NEW WORSHIP FRIDAY: Matt Redman & Vineyard Worship
When We Behold (In Excelsis)
Matt Redman releases a brand-new Christmas EP titled “In Excelsis,” his first seasonal project since 2016.
Noticing that Christmas worship has tended to lean heavily toward classic heritage songs, he introduces two originals on this new project.
“Matthew 13:52 talks about, ‘someone who brings out new and old treasures from the storeroom,’” Redman shared. “I truly love Christmas carols, but I also love to challenge myself and others to brings some newly created songs of worship around the Christmas season… this project is an attempt at that.”
The three-song EP is marked by collaborative creativity, featuring Jon Guerra as well as various musical contributions on intricate backing vocal arrangements, brass and string accompaniments, and the inclusion of a vocoder.
“When We Behold (In Excelsis)” beholds the wonder of the night of Jesus’ birth and calls for a worshipful response. “God The Son” invites the church to sing the Christmas story and meditate on the stunning thought of God entering the world in love and unto death. The EP rounds out with Redman’s take on “Silent Night;” bringing out the gentle and reverential nature of of the song.
“In Excelsis” is an attempt to invite people into mystery, as Redman explained, “this is no ordinary story – that the Creator entered into His world, at great cost, for the sake of love.” With this project, he is telling the Christmas story through songs imprinted with beauty, resisting a sense of familiarity by bringing people into wonder.
Royal Son
This Advent season, Vineyard Worship are excited to introduce their new single, “Royal Son.” Written by Anthony Peebles, worship pastor at Canyon View Vineyard in Grand Junction, CO, the new song features Tim Brown ("King of Heaven") and Hannah DeSpain ("Wonderful").
“Royal Son” invites the Church to make room for the King of Kings and behold the light of Jesus in the midst of darkness. With moving lyrics that call on Jesus to make all things new, this is a sung yearning for the coming of Christ this Advent season.
Accompanying the song is a special Advent devotional available on YouVersion from December 2, helping people journey through the season with meaningful reflection and worship.