This past Friday tens of millions of dollars was raised on behalf of Haiti thanks to a telethon called Hope For Haiti Now. That two hour star-studded event preempted most network shows in a bid to raise much needed funds to help people whose lives were shattered when a devastating earthquake shook their tropical island nation two weeks ago.

Are You Listening?

A number of Christian music artists have also been doing their part to help Haiti, coming together recently to record a song, Are You Listening? The song, written by Kirk Franklin as a tribute to Haiti eight years ago, but only recorded just this past week is a moving plea for help. “Artists United For Haiti” is itself packed with stars with BeBe and CeCe Winans lending their voices along with Shirley Caesar, Natalie Grant, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, Jeremy Camp, Stephen Hurd, and so many others joining in.

The Gospel Music Channel (GMC) played the song over and over again on Friday evening just before the Hope For Haiti Now event started. “Are You Listening?” is available for download through Verity Records for just $1.29 with the proceeds going toward assisting organizations at work in Haiti including the Red Cross. You can also find the single through iTunes with major retailers such as Wal-Mart carrying the song after January 30.

Kirk Franklin Shares

Speaking about the song Kirk Franklin shared, “This initiative is so important because while we are asking America to give we know that many are giving sacrificially. The people of Haiti are very spiritual people with an unwavering faith and belief in God and still count The Lord as the main source and provider. We will continue to pray and stand with them. We hope this song will bring much needed support and awareness in an effort to raise funds in the near and long-term future.”

Click on the logo for more information or head over to Verity Records to purchase your copy.

Popularity: 23% [?]

My favorite Christmas carol is “O Holy Night!” the work of one Adolph Adam who wrote the music in 1847 to correspond with the words of a poem – Minuit, Chrétiens (Midnight, Christians) – written by Placide Cappeau. Down through the years the song was translated to English and is believed to be the first tune played on the radio.

The carol’s majestic, somewhat hauntingly beautiful cadence is quickly recognized by listeners familiar with the tune. O Holy Night! penetrates my heart and quickly refocuses my wandering mind on the simplicity and wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of salvation and peace found only in Him.

There are any number of performances of the carol that I’ve heard through the years including, most recently, an 11-year old boy who sang the song this past Sunday at our church with piano accompaniment. This youngster hit all the notes, remembered all of the words, and stirred the hearts of listeners.

Celine Dion offers a wonderful solo performance of the carol, perhaps one of the most stirring by one performer. When it comes to multiple voices being raised up, I think that the Celtic Woman performance at the Helix Center in Dublin is one of the finest. And it is that performance I offer to you here for your listening enjoyment.

Finally, but certainly not the last comment you’ll read on Word Journey, I want to thank all of my readers who have stopped by here during 2009. Merry Christmas and a blessed new year – may God draw you closer to Himself as you reflect on the wonder of his incarnation, an event that shifted history and later led to our redemption being made possible.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 | KJV)

Popularity: 7% [?]

Once in awhile a song from a Christian artist seems to resonate with followers of Jesus Christ as well as with those who don’t know Him. Bob Carlisle’s 1996 hit — Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) — hit the top of both Christian and secular charts, becoming a favorite of numerous women who were getting married at that time.

An Appeal To Women

I don’t know if Jonny Diaz’s “More Beautiful You” will have the same response as Bob Carlisle’s hit, but I can certainly see the song’s appeal for many women. Diaz croons imploring young women to examine their lives and avoid getting caught up in the world, particularly where there personal looks and character are at stake.

True, the name of God and Jesus Christ are not mentioned in the song, but I’m thinking that the song’s introspective message will have the listener looking deep within themselves.

Along with the YouTube video of the song, the lyrics are as follows:

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake
And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true
And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you’re not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

Popularity: 10% [?]