Christmas music is always playing in the background during the holiday season. While many Christmas songs are performed by artists who are skilled at “performance art” but don’t necessarily have a deep connection to the gospel, I find myself drawn to the music because of its message. Christmas music evokes a sense of wonder and majesty as we contemplate the irony of the King of Kings being born in a humble barn. It reminds us of the beginning of our salvation and the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for us.
One artist whose Christmas music resonates deeply with me is Matthew West. West’s commitment to writing songs “rooted in real life” is truly inspiring. He sees songwriting as a way to amplify the voices of others, using his platform to share their stories of faith, struggle, and redemption.
Several years ago, West underwent throat surgery and was unsure if he would ever sing again. He wrestled with this uncertainty but ultimately felt God’s assurance that he would be able to use his voice again. God promised to give him a voice again, not just for his own sake, but to amplify the voices of others.
Once West recovered, he took a step of faith and invited people to share their stories with him. The response was overwhelming. He received over 40,000 personal letters from people all over the world. These letters, filled with raw and honest accounts of faith journeys, became the inspiration for his music.
One of the most powerful examples of this is West’s song “Mended.” Inspired by a letter from someone who had experienced deep brokenness and healing, the song speaks to the transformative power of God’s grace. The lyrics beautifully capture the contrast between our human perception of brokenness and God’s ability to heal beyond our wildest imagination: “When you see me broken beyond repair, I see You healing, healed beyond belief. When you see wounded, I see mended.”
Another impactful song birthed from these letters is “Untold,” a powerful pro-life anthem. This song was inspired by two letters: one from a woman who had experienced the pain of abortion and another from a woman who chose life despite facing uncertainty and pressure. Through “Untold,” West gives a voice to the unborn, challenging the notion that they are merely a choice and affirming their inherent value and right to life. The lyrics poignantly capture the perspective of a child in the womb:
“Don’t close the book on me yet, I’ve still got a long way to go. Empty pages to fill, and the best is still down the road. I am a story untold. I’m the news that nobody expected. I was never a part of your plan. I’m the reason why life as you know it feels like it’s slipping through your trembling hands. And now the doctors say I’m just an option, a mistake you can make disappear. Well, I may not have a voice, but I’m more than a choice. I’m as real as the heartbeat you hear.”
West’s commitment to telling these stories through his music is a testament to his belief that every life matters and every voice deserves to be heard. His songs are not just performances; they are heartfelt expressions of faith, hope, and the power of redemption.
What I learned from Matthew West is that music can be a powerful tool for sharing the gospel and connecting with people on a deeply personal level. His example inspires me to use my own voice to amplify the stories of others and to share the message of hope and healing that is found in Jesus Christ. His music is a reminder that even in our brokenness, God sees us as mended and worthy of love.