Celebrating New Life: Sarah Davison Welcomes Daughter Ruth Ann

AMY TURNER

Sarah Davison, a member of High Road, has recently experienced a challenging but joyous journey into motherhood. After a difficult period, Sarah and her husband Trevor welcomed their daughter Ruth Ann in November. The family faced some obstacles, as their newborn spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before finally coming home.

Expressing her gratitude, Sarah shared, “We are so excited to announce that we got to come home this week from the NICU with our sweet little daughter Ruth Ann who was born earlier in the month of November”. The couple is now cherishing their time together as a family, preparing for their first Christmas with their new addition.

Artist: High Road Songwriters: Kenna Turner West / Sonya Isaacs Yeary / Becky Isaacs Bowman Album: Straight From The Heart Daywind Records

Sarah acknowledged the support they received during this trying time, stating, “We’re so grateful for everyone’s prayers as we’ve been through kind of a rough journey the last couple months.”. She emphasized how much the encouragement and prayers from their community meant to them throughout this experience.

As the holiday season approaches, the Davisons are looking forward to celebrating with their daughter. Sarah expressed their anticipation, saying, “We’re getting ready for a wonderful Christmas together and just thanking the Lord for all of our blessings.”

While Sarah and her family adjust to their new life, High Road continues releasing Southern Gospel music like their latest release, “There is a River.”

Discover the Inspiration Behind ‘There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem’

JEFF TURNER

The Kramers Christmas song “There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem” carries the message of the birth of Christ and the hope He brings to the world. Inspired by scripture, the lyrics are anchored in Isaiah 9:2-6 and Matthew 2:2, which highlight the prophecy and fulfillment of Christ’s arrival.

Scott and Rachel Kramer explained, “In realizing the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, one recognizes the fulfillment of scripture in Isaiah 9 and the transition from a world living in darkness to a world now having received the glorious Light of Jesus Christ.”

Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records There’s A Light Shining in Bethlehem · The Kramers There’s A Light Shining in Bethlehem ℗ 2024 StowTown Records

Scott shared that the song is also a reflection of personal transformation. “This is symbolic of our lives turning from darkness to light when we receive Jesus as our Savior,” he said. “This is the life-changing message of this song, and we must proclaim Jesus, the Light of the world!” The heart of the message is clear: those who know Christ have the privilege and responsibility to share His light with others.

The creative process behind “There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem” was both unexpected and inspired. The chorus came to Scott just days before Christmas in 2023, as he experimented with a new guitar. “I wasn’t actually sitting down to work on a song,” he explained. “I simply wanted to enjoy playing the new guitar.” Over the next few days, the song took shape, with Scott collaborating with his wife, Rachel on the lyrics and arrangement. The final production, featuring a Middle Eastern-inspired introduction and ending, was brought to life with the help of a talented producer and studio musicians.

Listeners have already expressed how deeply the song has touched their hearts. Rachel shared a message from one fan who wrote, “We love your new song, ‘There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem.’ It thrills our hearts as we listen to it and fills us with gratitude at the goodness of our Great God.”

The song reflects The Kramers’ mission to share the Gospel and spread hope through their music. “As a group, we are a very evangelistically-focused ministry,” Scott and Rachel explained. “We love to incorporate Biblical passages throughout our program. This song fits both of these criteria.”

“There’s a Light Shining in Bethlehem” is a proclamation of faith, hope, and light.

Anthony Patton’s Testimony Through Gospel Music

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Anthony Patton of the Justified Quartet has found deep meaning in the group’s song “The Good, Bad and the Ugly.” For Patton, the song is more than just music – it is a powerful personal message about life’s journey and divine purpose.

Provided to YouTube by Daywind Records The Good, Bad, and the Ugly · Justified Quartet The Good, Bad, and the Ugly ℗ 2024 Big Picture Records

In his own words, Patton shares the emotional impact of the song: “When I sang the song, it really, I was like, whoa, ’cause it just fits my life so well. It just does. And I get emotional talking about it, but it’s just, it’s a good song for me.”

The song speaks directly to Patton’s personal experiences and spiritual beliefs. He feels the lyrics convey his own path, providing comfort and confirmation. “I’m a living testimony of just how far far God’s grace will go,” is a line that particularly moves him.

Patton believes the song has ministered to him, helping him understand his place in the world. For him, the music is a reminder that he is exactly where he needs to be, with a purpose guided by faith.

The story behind Legacy Five’s Bigger on the Inside

JEFF TURNER

Gospel music often captures the beauty of worship and the power of faith. One such song is Legacy Five’s poignant track inspired by the idea that worship spaces, no matter how small, can hold infinite significance. Lee Black of Legacy Five spoke with Texas Gospel about the song offering a glimpse into the creative process and spiritual truths behind it.

Lee Black (Courtesy https://legacyfive.com/)

The inspiration for the song came from a story shared by Scott Fowler, another member of Legacy Five. Black recounted, “Scott told us this story on the bus one morning of a church in the early days of Legacy Five where they were scheduled to sing… he said they pulled up and the bus was literally bigger than the church building. I think the pastor saw the shocked looks on their faces as they got off the bus and said, ‘Don’t worry. It’s bigger on the inside.’” This phrase, simple yet profound, sparked Black’s creativity. “It really is amazing to me that our infinite God allows himself to come into our little worship spaces… even the smallest country church. So that’s where that song came from,” he explained.

Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records Bigger on the Inside · Legacy Five 25 ℗ 2024 StowTown Records

The song’s bridge is closely tied to scripture, specifically Matthew 18:20, which says, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Black reflected on the connection, saying, “Again, I’m just struck by how small we are and how BIG the God we worship is. And, yet, somehow… when we gather in our tiny worship spaces, He is there!” This biblical truth serves as the foundation of the song’s message, reinforcing the idea that the presence of God transcends physical dimensions.

When discussing his songwriting process, Black revealed the meticulous attention he pays to moments of inspiration. “In the notes section of my phone, I keep a running list of possible song titles… those moments that move me that I feel could be turned into songs,” he shared. The phrase “Don’t worry. It’s bigger on the inside” was one such moment that lingered with him. Upon returning home from the road, he quickly began crafting the song, using vivid descriptions to bring the church in the story to life. “I just started describing ‘that’ church – where it was, what it looked like, etc. I even used some actual street names from my little hometown,” he said. Despite initially believing it might not suit Legacy Five, the song found its way into the group’s repertoire and became a cherished piece for both the artists and their audience.

Legacy Five in Branson, Missouri October 2024 (Courtesy Facebook)

The song’s core message underscores the importance of the heart in worship, rather than the grandeur of the location. “The ‘place’ is so much less important than the ‘heart’ of those who gather to worship,” Black emphasized. “We can be in the grandest cathedral or the tiniest backwoods church – if we come with hearts ready to worship the Lord, He will let Himself be found!” This is a theme that gives listeners a personal connection to the song. “I’ve been amazed at the folks who’ve come by the record table saying, ‘That’s my church!’” Black noted. “Even if you’ve moved on to another church, even if ‘that’ church no longer stands… you still hold sweet memories of the place where you met Jesus for the first time.”

In the larger context of Legacy Five’s ministry, the song aligns with their commitment to sharing biblical truths and encouraging communal worship. Black highlighted the importance of gathering as believers, saying, “I hope people would take away the truth of Matthew 18:20 – that when we gather in the name of Jesus, He is there. And it’s SO important for believers to gather together as His Church.” He further stressed that the physical setting is secondary to fulfilling the mission of worship and discipleship.

Through this song, Legacy Five reminds Gospel music fans that worship is not confined by walls or measured by size. It is the sincerity of the heart and the unity of believers that create a sacred space where God dwells.

Steve Ladd’s Message of Love Through Music

TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Gospel singer Steve Ladd has felt a calling to ministry since he was a child. Growing up in Ohio as the son of an evangelist, his life was deeply influenced by faith and service. Now, as an accomplished musician, Ladd continues to share his message of love and compassion through his music.

In his latest song, Everyday Saints, Ladd reflects on the unsung heroes in our lives. He describes the song as a tribute to those who selflessly serve others without hesitation.

“Everyday Saints is an uplifting song that just shines a spotlight on the people in our lives and our communities and our churches,” Ladd explains. “Anytime help is asked, anytime help is needed, they’re the first ones to show up, the first ones, and a lot of times the only ones that show up time after time.”

Ladd’s words capture the heart of his message. He believes these “everyday saints” live their lives with a clear purpose, answering the question, What would Jesus do? “That’s exactly what He calls us to do,” Ladd continues, “to serve people, to love people, to share His love with people.”

Through his song, Ladd emphasizes that sharing love often means giving of oneself. “A lot of times, that’s the only way we can share His love—by giving of ourselves, of our time, and helping people. Because that’s exactly what Jesus would do,” he says.

With his heartfelt message, Ladd hopes to inspire others to follow the example of these everyday heroes.