Gather 'Round Ye Children

LongDistanceConversations

Sunday night Laura and I went to an Andrew Peterson concert in Clear Lake, Texas. It the first of two concerts that Andrew, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Andrew Osenga and Randall Goodgame did in the Houston area for their Behold the Lamb of God Tour, the second was last night.
The first part of the concert is played “in the round”, so the audience gets a formal introduction to the different singer/songwriters participating in the collaborative effort. Derek Webb and Andy Gullahorn accompanied their wives (Sandra McCracken and Jill Phillips). That part of the concert was good enough to have continued all night, but the crux of the show followed its intermission.
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness” was Peterson’s way of telling the audience, “We’re going to start playing music, shut up and sing along”. Then the story starts with the invitation to gather ‘round and listen to the story of Israel’s history up-to the birth of the boy-king Jesus in humble Bethlehem. Here’s a list and description of the songs played that night:
1. Gather ‘round ye children come- this is the introduction to the narrative string of songs that Andrew Peterson has written. It’s something of a call to worship and remember the good news that makes us new.
2. Pass over us- this song re-tells the story of the first Passover where YHWH showed mercy on Israel and judgment on Egypt.
3. So long Moses- This is a string of names and stories for various leaders of the Israelite people. There is the strong anticipation, from start to finish, for a good king to lead and love.
4. Deliver us- a cry of mourning for deliverance from the bandage that we are in, that we have sold our selves into (sung by Derek Webb).
5. O come, O come Emmanuel- An instrumental song… not too much more to say about it.
6. Matthew’s begats- Matthew chapter 1 set to music.
7. It came to pass- Mary, Joseph and an unborn Jesus arrive in Bethlehem.
8. Labor of love- a very true thoughtful re-telling of what the birth of Jesus was like. In short, it was not a “silent night” (sung by Jill Phillips).
9. The holly and the Ivy- An instrumental song… not too much more to say about it.
10. While shepherds watched their flocks- A retelling of the story of God’s bringing “glad tidings of great joy” to the lowest of men.
11. Behold the Lamb of God- a call to consider our condition and Jesus remedy.
12. Theme of my song- this song alone is well worth the cost of the album. All of the contributors to the album come together for a medley revisiting the whole album. This part made me cry when I saw it live. The audience singing come let us adore him follows this.

In short, by the CD and/or the DVD, it’s amazing stuff. Or try your damnedest to see them live you won’t regret it.

Grace and Peace,
J