Song Stories: Silent Night (with bonus "We Turn to You")
(In this latest blog series, I am sharing the stories behind some of my recorded music. I hope you enjoy hearing the songs and reading the background behind each one. This month I’m sharing some Christmas songs. I’m also including the song “We Turn to You”)
Here is the audio file of "Silent Night":
http://chrisatkins.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Silent-Night-instrumental.mp3
Here is the lyric video of "We Turn to You"
These past few weeks I’ve heard from many people who are struggling with illness, grieving, financial hardships, or broken relationships. Many experts say December is one of the most difficult times of the year for many people and I believe it. Add to this the divisions in our country, Covid-19 variants, and global tensions, and it can seem overwhelming.
In these turbulent and uncertain times when it can be hard to find peace and joy, I offer my belief that God understands and cares for each and every one of us. He isn’t just the God “out there somewhere” but is accessible: ready and willing to hear your prayers and cries, hopes and dreams, worries and concerns, and whatever else you need to bring to Him. God is more than big enough to handle anything and everything we bring to Him.
Because He came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ, God understands us. Because Jesus lives today, He is able to step into your life and bring His power, hope, peace, and healing.
I encourage you, in the midst of whatever you may be going through—good, bad, or indifferent—to reach out to God. If you don’t know how to start praying, please listen to “We Turn to You” as an encouragement. The words you use aren’t as important as simply pouring out your heart to God, and a willingness to let Him into your life and circumstances.
I also encourage you to disconnect from the multitude of media sources and voices that vie for our attention, if only for a few minutes. A few years ago I sat down at a piano and played my own version of “Silent Night”. My hope and intent for this recording was to bring people to a place where they could rest in God and experience that same peace that happened on the first silent night some 2,000 years ago
I invite you to take a few minutes to shut off your devices and media players. Sit in a place where you can close your eyes and simply rest. Ask God to speak into your heart and mind.
Then listen.
Experience the peace God offers you as you listen to “Silent Night”. Here are a few Scriptures to help you as you spend time with God:
“The God of peace be with you.” (Romans 15:33)
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15)
“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 2:12)
“Let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
I’ll bring more new song stories next month, so please check back soon!
God bless you!
Chris Atkins