It is fitting that the Advent season be accompanied by Christ-exalting, doctrinally-rich music–songs that are both stylistically engaging and lyrically edifying. That is why I am pleased to recommend Savior: Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man, a newly released Christmas album by Sovereign Grace Music. The songs are composed by Mark and Stephen Altrogge, Gregory Tulenko, Todd Twining, Doug Plank, Rich Dalmas, and Bob Kauflin.
I am especially blessed by the song “Hope Has Come“, whose first verse reads:
Let us join with the angel voices
Let us join their happy song
All of heaven and earth rejoices
For the Lamb of God has come
He has come to rescue sinners
Come to met our desperate need
He was born to bring forgiveness
Born for Calvary
The musical style of the album is pleasantly balanced: a few slower songs (e.g., “Sleep, Jesus, Sleep“), some that are more upbeat (e.g., “Hope Has Come”), and some that are in between (e.g., “Glory to God in the Highest“). I was grateful that the album jacket contains the lyrics for every song, as I find it fosters personal reflection. Also helpful is the brief meditation on the Incarnation found on the inside of the album jacket. It gives a simple, 3-step explanation of the gospel: (1) How can we get to God? (2) God resolves this dilemma through the Incarnation. (3) How can we get to God?
I hope this album blesses many toward a greater appreciation of the Greatest Gift of Christmas: Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and blood to suffer and die, to bring us to God (I Peter 3:18).