Jesus Jams January: A Song Rec September Spin-Off
This is the first installment of Jesus Jams January, a series in which Claritas contributors recommend Christian songs they’ve found to be particularly meaningful in their everyday lives.
Credit: Matt Pang
“No One But You” by Hillsong Worship, Aodhán King
Anjelina Gonzalez, Social Media Manager
If I’m being honest, I have wrestled quite a bit with my faith for the past few years, and I often wonder if so much inner-turmoil allows for a person like me to fall into God’s grace (it does, yet my soul isn’t quite there yet). I may be confused, but a 2024 listen to “No One But You” by Hillsong Worship reminded me of what has always been at the center. Way back when I was about an inch shorter and about a million more feet firm in my faith, I heard this song live in concert, and I immediately loved it. At the time, “No One But You” was a song of praise and adoration, but as I stand a few years deeper down the line, it’s also one of reassurance in desperation. The song itself is based on Job 38, in which God confronts Job in his suffering and reveals how the mind of man can not come close to God’s. In middle school, I heard there was “No One But You”. Now in college, I’ve come to an understanding that there is “No One But You.” I wanted God then, and I still want Him now, how dare I let my fallible human mind change that.
“Lully, Lulla, Lullay” by Philip Stopford
Jason Lan, Business Manager
We are now fast approaching Lent, a 40 day tradition within many Christian denominations meant to remind us of our shortcomings, to help us reflect on God’s love in the face of them, and to guide us to make amends for them. As I reflect upon this upcoming season, I find myself noticing that I feel similar emotions to when I listen to “Lully, Lulla, Lullay”. The song retells the biblical narrative in the Book of Matthew surrounding the birth of Jesus and the slaughter of the infants of Bethlehem. As news of Jesus’ birth reaches King Herod, he becomes increasingly paranoid of losing power, and orders the killing of all male babies under the age of two. Set from the point of view of a mother of one of these infants, the song elicits tears, recounting her despair as she cries “how may we do, For to preserve this day”. Yet, the song ends in a major chord, feeding the listener a last tidbit of hope that peace may come to this situation. I find this quite appropriate for the Lenten season. Reflecting on this sin of Herod invites me to reflect on my own sins, which like his, murdered the innocent. Hearing the despair of the mothers hurt by Herod makes me think of all the ways I have failed to love God and my neighbor (and, many times, I have hurt them instead). Finally, when the last note of hope is sung, I am reminded of God’s unconditional love for us, that despite how much pain we cause to and for each other, He chose to show us how much we mean to Him in His death on the cross. In the end, our Lenten journeys may contain painful reminders of what we desire to forget, but above all else, they are filled with hope for the one who, in love, “became man so that we might become God”.
“Priorities” by RIDERS
Frank Fang, Staff Writer
In my personal opinion, Christian music that tries to be non-CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) is subpar. The lyrics are corny, the artists are trying too hard to get in with the young folk, or it sounds like a copy of someone else’s music just Christian-ized. Yes, we should be filling our minds with the Word of God, but how am I supposed to listen to TobyMac when J.Cole exists?
That being said, “Priorities” by RIDERS and Circuit Rider Music is pretty good. The song peaks into the thoughts of a Christian who is recognizing their comfortable, movie-like life has resulted in “old roads and patterns” that were present before he met Christ. It’s also catchy. Give it a listen if you dare.
“What Wondrous Love is This” by Anonymous
Joaquin Rivera, Editor in Chief
I very vividly remember the first time I was exposed to this song back in 8th grade. At my Christian school, we would have a “Hymn of the Month” that we would sing together every morning. If memory serves me right, this was the hymn we sang during April to remember Easter. Indeed, the lyrics of this song really powerfully communicate the weight of Christ’s sacrifice for us. The ending of the 2nd verse goes “When I was sinking down/Beneath God’s righteous frown/Christ laid aside his crown/for my soul, for my soul.” I remember as an 8th grader being really gripped by this verse in particular, and by the powerful image of Jesus setting aside his crown. The song then ends with what our response should be to this sacrifice. “And while from death I’m free/I’ll sing and joyful be/and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on.” These words are a wonderful reminder of why we sing in this first place. We sing because we are free from death, and there can be no better way to celebrate than by praising the one who made it possible.
“God Will Take Care of You” performed by Aretha Franklin
Matt Pang, Blog Editor
“God Will Take Care of You” by Aretha Franklin. Need I say anymore? Perhaps the greatest vocalist of all time sings a rather simple yet profound hymn about trusting in the God who holds the universe in His hands. Despite the song only being a brief 18 lines, Franklin pours her heart and soul into every word. Her overwhelming performance alone reminds me how desperately we all need Jesus. This past year has been one of pain and grief for millions of families, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East. Additionally, even when we evaluate the state of our home, the U.S., we still can’t seem to escape evils like racism and police brutality. It’s difficult to find hope in this world.
In spite of the hardships I previously mentioned, there’s good news: God takes care of you. I have no doubt that 2024 will bring trials and tribulations, but we will find transcendent peace if and only if we solely rely on Him. Thus, I pray that no matter what may be the test, each and everyone one of us leans upon His breast.