O Come, All You Unfaithful
This past January, a group of about 15 songwriters gathered in Louisville for the annual Sovereign Grace Music retreat. The focus this year was a new Christmas album.
Lisa Clow, one of the songwriters and also a vocalist for Sovereign Grace, came with a song in process called, “O Come, All You Unfaithful.” She wanted to encourage people who feel too weary, condemned, or burdened to enjoy Christmas.
When Bob Kauflin saw the title he told Lisa he’d love to help out with it. As they worked on the song, they tried to capture how the birth of Jesus is the best news for those who are struggling to find joy at Christmas.
As we reviewed potential songs for the album, we sensed “O Come, All You Unfaithful” could impact a wide audience. So we enlisted the help of Lance Cashwell, who heads up RVLRY, to direct a music video for us. The first thought was to simply record Lisa singing the song. But then Jon Althoff had an idea. What if we invited people into the studio to listen to the song and captured their responses on video as they listened?
So that’s what we did. This video contains people who are processing “O Come, All You Unfaithful,” most of them for the first time, through the lens of their own experiences. A stillborn child. A strained marriage. Feelings of shame. Legalism. Loss. Loneliness. Or simply having a heart that weeps with those who weep.
We think seeing their responses as Lisa sings communicates even more clearly that Jesus wasn’t born for people who have it all together. He was born for those who have nothing.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV)
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, ESV)
So come.
