This December, Linda and I had the privilege and joy of driving to Nashville Tennessee to hear Andrew Peterson and friends sing Behold the Lamb of God.
The concert was our favourite ever for several reasons. For starters, it was held at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The Ryman was originally built as a Gospel Tabernacle in the late 1800’s. Now it’s a music venue that has hosted the Grand Ole Opry and a wide spectrum of artists. But during the Andrew Peterson concert, it once again was transformed back into a church building, with 2500 people joining voices to sing praise to the Lord Jesus.
The main reason the evening was a highlight was not the venue. It was the way that Andrew Peterson (and his many musical friends), told the Big Story of Christmas, beginning in the Old Testament. The opening songs recount the slavery of God’s people in Egypt and their deliverance from bondage through the death of the Passover Lamb. Then come songs that summarize the hurts and hopes of God’s people through the long centuries, especially their longing for a king to come and bring deliverance. All this sets in context the coming of Jesus, the True King and the Lamb of God who came to deliver us from sin through His death and resurrection.
I realize people have different musical tastes and preferences. But there is enough variety style in this concert to make Behold the Lamb of God something a wide range of people love to hear every year.
This was the twentieth consecutive year that Andrew and friends have sung Behold the Lamb at the Ryman. The evening we were there, they live streamed and recorded the concert, so we’ve been able to watch it several more times this Christmas season. Our hearts have been moved again by the Christmas story, especially how it brings to fulfillment the hopes and dreams of all who long for deliverance from sin’s slavery.
The concert culminates in a song of worship to the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God who came to take away our sin. That’s the good news of the gospel. That’s the reason Christmas shines with joy and praise for those who have trusted in Jesus to take away their sins.
By the way, you can listen to the full collection of songs on Spotify (search for Behold the Lamb). You can also watch the live streamed recording of the concert at the Ryman. There’s a cost to watch the recording, but we think it’s well-worth it. You can find more information here:
Rick and Linda Reed 