WEEK 6-BELIEVING IN JESUS-GOD THE SON
Devotional songs, reflection questions, and key scripture recognizing Jesus as fully God who also became fully man to bridge the gap of sin that separates us from God.
Lyrics written by Mark Greenelsh.
Music produced with AI-assisted tools.
31 Splendor
32 Immanuel
33 The Greatest Gift
34 Preeminent
35 Wrapped in Wonder
36 Reflection
Ever Closer Episode 31: Splendor
This week focuses on Colossians 1:15-20, which reveals Jesus as the perfect image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation through whom and for whom all things were made and are sustained. Our hope and reason for rejoicing lie in understanding that Jesus not only created all things but also holds them together, and through His blood shed on the cross, He reconciles all things to Himself. The musical journey takes us from joining all creation in worshiping God’s majestic holiness, to celebrating that God became one of us so we might become one with Him, to receiving the greatest gift of the promised child who is Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace, and finally to enjoying God’s loving presence with the wonder and trust of a carefree child.
Here is today’s song:
Splendor
A call to join all of heaven, all people groups, and all of creation to praise and worship God for he is majestic and holy and his salvation on our behalf is marvelous. (Inspired by Psalm 96).
(Verse 1)
Heavens rejoice, stars dance with light.
Earth be glad, trees rise in delight.
Mountains sing, rivers rush with glee.
All creation proclaims God’s majesty.
(Chorus)
Join the song, every tribe and tongue.
Lift your voice, let praise be sung.
Declare God’s grace and glory.
He saves the lost and exalts the lowly.
(Verse 2)
He is faithful, like morning dew
Perfectly loves, makes all things new.
Sovereign King, yet invites us nigh
To share his splendor and by faith rely.
(Chorus)
Join the song, every tribe and tongue.
Lift your voice, let praise be sung.
Declare God’s grace and glory.
He saves the lost and exalts the lowly.
(Verse 3)
Sing his goodness, shout his might
Tell his story, day and night.
Marvelous deeds, for all to see
He’ll make all things right, as decreed.
(Bridge)
In humble faith, we bow our knee
Serving the One who set us free.
Our lives a song, a living praise
To the holy God, maker of days.
(Chorus)
Join the song, every tribe and tongue.
Lift your voice, let praise be sung.
Declare God’s grace and glory.
He saves the lost and exalts the lowly.
Ever Closer Episode 32: Immanuel
Immanuel means, “God with us.” Out of love, Jesus who is God the Son, gave up everything to save us. He became one of us so by faith we might become one with him.
(Verse 1)
From heaven’s throne, God stepped down low
A servant’s form, his glory to forgo.
Nailed to a cross, yet death he overthrew
Rising victorious, to make us new.
(Chorus)
One of us, Jesus became
That we might bear his name.
By faith, we receive God’s Son
United with him as one.
(Verse 2)
He shares his Spirit, a living flame
To refine our hearts and heal our shame.
He strengthens us to walk his way.
Present with us all our days.
(Bridge)
Soon he’ll return, the conquering King.
Evil will fall, new life he’ll bring.
A world reborn, where justice reigns.
And with his own, he’ll ever remain.
(Chorus)
One of us, Jesus became
That we might bear his name.
By faith, we receive God’s Son
United with him as one.
(Verse 3)
He’ll gather us from far and near
Our bodies changed, no more to fear
Glorified souls in His embrace
Forever dwelling in His grace.
(Verse 4)
The earth renewed, the heavens bright
His kingdom come, dispelling night.
With Him we’ll reign in endless peace
Where joy and love will never cease.
(Chorus)
One of us, Jesus became
That we might bear his name.
By faith, we receive God’s Son
United with him as one.
Ever Closer Episode 33: The Greatest Gift
“For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”(Isaiah 9:6).
(Verse 1)
God’s love, a gift to behold,
Jesus, the light in darkness and cold.
He came to earth, to set us free,
The Son of God, our victory.
(Verse 2)
Evil fades, in his glorious light,
Jesus, the answer, to our heart’s delight,
He became man, to show God’s face,
And lead us to his saving grace.
(Chorus)
Wonderful Counselor, Almighty King,
Eternal Father, ever providing.
As protector and Prince of Peace
In Jesus, we’re made complete.
(Bridge)
The greatest gift, a love so grand,
The King and Savior, extends his hand,
Believe in him, and be restored,
A child of God, forevermore.
(Verse 3)
Look to Jesus, he’s coming back soon
To right all wrongs and heal all wounds.
There’s no end to his royal domain
Learn from Jesus, and with him you’ll reign.
(Chorus)
Wonderful Counselor, Almighty King,
Eternal Father, ever providing.
As protector and Prince of Peace
In Jesus, we’re made complete.
(Outro)
An amazing gift, grace unbound,
In Jesus, abundant life is found.
Receive him now, and you will be,
United with God, ever loved and free.
Ever Closer Episode 34: Preeminent
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the preeminent Son of God who not only created and sustains all creation, but he became one of us to show us what it means to know God as a loving Father and enables all who trust him to become a son or daughter of God.
(Verse 1)
Before the stars were scattered through the night,
Before the mountains rose to kiss the sky,
The Son of Man held all within his sight—
Through him, for him, all things were brought to life.
(Verse 2)
In Daniel’s vision, we see Jesus clear,
The Ancient One bestows to him the kingdom.
All nations bow, the world’s people revere,
Those who trust, he gathers to rule with him.
(Chorus)
Jesus, God the Son, above all reigns,
He died and rose to set sinners free.
All who trust Him receive a new name,
Adopted into God’s family.
(Verse 3)
Before foundations of the world were laid,
He chose us to be holy, without blame.
In love’s great purpose, perfect plans were made
To bear his likeness, reflect his royal flame.
(Verse 4)
From every tribe and tongue, he’s ransomed souls,
Exalting the humble to serve before his throne.
Over sin and death his victory holds.
Through faith in him, our rebellion atoned.
(Chorus)
Jesus, God the Son, above all reigns,
He died and rose to set sinners free.
All who trust Him receive a new name,
Adopted into God’s family.
(Bridge)
Because he lives, we inherit his life,
In him, with him, the veil is torn away.
As our world fades and we battle storm and strife,
He shares with us his everlasting day.
(Verse 5)
All who receive him gain the sacred right
To join the family of the Most High God.
Clothed in Christ, we walk as children of light,
Forever held in his faithful regard.
(Chorus)
Jesus, God the Son, above all reigns,
He died and rose to set sinners free.
All who trust Him receive a new name,
Adopted into God’s family.
(Outro)
Glorified like him, united as one.
No longer orphans, forever home.
Ever Closer Episode 35: Wrapped in Wonder
Enjoy God’s loving presence each day like a trusting, carefree child thrilled to be with him and to learn from him.
(Verse 1)
Morning sunshine paints the sky.
You, my father, make me smile.
Out of love, you saved my life.
By faith, I dance in your light.
(Chorus)
Wrapped in wonder, filled with awe
I praise your name and surrender all.
Night and day, come what may
In your arms is where I’ll stay.
(Verse 2)
You meet my every heartfelt need
Your provision, so complete.
No need to worry, in you I rest.
You’re always working for my best.
(Verse 3)
Storm clouds gather, winds endure.
Under your wing, I’m safe and secure.
You’re my fortress, strong and true.
May I always rely on you.
(Chorus)
Wrapped in wonder, filled with awe
I praise your name and surrender all.
Night and day, come what may
In your arms is where I’ll stay.
(Bridge)
You lift me higher than the peaks.
Your love flows deeper than the sea.
My heart is blessed by your decrees.
Obeying your truth sets me free.
Sets me free.
(Verse 4)
Stars like diamonds fill the night.
You’re my compass, you’re my light.
My hand in yours, I thrive and grow.
Use me to bring others home.
(Chorus)
Wrapped in wonder, filled with awe
I praise your name and surrender all.
Night and day, come what may
In your arms is where I’ll stay.
Ever Closer Episode 36: Week 6 Reflection
We are lost and doomed to die in our sin without Jesus. Our hope and reason for rejoicing lie in understanding that Jesus not only created all things but also holds them together, and through His blood shed on the cross, He reconciles all things to Himself.
Our scripture focus for this week is Colossians 1:15-20:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things are held together. He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him; and through him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; by him, I say, whether things on the earth or things in the heavens.”
Following are three application questions.
1. The song “Splendor” calls all people groups and creation to praise God for His majesty and salvation. How might joining in this universal chorus of praise shift your focus from current troubles to eternal hope?
2. “The Greatest Gift” references Isaiah 9:6, which describes Jesus with four powerful titles. Which of these titles—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace—speaks most directly to your current needs, and how might embracing this aspect of Jesus bring you greater rejoicing?
3. Jesus is God the Son who shows us what it means to know God as a loving Father and enables all who trust him to become a son or daughter of God. Who can you be praying for to receive Jesus by faith and become adopted into God’s family?