Gentle Savior

Contemporary Christian singer David Phelps, who is one of the finest singers on the planet, performs “Gentle Savior”. A truly inspired song and an inspiring performance. I don't usually go for Contemporary Christian music, but this guy is really remarkable as a vocalist. And the message is beautiful.



Where are the signs? Which way should I go?
I planned each step but now I don’t know.
Tomorrow is a chasm of uncertainty
But, I will go there, if You’ll go with me.

Chorus
Gentle Savior, lead me on.
Let Your Spirit light the way.
Gentle Savior, lead me on.
Hold me close and keep me safe.
Lead me on, Gentle Savior.

Why can’t I walk away from my regrets
And why is forgiveness so hard to accept.
My past surrounds me like a house I can’t afford.
But You say, "Come with me; don’t live there anymore."

Chorus

And when I reach the valley every soul must journey through
I’ll remember then how well You know the way,
I’ll put my hand in Your hand like a trusting child would do
And say…

What Sweeter Music

Here is a wonderful choral piece for your holiday inspiration.

If you are unfamiliar with the music of John Rutter and enjoy sacred choral music of the British tradition, you should definitely check out his body of work. Much of it is available at Collegium Records.



What Sweeter Music

What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol, for to sing
The birth of this our heavenly King?
Awake the voice! Awake the string!

Dark and dull night, fly hence away,
And give the honor to this day,
That sees December turned to May.

Why does the chilling winter’s morn
Smile, like a field beset with corn?
Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn,
Thus, on the sudden? Come and see
The cause, why things thus fragrant be:
‘Tis He is born, whose quickening birth
Gives life and luster, public mirth,
To heaven, and the under-earth.

We see him come, and know him ours,
Who, with his sunshine and his flowers,
Turns all the patient ground to flowers.
The darling of the world is come,
And fit it is, we find a room
To welcome him. The nobler part
Of all the house here, is the heart.

Which we will give him; and bequeath
This holly, and this ivy wreath,
To do him honour, who’s our King,
And Lord of all this revelling.

What sweeter music can we bring,
Than a carol for to sing
The birth of this our heavenly King?

Music: John Rutter (b. 1945)
Text: Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

Heavenly Voices

Here is a performance by the Kings Singers of John Rutter's beautiful carol There is a Flower. Latter-day Saints who appreciate a cappella choral music should enjoy this inspiring piece.