Today’s post is the song, “Be Made New,” based off Belhaven’s verse-of-the-year from 2004: “there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes” (Eph. 4:23). Real renewal isn’t an event we remember; it’s a spiritual work that reshapes our thoughts and attitudes over time—beyond a moment and into a pattern. Spiritually grounded renewal actually changes us, not just our circumstances. reforming my mind, transforming my heart, conforming my will to Christ’s.

This is my prayer sung for that kind of inside-out change: “heal every part of my imagination… break habits that are aging.” Reforming my mind, transforming my heart, conforming my will to Christ’s—it’s a Spirit-grounded work that changes what’s happening inside us.

This song has helped me in my journey of renewal. Take a listen—and share it if you know someone who’s on this path of renewal. 

Doug

Be Made New | Lyrics

Put off the old self
That is being corrupted
By it’s own deceitful desires
Put on the new self
That is being created 
In a righteous and holy attire

Chorus:
Be made new
(by reforming my mind)
Be made new
(by transforming this heart of mine)
Be made new
(by conforming my will to Christ’s)
There must be a spiritual renewal
Of your thoughts and attitudes

Put off the garment
That the old man was wearing
The rags of un-holiness
Put on the garment
That is sewn by the Savior
Be clothed in true righteousness

(chorus)

Bridge:
Heal every part of my imagination
Change every bent and twisted point of view
Break habits that are aging 
Through the sin that still is raging
For the former way of life still wants control

(chorus)

Dear Friends,

Since 2003, each year at Belhaven University has been guided by a “Verse of the Year”—a Scripture chosen by President Roger Parrott to encourage and shape the life of the faculty, staff, and students. For more than two decades, I have had the privilege of writing a song each year based on that verse.

As Belhaven’s artist-in-residence, I lead worship and artistic expression in chapel, and these songs have become part of the University’s shared spiritual memory—sung in worship, remembered by alumni, and carried forward by students into their own lives and ministries.

We have gathered a selection of these songs—about a dozen in all—and are now finishing the final stages of recording them for the first time. The collection reflects the range of how they have been used over the years: some are more reflective, “listening” songs; some have a choral character; and others are fully singable by congregations in worship.

We plan to release a selection of these songs during the Twelve Days of Christmas and make them available to both the University community and friends around the world. We call these songs “whispers” (something like a “glimpse”), because there is still recording to complete, followed by preparation for release on streaming platforms, CDs, and in printed music for musicians and worship leaders.

With gratitude,
Doug

PS. God Alone Knows

In August 2003, our family moved from the East Bay (San Francisco) to Jackson, MS, after Cynthia accepted the position of Chair of Dance at Belhaven College (now Belhaven University). As a small add-on, I was asked to help with worship arts in the weekly chapel service.

A few days before the semester began, I listened to President Roger Parrott’s message at the faculty/staff kick-off banquet. He was teaching from 2003’s verse-of-the-year, Job 28:23: “God alone knows the way—knows the place where wisdom is found.”

Using the image of sailing, he asked us:

• Would we rather set out to achieve sharply defined goals—revving up the engines to create the best programs, the best educational concepts, and the best future our well-trained minds can imagine?
  OR

• Would we rather go wherever the wind of God might take us?

I chose the second. Before the message was over, I’d written this simple song in my notes. A few days later, I shared it during our first chapel service. It became a song we returned to throughout the year—and it marked the beginning of a tradition we’ve continued ever since: a new “Verse of the Year” song each year for the Belhaven community.

– Doug

God Alone Knows | Lyrics

God alone knows the way
God alone knows the place
Where wisdom is found reason is sound God alone knows
God alone knows the way
God alone knows the place
Where wisdom is found understanding abounds
God alone knows

Enter through the gates of wisdom by fearing the Lord
Searching for the source of wisdom draw near to the Lord
Wanting to discern where the path will turn
Wanting to unfold what tomorrow will hold
Wanna know which way the wind blows
God alone knows

Dear Friends and Family,

I love the Christmas season—the sweaters (some better than others), the food, giving and receiving gifts, and all the little traditions that sneak their way into our lives each year. But if I’m being honest, my favorite part of Christmas has always been the music.

I grew up with a slightly different soundtrack in our house. Most kids heard the same Christmas songs on repeat. I grew up hearing new ones, because my dad is a songwriter. That meant Christmas music that was often still being written, revised, or tested out somewhere between the living room piano and the washing the dishes in the kitchen.

I’m excited to share one of his songs with you—a song I first started playing last year and ended up playing at every show on our recent tour (which is usually the sign that a song has really taken hold of me). It tells the truth of something small being born and slowly becoming something big—quiet beginnings, growing hope, and the way God seems to work best through what first looks insignificant.

I hope this song finds you in a good moment this season—maybe with a warm drink in your hand, a slightly questionable sweater on your body, and music playing a little louder than necessary.

Merry Christmas,
— Trailand

A New World ‘Wakens | Lyrics
Lyric and Music by Douglas Eltzroth
 
Lighted windows flicker off to sleep
Children’s giggles drift into the night
Herdsmen bed their cattle
Shepherds count their sheep
Birds hush their singing
Mothers hum their lullabies
A hawk circles over old friends 
Just reacquainted with old times
An olive leave falls to a moonlit stream
Bethlehem hangs up her clothes puts on her dreams
 
REFRAIN
Angels comfort frightened shepherds
A star burns brightly in the sky
The sun moves upward 
The horizon blinks and stretches
And a new world ‘wakens to a baby’s cry
Yes, a new world ‘wakens to a baby’s cry
 
Western sky has lost its color now
The doors are locked the windows barred
The evening prayers have all grown silent now
The outside lamppost casts dark shadows on the yard
Two young lovers end their kissing
A tired grandpa starts to snore
The eldest son has banked the fire coals
Bethlehem tucks in her weariness once more
 
REFAIN

We were gathered around the green dining table in late November, easing into a annual conversation about Christmas. The kids were still small, and the air was full of anticipation. We talked through the long arc of the season: the twenty-four days of Advent, each day bringing activities of waiting; the Advent wreath glowing a little brighter each week; Sundays at church; presents chosen and hidden; Santa’s secrets; Pleasant Dreams (PJ’s wrapped in home-made-decorated paper) etc. 

Christmas Day itself would not be the end, but the beginning—the start of the Twelve Days of Christmas—each day marked by a shared gift or a family practice, carrying us all the way to Epiphany. Taken together, it became our first great act of waiting and receiving: thirty-seven days shaped by hope, attention, and joy. What we later learned to call The 37 Days of Christmas.

When the family meeting ended and I rose from the table, young Trailand asked a question that stopped me:

“Daddy, when will God give His presents?”

I didn’t know then how to answer him at the time—but I knew the phrase, “God Gave His Presence” would become the title of a new song. Years later, it all came together when Trailand was old enough to help me finish the song.

Thank you, Trailand, for asking a question whose answer keeps unfolding again a fresh each year.

— Doug

Downloads the PDF here

God Gave His Presence At Christmas | Lyrics

_{Words and Music by Douglas C. Eltzroth}

God gave His presence at Christmas
Not wrapped in paper or ribbons and bows
Not under the tree but under the stars
Wrapped up in old swaddling clothes

Chorus:

God gave His presence to show that He loves us
And knows that we need Him
God gave His presence at Christmas

We opened up the attic door
Bringing down the season’s joy
Boxes full of ornaments in various conditions
Untangling lights and tangled hearts

Bringing back the memories lost
We’re handing down another round of delicate traditions

God gave His presence at Christmas
Not wrapped in paper or ribbons and bows
Not under the tree but under the stars
Wrapped up in old swaddling clothes

God gave His presence to show that he loves us
And knows that we need Him
God gave His presence at Christmas

Unwrapping thoughts of old beliefs
Hanging up a homemade wreath
Musty smells stir dusty tales of forgotten old surprises

Anticipating Christmas Eve
Sleep the night in pleasant dreams
When child-like faith and hopes awake
before the sun arises

God gave His presence to show that He loves us
And knows that we need Him
God gave His presence at Christmas

Suedale Schierman—one of my favorite artists and collaborators—once handed me the two verses of a song called Do Not Be Afraid. I later wrote the chorus, we made a few small adjustments together, and then, like many songs, it quietly found its way into a file cabinet where it’s been resting for years.

Some songs wait. Not because they’re unfinished, but because they’re waiting for the right moment—or the right need.

The lead sheet is shared below, in case you’d like to sing this song to someone who needs to hear God’s gentle, steady word:

Do not be afraid PDF.

– Doug

Do Not Be Afraid | Lyrics

_{Words by Douglas C. Eltzroth and Suedale Schierman
Music by Douglas C. Eltzroth}

Chorus

Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid for God is near you
He heard your prayer
You have found favor with the Savior of the world
Do not be afraid I bring you good news
God is here
Do not be Afraid

Verse 1

A young girl with a baby son
Ponders how his life’s begun
In a stable on a night so dark and cold
Now she’s told that they should hide
‘cause wild threats are by her side
So she holds on to her child fights back the tears
And then she hears

(chorus)

Years have passed and here we are
I ponder thoughts in my own heart
In a cruel world with its nights so dark and cold
I also fear that I should hide
‘cause wild threats are by my side
So I hold on to my children fight back the tears
And then I hear

(chorus)

Do not be afraid…

Joseph’s Song is shaped by my imagination—by wondering what might have passed through Joseph’s heart in those first quiet days after Jesus’ birth. I remember the joy and astonishment of holding my own children, and now my grandchildren, as they are new to the world. There is a particular kind of awe that comes with realizing their life has been entrusted into your care.

Now imagine that joy multiplied by mystery: the weight and wonder of being asked to love, protect, and raise the Son of God.

— Doug

Enjoy this arrangement of Joy to The World from my friends the Murphys crew, SingKairos.

– Trailand

1. Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
   Let Earth receive her King;
   Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
   And heav’n and nature sing.
2. Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns;
   Our mortal songs employ,
   While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
   Repeat the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
   Nor thorns infest the ground;
   He comes to make his blessings flow
   Far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
   And makes the nations prove
   The glories of his righteousness,
   And wonders of his love.

Let’s listen to a “whisper of a song”—specifically one about the coming of Jesus to earth. A Christmas song.

“Whisper of a song” is the phrase I use to describe the recorded demos of my songs. It feels more accurate than saying “a glimpse of a song”—comparing the audio to visuals. It’s not the final version or quality of the finished project, just a whisper of what’s to come.

If the incarnation is true (and I believe it is)—if Creator-God became a person to become Savior-God of the world (which I believe He did), and if He was conceived, born, grew into adulthood, died, and ascended back to heaven as Lord of lords (and I believe it all)—then the telling of that story is the greatest expression of power mixed with humility, of awesomeness paired with tenderness.

This song attempts to capture that mixture.

– Doug

Awesome Most Delicate Lord | Lyrics

O, most awesome, most powerful Lord
In your tender, most delicate form
You are worshipped; you are adored
Most awesome, most delicate Lord

I never saw such humility
As the night of the first nativity
When Son of God became the son of man
A super-natural earth-bound paradox
I never saw such humbleness
As God’s spirit wrapped up in human flesh
Like all the power of the universe
Confined to a tissue box

I’ve never seen anything quite like that before
Have you ever seen anything like that before
The world’s never seen anything quite like that before
And they’re never gonna see it again
It was an awesome most powerful Lord 
In his tender, most delicate form

O, most awesome, most powerful Lord
In your tender, most delicate form
You are worshipped; you are adored
Most awesome, most delicate Lord

Have you ever read in our history
All the twists and turns and mysteries
How the Son of God became the Son of man
So we could become the sons of God
Have you heard the version of the story
How the virgin in the story
Just believed then conceived
And this daughter became the Mother of God

I’ve never seen anything quite like that before
Have you ever seen anything like that before
The world’s never seen anything quite like that before
And they’re never gonna see it again
It was an awesome most powerful Lord 
In his tender, most delicate form

Awesome and glorious
Mighty victorious
Marvelous Wonderful Powerful Lord
In His tender most delicate form

The word “conversation” has changed in nuance over the centuries. Today it usually refers to “a talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged.” It once carried a deeper meaning: living together, being familiar with, keeping company.

For example, in a passage of Scripture from the King James Version that says, “Let your conversation be seasoned with salt,” the meaning leans more toward letting our lifestyle be seasoned with salt—not just our words.

A couple of years ago, Trailand set up a camera and we made a simple recording on an old piano. I was wearing an old sweater, singing with my old voice, telling an old story of an old “conversation” that God has been having with us throughout the millennia—a conversation of engagement, of God expressing His desire to live among us. And no greater clarity of that desire was ever articulated than through God’s expression in the Word—Jesus.

Hopefully, this song, “The Conversation,” helps tell that ongoing story.

Enjoy!

— Doug

The Conversation | Lyrics

^{Words and music by Douglas C. Eltzroth}

Verse 1

There was a movement in the heart within the Father up in Heaven
It caused a movement in the womb within a woman on the earth
It was a conversation filled with every word that God had spoken
And the words were wrapped in flesh through human birth

Chorus 1

And the Child grew so we could know the letter of the Law
And the Children grew so we could know the spirit of it all
The conversation filled with every word that God had spoken
The words were wrapped in flesh through human birth

Verse 2

There is a movement in the heart within the Savior up in Heaven
That causes movement in the souls within Believers in this room
It is a conversation filled with every word that God is speaking
Of the manger, of the cross, and the empty tomb

Chorus 2

Yes, the Child died so we could know the letter of the Law
And then the Child rose so we could know the spirit of it all
This conversation filled with every word that God is speaking
Of the manger, of the cross, and the empty tomb

Bridge

Hear the intonations of Creator’s favorite songs
When the Angels and all creation go out caroling along
Believers and the Savior are remembering the day
When God dialogued with man, walked and talked upon this land
You could hear the love spoken through inflections of each and every phrase

Ending Chorus

It was a conversation filled with every word that God has spoken
The words are wrapped in flesh,
Delivered to us fresh
The Word wrapped up in flesh through human birth

_{© 1995 Douglas C. Eltzroth c/o http://www.collage.org}

I wrote “Only in Christ” for a study on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville, California. Ephesians is often called Paul’s “in Christ” letter—he uses that phrase, along with closely related ones like “in Him,” more than thirty times.

This song is an attempt to sing that core conviction: that our life and identity are found Only In Christ.

– Doug

Only in Christ | Lyrics

Verse

Only in Christ is there power for the weakness

Only in Christ is there love for the hate

In Christ there’s truth for deceiving 

There is faith for unbelieving

And the vilest of sin finds its grace

Only in Christ

Only in Christ is there hope for the hopeless

Only in Christ is there peace for the war

In Christ there’s light for the darkness

There is calm for the harshness

And the injured and marred are restored

Only in Christ

Only in Christ

Chorus

In Christ there’s no condemnation

The gift of salvation is free by believing in Christ

The world will desert us

Transgressions will hurt us

Sin took away breath then his death brought us life

Only in Christ

Verse

Only in Christ is there life for the dying

Only in Christ is there joy for the tear

In Christ each saint tells their story 

Giving thanks giving glory to the father for drawing them near

Only in Christ

Only in Christ will the curse find its blessing

Only in Christ will the tired find its rest

In Christ we serve one another 

We submit to each other

Inspired by the oneness possessed

Only in Christ

Only in Christ