Christmas Music: For the Church, by the Church

In regard to his Behold the Lamb of God tour, Andrew Peterson has said that he and his friends first developed the concert that would become a holiday favorite for many Christians as a Christmas event where Santa Clause isn’t invited.  In the tradition of such thinking, comes Repeat the Sounding Joy by The Good Shepherd Band.  Until three weeks ago I had never heard of the band from Bloomington, Indiana, but currently this album holds a firm spot in what I consider to be the most Christ-centered and worshipful of Christmas records.  In a season where vapid holiday fluff by the likes of Mariah Carey can be heard cycling the local radio stations, Repeat the Sounding Joy is a welcomed proclamation of the coming of Jesus put to creatively beautiful musicianship.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the members of The Good Shepherd Band aren’t trying to be rock stars.  To the contrary, they see themselves as servants in and to their local church.  Here’s a quote from their website that illustrates this: We’re church musicians, first and foremost. That’s where we direct our energies. We love the Church, and use our gifts to serve her. We’re not looking for fame. We’re working for reformation.  

If you are like me, then the name of the band and their commitment to ministry is enough to buy the album, but the band’s concentration on Christ and their excellence in artistry will keep it in your regular rotation for the rest of the season (and perhaps beyond).  You can preview the entire album on their website and here’s a video for one of the songs.

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