Written in a hymnal fashion, When We Behold (In Excelsis) by Matt Redman and John Guerra is a Christmas song to gaze upon the wonder and miracle of the night of Christ’s birth.
Christmas is often a jolly season, and caught up in the festivity, we may forget that its essence, and awe lies not in the passing festivity fad, but the salvation masterplan of God. When We Behold (In Excelsis) by Matt Redman invites us to consider an ages foretold mystery fall into place, leading us into praise unto God.
The song is a present day off shoot hymn of the centuries old “Gloria In Excelsis Deo”. Matt Redman describes it as a new take on an old classic:
Just another little attempt to sing the grandest of all mysteries thay could never really be contained in a song – the Uncreated One born among us, living among us, dying for us. Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Matt Redman on a Facebook post
Quick song facts
| Song title | When We Behold (In Excelsis) |
| Artists | Matt Redman, John Guerra |
| Release date | November 15, 2024 |
| Recording type | Live recording |
Facts for music nerds
| Authors | Matt Redman, John Guerra |
| Song duration | 4:21 |
| Genre | Gospel worship |
| Key | F major |
| BPM | 140 |
Song Review
Scripture backing
The night of Christ’s birth was momentous, marked by fulfilment of prophecies, glorious signs, worship and joy untold. The good news of Christ’s birth was shared firsthand to shepherds, and wise men.
To the shepherds, an angel broke the news, followed by a celestial moment of praise. Luke recounts of the shepherds’ encounter with the angel:
Luke 2:10-14, (NIV):
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
To the wise men, a star was given to help navigate right into the manger. The book of Matthew records:
Matthew 2:1,2 (NIV):
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:11 (NIV)
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The shepherds and wise men were the first witnesses to behold the wonder of our savior’s birth. “When We Behold (In Excelsis)” by Matt Redman builds on the witness accounts of the shepherds, wise men, and the angelic acclamation, ‘Glory to God in the highest’.
The aim of this song is to invite the listener to consider the events of Christ’s birth, which should lead to a reaction no less than adoration and worship. Some of the happenings that arouse awe include:
- The appearance of the heavenly host singing in praise to God – It was uncommon to see angels, let alone an entire celestial host. This was no ordinary occasion.
- The wonder of the star leading the wise men.
- Prophecy after prophecy fulfilled – Every word spoken by the prophets about Christ was fulfilled, to the minute detail.
- Guidance away from peril – Through dreams, and angels. One might wonder, why not eliminate the threat of King Herod? Why would God lead the witnesses away from potential harm, and not take away the harm, with such high stakes at hand?
- Why reveal the news first to wise men from outside Israel and common shepherds? Why not to the Jewish people, perhaps in a synagogue, temple or the census centers at the time?
Meditating on these and many other events of the night proves significant in drawing us to praise in awe of the wisdom of God.
It would be tragic to lose the awe of Christ’s entrance into the world and by extension the salvation plan of God.
Song Lyrics
When we behold that scene long ago
Shepherds in fields under cover of night
Breaking the silence, a heavenly choir
As angels appeared in glorious light.
All glory to God in the highest
All glory to God in the highest
Praise be to Him
And peace unto us
All glory to God in the highest
Wise men came seeking the Light of the world
Followed the star that was formed by His breath
There in the chaos, the true Prince of Peace
As they adored Him
Now let us confess
All glory to God in the highest
All glory to God in the highest Praise be to Him
And peace unto us
All glory to God in the highest
Gloria (in excelsis)
Gloria (in excelsis)
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria (in excelsis)
Gloria (in excelsis)
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria (in excelsis)
Gloria (in excelsis)
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria (in excelsis)
Gloria (in excelsis)
Gloria in excelsis Deop
All glory to God in the highest
All glory to God in the highest
Praise be to Him
Forever amen
All glory to God in the highest
All glory to God in the highest
And when we survey
The wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
We sing how He came on so holy a night
Born for a death
That became our new life
Lyrics adopted from YouTube [Matt Redman - When We Behold (In Excelsis) [Live]]
Audience
When We Behold is a definite recommendation for the Christmas season, for both personal edification and congregational use. The song comprises of three verses, a chorus and a repeating bridge – it’s easy to learn.
Have you listened to the song yet? We’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Feel free to drop a comment. Check out more song reviews and gospel artist bios.
Thank you for reading!
Cover image credit: YouTube/Matt Redman