Kings Kaleidoscope is based at Mars Hill Church Ballard, just north of Seattle. Made up of over a dozen eclectic musicians, Kings has created a sound that is achieving a following all their own. Like many of the other Mars Hill artists, Kings is dedicated to bringing new life to old hymns that are steeped in sound doctrine. Melding these beautiful classic songs with Deacon Chad Gardner's distinct vocal and instrumentation that includes a string trio, a horn section and a glockenspiel, Joy Has Dawned features a sound that is uniquely Kings Kaleidoscope.

The band carefully selected each song in a specific sequence so the album would build from humility in the incarnation to the full glory of the exalted, prophesized Jesus.

"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" starts things off with a cry for Jesus to come and be the Savior of the world. With great anticipation of the coming Messiah, the lyrics look toward a King who will set us free from sin and slavery:

Come thou long expected Jesus
Born to set thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in thee

"O Holy Night" recalls the actual night of Jesus' birth, the moment in which the longing for a Savior was fulfilled in his incarnation. The only hope for the pain, suffering and brokenness of this world was born in a manger.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth

"Joy Has Dawned" celebrates the coming of Jesus. First coming in humility, then rejoicing that Jesus will reconcile us to God by his blood for eternity:

Hands that set the stars in place
Shaped the earth in darkness
Cling now to a mother's breast
Vulnerable and helpless

What a Savior! What a friend!
What a glorious mystery
Once a babe in Bethlehem
And now the Lord of history.

"Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" calls everyone to come and worship Jesus. With adoration, we sing to him as our King. He has come from heaven, humbled himself to save us, he will deliver us and we will find life in him.

Oh come let us adore him
Christ the Lord!

"All Glory Be to Christ" puts the whole Christmas story in perspective. Our lives on Earth are short, but Jesus' life, death and resurrection secure for us an eternal home with him in Heaven. Everything we accomplish here on Earth will vanish, but we will remain with Christ in Heaven forever.

To you who boast tomorrow's gain
Tell me what is your life?
A mist that vanishes at dawn
All glory be to Christ.

Kings Kaleidoscope - Joy Has Dawned, available on iTunes, online at MarsHill.com, and at Mars Hill churches November 27, 2012.
Visit Marshill.com/music for more music from Mars Hill Church.

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