Radiance Road

Radiance Road

By Hans Sirotniak ’24

In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” Even among the darkness, the bad news, the negativity, the hopelessness, the despair, the evil, the problems, the struggles, the sadness, and the uncertainty, there is still a source of light in this world. Here at Radiance Road, come find the goodness, the solution, and the way through inspirational music, Bible passages, and excerpts from homilies. Light up the meaning, the joy, the wisdom, and the courage in your life.

Can you imagine it?

Hans Sirotniak ’24

Radiance Road

What are the types of Christian music?

Christian music might be a type of music you are very familiar with, or it might be something you ’ ve never heard of before. Just like there are many genres of music, there are many subgenres of Christian music. These include Christian country, Christian rock, Christian pop, Christian hip-hop, Gospel music, Southern Gospel music, Nigerian Gospel music, Christian metal, Worship music, Sacred music, Adult Contemporary music, Spanish Christian music, Christian R&B, and more!

What makes Christian music different from other music?

All music has an effect on our moods, and it is important that we listen to music that will provide us with the best messages possible. Although it is not bad to listen to music that is not Christian-related, there are many non-Christian songs that promote negativity and unkindness, which are not very inspiring for those who want to live a faith-filled, joyous life.

Why should you listen to Christian music?

Many people, including teenagers, suffer from feelings of loneliness and depression. Instead of listening to songs that are negative and add to the melancholy, it’s easy to find hope and positivity in Christian music because it provides encouraging messages. People who might be struggling with their faith, people who are suffering physically or emotionally, and people who are experiencing uncertainty can identify with Christian songs and take in those messages. Songwriters and singers of Christian songs share both their own personal struggles and their celebrations. That is why some Christian songs might be about experiencing the lows in life, while others are about praising God for making it through. One of the main messages of Christian music is that hard times are a part of life, and although there is uncertainty, there is hope and meaning in whatever we go through. Christian artists welcome everyone to hear their songs and be blessed by God through their messages. Maybe you are having a great time in your life, and you want a way to celebrate. Worshiping God through listening to Christian music is a great way to do that. Maybe you are losing hope and feeling like you want to give up. Seeking out God’s help through listening to Christian music is a great way to help keep your focus in the right place during hard times.

Radiance Road

Check out these 10 inspiring Christian based Christmas tunes

“The Hope of Christmas”

by Matthew West

In 2020, the world looked dark. It was hard to find peace in the strange world that the year had brought. Luckily, however, we had this song from Matthew West to cheer us up. It took our focus off of the craziness of the world and onto the hope of the Father. God is the hope of my heart, and although the year presents pain and suffering, there is hope in the message of Christmas.

“Someone Like Me”

by Evan Craft

This song is a Christmas prayer from one broken person to the “King who they said came in a manger” asking for mercy. Although it might not seem like it’s filled with the usual Christmas cheer, it’s a cry out for hope from the last pew in a church on Christmas Eve. It’s calling on Jesus, asking for room at the inn, asking for help, asking if there is mercy “for someone like me?”

“Awakening” (Christmas Version)

by John Waller

John Waller’s song “Awakening” has a Christmas remix, and now the coffee becomes peppermint latte. Overall, the message is consistent that John Waller depends on two things to get his Christmas morning off to a great start: a lot of Jesus and also a little caffeine.

“[the night the sky joined in]” by All Creatures

Christmas has a different focus from what we experience It is a historical celebration that focuses on a single night in all of history, the night that the sky joined in. The sound of the coming of the Savior rang loudly. Will you accept the call?

“Good News”

by Unspoken

Do you want some good news? I’ve got it right here. In this song, Unspoken celebrates the fact that “everyone got a gift from Heaven,” God’s only Son. And once you accept that gift, your deepest wishes can come true.

“Behold Him”

by Francesca Battistelli

This song is a reminder for all those who are suffering during the Christmas season -- the message of the coming of Christ is still relevant. Jesus was born to spread the message that there is hope in the midst of pain. If you ’ re not feeling alright, remember to behold Him, and be reminded of the hope that you have in Christ.

“Lift Up Your Eyes”

by Danny Gokey

In the midst of the holiday celebrations, it is important to pause for a second and put your trust in the right place. That’s one reason this song is so wonderful. It’s a reminder that we should lift up our eyes to God who will guide us to safety with Him. This holiday season, on our journey to a more perfect world, we reach out to God and pray for His help.

“Peace Has Come”

by Hillsong Worship

One of the things that many of us want most in life is peace. This song is a reminder that peace has come. The King is with us. Let this holiday season be that reminder.

“Miracle of Love”

by Chris Tomlin

This song put the emphasis on Christ as a baby being born on Christmas. The news of a Savior being born is amazing news. Chris Tomlin hits his knees in this song to celebrate the fact that God has come to Earth from Heaven above to save us all.

“Comfort and Joy”

by Tasha Layton

This is a song for those who feel left out during the holiday season, for those who feel pain when everyone else around them is celebrating but they can’t. What’s the meaning of Christmas? Jesus came to bring us comfort and joy. And so remember where you should place your hope, not in the celebrations of the holiday but rather in the message of the Savior.