typewriter. As she saw this title, she saw a sketch of ocean waves on each side. This picture kept coming back to mind throughout the following year. As the lyrics and melody shaped, the story danced between Biblical accounts and current ongoings of those we pray will trust God's hand and allow Him to lead them through their Broken Sea.  The message of this song isn't one of abstract theology. It's a practical lifeline for anyone who is going through one of life's storms and it places God center stage: "I'm trying to show you my hand, to lead you to the Promise Land." Notice the i...

Amanda Janson's "No Matter The Cost" came out of a season where following Jesus wasn't easy anymore and was actually costing her something. Have you ever felt, at times, that unconditional obedience simply didn't make sense? We know that true faith can ask us to release our expectations and choose to be obedient (emphasis on "choose").  The song beautifully acknowledges that God will "till the ground that's holy" and "prune the branch to bloom." It's a process that creates the necessary space for healing. Maybe the hardest part of this process is that He will ask us to lay things down. Things we love and things that cost us.  Instead of focusing on what we lose, Amanda points our eyes to the cross. Because it is on the cross that He showed that we are worth it. He "bled for me" and "rose for me" no matter the cost. So, is He worth it to you?  Decide today to say "I'm all in." Embrace the ...

“So Loved (feat. Pearl Harry)” by Le Monde Bear is a song about John 3:16. The beginnings go back to when Le Monde Bear heard Pearl Harry sing for chapel at her high school worship time, and the song came alive — the vibe and music quickly followed soon after. They recorded Pearl's vocal during a lunch break, and you can still hear kids screaming in the background of her vocal track. The song further developed during the week of the first strikes on Israel, October 7, 2023. Disco, yes. Gospel, absolutely! The lyrics start with humanity “walking in darkness,” blind and off-balance, so relevant for our world today. The song points us to new light breaks and shows us a path through the wilderness, as it retells salvation as rescue, not as a form of self-improvement. God gave His Son, and we may respond with belief. The result is everlasting life. His grace is not limited to one place or specific people. The bridge insists that there is no border, distance, or ransom is too great. ...

Michelle K.'s "Consecrate (How Beautiful)" is a beautiful song about renewing our devotion to God. The song comes from a reawakening to Jesus's "first love" . It calls us to lay everything down and rediscover that same wonder that drew us close to God the first time. It's a moment of surrender wrapped in melody.  "I consecrate my heart again," and with that line, Michelle sets the tone and draws us into a prayer, a prayer to rededicate our hearts to God. She's not just singing to God, but singing with Him, and giving voice to a heart that has been restored. These lyrics are intimate and speak of a "sacred place" where peace and trust replace our worldly striving. The chorus rises with a breath of awe, declaring, "How beautiful you are… more than I could imagine." Each time you sing along, the truth deepens: Christ's beauty and His first love surpass comprehension. A song that beautifully reminds us of 1 John 4:19:...

(by Jasper Tan) Justin Barnett with NCS Collective's live recording of their song "Nothing But the Name" is a powerful intimate worship performance that reminds us that only Jesus Christ matters. Justin's soulful and grounded vocal presence brings a sincere voice that enjoins us to sing the song with him and give worship to Jesus. Justin's vocals brings a certain grittiness to it as well as tenderness, which is evident during the opening verses where he reflects on Jesus as the "bread of life". This deeply emotional performance rises to its peak during the choruses where he is joined by the NCS Collective. This is where we get our full experience of a communal praise and worship session. The accompaniment of a full band setup and a group of backing vocals enhances that feel as we are reminded that to bring praise and worship to God is always more powerful when done as a community. The song is anchored by Barnett's acoustic guitar, which provides a st...