A truly fascinating approach to the Christmas message is contained in this contemporary song! The focus is on the listener's response to the deeper lessons in the narrative. With the phrase Is there room in your heart, the writers draw the connection between the Holy Family's experience and our own. Solo-driven with well-constructed vocal orchestrations for support, the chorus is memorable in its deep sonorous harmonies that resonate with a purity of sound and purpose. A modern marvel!

The beloved Shepherd's psalm has inspired many writers across the ages with its pastoral imagery and inspiring message of hope. A dream team of contemporary artists has now added its voice and that effort has been captured for choirs. Follow the spiritual contours of this celebrated passage with a gently syncopated theme that touches the heart and encourages the spirit. A must do!

David Crowder's music is raw and authentic, creating powerful responses from his audiences. This arrangement maintains the folk song heaviness of the original and adds a choral component to inject a strong element of sacred theater into the performance. He was led like a lamb to slaughter is a vivid vision of the sacrificial Christ, and the writer's use of phrases like The Son went down on the killing floor unflinchingly revisits this sacred symbol. When death surrenders to the living Christ, the piece yields to triumphant shouts of victory. Uncommon! Score and Parts (perc, pno, syn, gtrs/b, dm, elec fdl/vn, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.

A powerful blues-driven song instills the hope of everlasting life into the heart of the believer. The style is raw and the message defiant, conveying the confidence that is ours in the resurrected Christ. With a steady crescendo of purpose and praise, this is an effective declaration of faith for the modern church.

Picking up on the time-treasured phrase, What a friend we have in Jesus, the writers have kicked up their heels and created a song of pure celebration. Arranged with an ear to the original, the style of the piece pivots between country gospel and contemporary pop. The effect is infectious with the music and message lingering long after the final chords. Solid gold!

Uses: General, Praise Team, Youth Choir Scripture: Psalm 23:6; James 1:17 Lilting gracefully, this meditative contemporary song explores the goodness of God the Father and our identity found in Him as His children. The piece adapts well for choral singing, and this arrangement gives directors a chance to explore its unique rhythmic characteristics with refined expressiveness. The track has a gentle folk feel appropriate for both traditional and contemporary settings. Remarkable!

Uses: Christmas, Epiphany, Praise Team, Youth Choir Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:8-20; John 1:14; Acts 17:27 Get your fingers ready for snapping in this great shout of Christmas praise, from singer/songwriter Matthew West. There is an almost electric energy in the rhythms and vocal stylings of this praiseworthy seasonal octavo. Urban gospel harmonic treatments punctuate the jubilant chorus with the words of the angel acclamation, Glory to God in the highest... Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Here's the feel-good anthem of the year! Sure to put a smile in your soul, this rhythmic shout of praise is written in a folk-rock style, reminding us that no matter the circumstance, we should rejoice for we are always in God's care. An unrelenting piano pattern forms the groove of the piece that propels the arrangement forward, and the vocals are mostly three-part, creating an inviting shimmer in the harmonies. An a cappella moment with hand claps will literally lift the roof. A must-do!

Uses: General, Lent, Ash Wednesday, World Communion Scripture: Psalm 85:5; Luke 6:36; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:4 One of oldest statements of faith in Christendom is set with a world music feel. With building intensity, this repetitive prayer becomes a powerful call for forgiveness and commitment. The verses acknowledge our need for mercy and the music becomes more emotional with the overwhelming assurance that we are children of grace. The harmonies and percussion add a distinctive touch that is truly special. Available separately: SATB, StudioTrax CD (Accomp/Split/Perf), Digital Percussion (3 players-tambourine, maracas, congas, wood block, djembe). Duration: ca. 4:09.

Uses: General, Lent, Youth Choir, Praise Team Scripture: Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 143:1 From atop the CCLI charts we offer a simple, yet effective arrangement of a splendid contemporary worship chorus. Articulating our longing for the Living God, this song is a prayer for a closer relationship with Christ and to be more like Him in all we do. The memorable chorus can be used with the audience joining the choir and erasing the boundaries between choir and congregation. StudioTrax CD includes 3 tracks - Accompaniment, Split, Full Performance.

Uses: Christmas, Epiphany, Youth Choir Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, I Samuel 8, John 8:12 A primal, rhythmic drive propels this contemporary Christian standard straight to the spirit of the listener. A shining text for Christmas and Epiphany, this modern carol of the seeker is presented with a bright track or orchestra option that walks between folk and pop styles, yet is comfortable wearing choral clothes. A wonderful change of pace!

Uses: Christmas, Christmas Eve, Praise Team, Youth Choir Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11; Luke 2:8-19 Pure joy announces the birth of Jesus in this festive song from the contemporary group Sidewalk Prophets. There is almost a little country-folk vibe in this setting of this joyful call to praise. Lots of repetition makes this a quickly learned piece, and the ranges are rich and fulfilling. This is so singable you can even ask the congregation to join in on the chorus. Don't miss this one!

This unique offering uses images of creation to describe the eternal qualities of God. Inspired by African folk idioms, the call and response form, along with native percussion, completes the package, making this a truly unforgettable worship offering. May be sung a cappella, if desired. Parts for Bass and Percussion available as a digital download.

Uses: General, Lent, Easter Scripture: John 1:29; I Corinthians 5:7 With its inspiration based on Beethoven's Pathetique sonata, this worshipful declaration is perfect for the traditional/transitional church. The noble declaration can also be used as a worship chorus with your congregation or praise team.

The Word becomes song in this special arrangement, arching with expressive sensitivity. Adapted with careful attention to accessibility, this message of spiritual discipline and divine assurance is rich with ministerial purpose. A quick quote from Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed raises the curtain, making this a meaningful prayer of contrition and surrender.

Celebrating with confidence the hope we have in Christ, this contemporary song of assurance is filled with a thankful spirit. Come and be chainless... fearless... come to the foot of Calvary. These words call us to repentance and salvation as the verses point us to the affirming refrain announcing Christ as our Rescuer. The choir is given solid harmonic foundations while a solo delivers the bold acclamations. An excellent choice for blended worship services!

Who could have imagined this? Infant and the Infinite. These inspired words announce a theme of wonder and praise. The style is an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary, making a smooth journey of the distance between the artist version and the Sunday morning choir. A quote from a beloved carol is a delightful feature, making this a perfect choice for the traditional/transitional church. Score and Parts (vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.