Thousands of years ago a baby was born in Bethlehem. His name was David, and though he rose to be Israel's champion, he sinned and let us down. Two thousand years ago, another baby was born in Bethlehem—Jesus. Benjamin Shanks preaches on the carol O Little Town of...
SERMON SERIES
Why We Sing
Our Christmas 2021 series is a celebration of community, diversity, music, and the Christmas songs which unite us all in the Gospel message. “Why We Sing” features sermons by 12 different preachers from the congregation, each focusing on a different Christmas song.
Why We Sing 11: Joy to the World / Rachel Ford
Jesus came to bring joy to the world! Rachel Ford recounts a joyful story of triumph in a softball game, which points us to the truly joyful story of Jesus' coming to earth. To listen to NorthernLife Worship's creative rendition of this song, view this episode on our...
Why We Sing 10: What Child is This / Richard Ford
Even from His birth, Jesus had a very clear destiny when He came to earth. Richard Ford unpacks the destiny of Jesus on the cross and how the song What Child is This helps us understand the Jesus' atonement for us on the cross. To listen to NorthernLife Worship's...
Why We Sing 9: Hark the Herald Angels Sing / Daniel Spiritosanto
Have you ever been excited to receive a visitor? Daniel Spiritosanto unpacks the classic Christmas carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing in our ninth message in the Why We Sing series. Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us. He came to live with us and He does not leave us by His...
Why We Sing 8: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus / Virginia Mathews
Israel knew a thing or two about waiting—they waited 400 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness, 70 years in exile, and 400 years for the coming of the Messiah. In the 8th message of our "Why We Sing" Christmas series, Virginia Mathews unwraps the beautiful poetry...
Why We Sing 7: O Holy Night / Melanie Brading
The value of an item is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for it. In this Christmas message, Melanie Brading unpacks O Holy Night, showing us how the death of God's son to redeem us gives every single human being inherent worth in the eyes of God....
Why We Sing 6: Away in a Manger / Andrew Dawkins
Christmas began in the heart of God, but it only finds its fulfilment when it reaches your heart. Andrew Dawkins preaches an evangelistic message on the beloved classic "Away in a Manger," calling us to come to Jesus to "fit us for Heaven to be with Him there." To...
Why We Sing 5: The First Noel / Stuart Roberts
2000 years ago, the characters of the Christmas story looked up and saw a star guiding them to Jesus. Stuart Roberts unpacks the well-known Christmas carol "The First Noel," encouraging us to be guided by Jesus in everything we do. To listen to NorthernLife Worship's...
Why We Sing 4: Silent Night / Alex Grime
There are spiritual moments in life that can change everything in an instant — one silent, holy night and our world can be turned upside down. That's exactly what the beloved carol Silent Night is about, as Alex Grime explains. This message will challenge you to be...
Why We Sing 3: O Come All Ye Faithful / Lachlan Ford
Every promise starts with a word, but if that word doesn't lead to action, it is an unfulfilled, unfaithful promise — all bark and no bite. In this message, Lachlan Ford preaches on O Come All Ye Faithful, contrasting the unfaithfulness of half-hearted carol-singing...
Why We Sing 2: O Come O Come Emmanuel / Morgan Ridley-Smith
The Christmas story is one of joy and exuberance, yet at the same time, longing and waiting in a dark and desperate world for a Saviour to come and "ransom captive Israel." In this message, Morgan Ridley-Smith unpacks the historical and theological roots of O Come O...
Why We Sing 1: Angels We Have Heard on High / Karen Brading
"Gloria in excelsis deo" — glory to God in the highest. In this first message of our new "Why We Sing" Christmas series, Karen Brading unpacks the familiar song Angels We Have Heard on High, lifting our eyes to see the glory of God in the Christmas story. God's glory...