Well Sunday night I got to see one of my favorite groups.  Hillsong United was at Phoenix First Assembly.  First the annoyances… There was probably 2000-3000 more people there than would fit in the facilities, fire marshall would have freaked.  So I had to stand the whole concert which I actually would have stood most of the time anyway.  They also sold reserved seats but advertised it as a free concert on their website.  I was not very happy about that.

I just have to comment that one of the worship leaders for Phoenix First looks like Lester from Chuck, down to the long hair, tie and vest.  My blackberry wasn’t working or else I would have taken pictures.

Now to the main event.

Hillsong has yet to disappoint me, both in their live shows as well as albums.  They sing with a passion that can only come from a heart completely sold out for Jesus.  Joel Houston led most of the songs and was just fantastic.  I finally got to see Brooke Fraser in person, and I think that she is a phenomenal songwriter.  I was very excited to have her lead Hosanna because it is one of my favorite songs and I love the way she leads it.  She also shared a new song called Age to Age (i think) although I don’t find it very congregationally friendly it was awesome none the less.  Sounded a little Sarah McLachlanish.  Jad Giles led a few tunes including a new one called You Hold Me Now (its single is available on iTunes) here are the lyrics, just fabulous:

You Hold Me Now

Verse 1

On the day when I see, All that you have for me

When I see you face to face, There surrounded by your grace

All my fears swept away, In the light of your embrace

Where your love is all I need, and forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold, in your presence healed and whole

Let the songs of heaven rise to you alone

Chorus

No weeping, No hurt or pain, No suffering

You hold me now, You hold me now

No darkness, No sick or lame, No hiding

You hold me now, You hold me now

Verse 2

In this life I will stand, through my joy and my pain

Knowing there’s a greater day, There’s a hope that never fails

Where your name is lifted high, and forever praises rise

For the glory of your name, I’m believing for the day

Where the wars and violence cease, All creation lives in peace

Let the songs of heaven rise to you alone

Bridge

For eternity all my heart will give, All the glory to your name