Celebrate Jesus: The Stories Behind Your Favorite Praise and Worship Songs [Paperback]

Phil Christensen (Author), Shari MacDonald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2003

This sequel to the best-selling Our God Reigns tells the stories behind favorite praise and worship songs like "Ancient of Days"; "I Stand in Awe"; "Change My Heart, O God"; and "Awesome God."

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There are dozens of books on the history and origins of famous hymns, but few on the contemporary praise songs that are used in evangelical Christian churches on Sundays. To remedy that, Phil Christensen and Shari MacDonald offer Celebrate Jesus: The Stories Behind Your Favorite Praise and Worship Songs. Rich Mullins's chorus "Awesome God," for example, was controversial at the studio because execs were concerned that the line "When he rolls up his sleeves, he ain't just puttin' on the Ritz" might be a bit blasphemous. And the song "You Are My Hiding Place" was written during a divorce, when songwriter Michael Lender was feeling rejected and vulnerable. Worship leaders and lovers of contemporary Christian music will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the origins of some of their favorite tunes.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

A veteran worship leader, Phil Christensen wrote the popular "Song Stories" column for Worship Leader magazine for many years. He is currently serving as the worship pastor at Cedar Hills Evangelical Free Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Shari MacDonald has authored numberous novels and women's books as well as articles for publications such as CCM. She and her husband, photojournalist Crait Strong, make their home in Portland, Oregon with their twin sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (August 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825423813
• ISBN-13: 978-0825423819
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,571,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)