The Kramers: A Family’s Journey in Gospel Music Ministry

JEFF TURNER

The Kramers have been sharing their faith through music for nearly three decades. Their journey began in 1995 when Scott and Rachel Kramer married and felt called to use their talents for God’s glory.

“They both had a calling on their lives to use their voices and abilities for God’s glory and began making music together,” says Maria Kramer Wolfe, their daughter and a member of the group.

The family’s commitment to their musical ministry deepened three years later when Scott and Rachel decided to pursue it full-time. Maria reflects on this decision, saying, “They went full-time in music ministry in 1998, and God has led them every step of the way!”

Since 2014, when the Kramers began traveling full-time as a family group, their musical style has evolved. Maria explains their approach to developing their repertoire:

“When we made our first ‘Kramers’ project entitled ‘Revive Us Again’, we did several hymns and gospel classics to give us a great foundation for singing live. When audiences are being introduced to a group, it’s helpful to share songs that are familiar.”

As they gained recognition, the Kramers began incorporating more original music into their performances. However, their core mission remained unchanged. “Our main goal when creating music is that it’s done with total excellence and brings glory to God. Even if a song is fun and upbeat, we want to make sure the message is applicable and biblical,” Maria emphasizes.

This month, the Kramers released their latest project, “Soli Deo Gloria.” This album represents two years of hard work and dedication. Maria shares their hopes for this new collection:

“Our newest project, ‘Soli Deo Gloria‘, is a collection of thirteen songs that we have worked on for two years. Our hope and prayer is for these songs to resonate in the hearts of many and carry people through all seasons of life, remembering that God is always with them, and He receives ALL the glory and praise!”

The project pairs the Kramers with multi-award winning producer/arranger Wayne Haun. He shared his sentiments about the recording:

“The Kramers are some of the only artists I know who can release an album and already have it be a success. Their single releases have already landed on some of the most loved editorial playlists around the world. Now we get to experience the entire recording, and that’s something to celebrate!”

The debut single, “There’s A Light Shining In Bethlehem,” was welcomed by radio stations nationwide and added to multiple editorial playlists throughout the Christmas season.

Provided to YouTube by StowTown Records He Remembers My Sin No More · The Kramers He Remembers My Sin No More ℗ 2024 StowTown Records Released on: 2024-11-22

One standout track from the new album is “He Remembers My Sin No More”. This song, written by siblings Wendy Sightler Ferguson and Chad Sightler, holds a special place in the Kramers’ repertoire.

Maria reveals, “It’s a song we have known about for a couple years. We considered it for our last album, but the timing was meant for this one!”

The song’s message is deeply rooted a verse from Hebrews. Maria elaborates on its significance:

“‘He Remembers My Sin No More’ reminds us of the Scripture, ‘For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.’ Hebrews 8:12. The song is upbeat, catchy, and quick, but the message is worth celebrating. We are free because of Jesus’ payment on the cross, covering our sins, and giving us eternal life!”

For young families or musicians aspiring to start their own gospel music ministry, Maria offers simple yet profound advice: “Pray, pray, pray! It has to be God’s ultimate will, and He will lead and guide when you seek Him.”

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 â„— 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.

Finding Hope Beyond Loss: The Story Behind “I Know There’s A Heaven”

JEFF TURNER

In times of deep loss, many find comfort in God’s promise of eternal life. This truth is the backbone of The Kramers’ latest release, “I Know There’s A Heaven,” a song born from personal grief .

Maria Kramer Wolfe, a member of The Kramers, shares the touching story behind their current single.

“I Know There’s A Heaven is a song that we did to honor my grandma that passed with COVID,” she explains. Yet through the pain caused by the loss of her grandmother, Maria found a greater purpose.

“That’s a special unique situation that brought a lot of people together because it was so traumatic,” she continues. “But I do find that it’s so comforting for people who are mourning to just focus on this earth not being our home and that heaven is our home.”

This message of hope aligns perfectly with 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” NASB.

The song serves as a reminder that while grief is real and loss is painful, there is comfort in knowing that death is not the end for those who believe.

StowTown Records Announces New Christmas Release From The Kramers

SPECIAL: StowTown Records

Nashville, TN (November 4, 2022) â€“ Just before the Holiday season kicks into high gear, StowTown Records has announced the release of a brand new Christmas recording from talented musical family, The Kramers. Simply titled, Christmas, the recording marks the group’s debut Christmas album and their third release from StowTown.

Christmas allows multi-award winning producer/arranger, Wayne Haun to collaborate once again with The Kramers to produce a recording that truly captures the excitement and wonder of Christmas. With angelic harmonies and masterful arrangements, this 10-song musical work of art combines worshipful vocals with stellar instrumentation to create a bit of Christmas “magic” for each listener. Wayne shares, “Recording this album was a definite highlight of the year. The Kramers are always open to fresh ideas and they allow me to think outside the box to find new ways to tell the greatest story ever told. Collaborating with Trey IveyBrian Eads and David Clydesdale just put the icing on the Christmas cookie!”

For more than two decades, Scott and Rachel Kramer have shared the Gospel message in song throughout the world. Over the past few years, they have been joined by their daughter, Maria, and son-in-law, Ben Wolfe, to create the rich diversity that has made them favorites among listeners of all ages. With this new release, The Kramers will no doubt increase their fan base, as the recording captures the true spirit of Christmas with traditional carols, modern classics and brand new songs that are sure to become holiday favorites.

Christmas includes standards like “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays,” “Feliz Navidad,” “O Holy Night,” and “Mary, Did You Know?” as well as “Carol Celebration,” a medley of familiar and beloved Christmas hymns. Additionally, the project offers several new songs, including “All You Are,” their hit single released last year, and “These Are The Gifts I Bring,” a reminder of the true meaning of the season, written by group founder, Scott Kramer.

The very first Christmas celebration occurred when the heavenly host appeared proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” With Christmas, The Kramers offer each listener the opportunity to experience a similar celebration as they proclaim the glorious message of Christ’s birth.

Christmas is distributed by Provident/Sony and is available on all digital platforms worldwide, and wherever fine Christian music is sold, including christianbook.com and amazon.com.

Christmas Track List:
All You Are
Alleluia To The Newborn King
Carol Celebration (Hark! The Herald Angles Sing/Angels We Have Heard On High/The First Noel/O Come, All Ye Faithful)
Heaven’s Child
Feliz Navidad
(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays
In The First Light
Mary, Did You Know?
O Holy Night
Son Of David
These Are The Gifts I Bring