Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Keep this in mind as you read…
This year, Chris Tomlin brought his Christmas tour to Northridge Church in Plymouth, Michigan — my first time photographing a worship artist in that setting. This was not simply a concert to shoot and review; it was another opportunity to serve Christ.
Classic Christmas music played in the background as people filled in the pews. The atmosphere felt casual and relaxed. In the lobby, small kiosks displayed buckets of cookies labeled “Chris Tomlin Christmas Cookies”. It was a simple, but sweet touch that added to the experience.
Before the music began, the pastor traveling with Tomlin — Pastor Eric — came onstage to pray with the audience. After the prayer, the lights dimmed and a countdown showed up on-screen. This time, however, it played an upbeat, Celtic instrumental track that felt so joyful and festive (versus anticipative). I just wanted to get up and clap and laugh and dance along! What a way to prepare the audience’s hearts for the celebration!
When the timer ended, the screen transitioned into a fun, text message-style exchange. Questions appeared, asking whether they had bought gifts yet or when they put up their tree, etc. Hands went up across the room as people participated, laughing along with some of the statements made about when to start decorating for the season. Eventually, at the end of the questionnaire, it pointed back to one thing: Jesus. The music became more dramatic as a pianist played an instrumental version of “Carol of the Bells” while snow fell on the dark screen onstage. Chris Tomlin then walked out, opening with “Angels We Have Heard on High” followed by a mix of classic Christmas music and original songs.
Lyrics were displayed so the entire room could sing together. Classic songs like “Joy to the World” were clearly written with Tomlin’s musical touch, just a key higher and beckoning you to sing and dance along to. After the first few songs, Tomlin tagged “Jesus Messiah”, even though it was not a Christmas song. He then read a letter from the 1800s that a young girl wrote to Santa asking for nothing for herself — only that her brother would get all the gifts.
She was told she would be happier giving gifts than getting them.
Tomlin contrasted that selflessness with modern attitudes of entitlement, ultimately tying the story back to Christ and the heart of giving. Luke 2:10-14 says, “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’.”
Tomlin honed in on this section, saying the angels worshipped back then and were still worshipping. He then encouraged the audience to worship Christ with the angels. Following several more songs, Tomlin talked about how he wanted to sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”… that was until he learned the original lyrics were darker than he realized. He then introduced George Mhondera, his backup vocalist who has toured with him for years, to perform “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”.
Later, Tomlin invited Jamie MacDonald — who was featured in his song “This is My Father’s World” — to the stage. She performed “What a Wonderful World” and “Noel” before Pastor Eric then returned to speak about sponsoring children in third-world countries.
After the intermission, Tomlin came back onstage to perform a holly, jolly version of “Holy Forever”. Everyone stood, raised their hands, closed their eyes, and worshipped together. Later, Tomlin asked the audience to think about their favorite Christmas memory; he then shared his family tradition of visiting Christmas lights in a small Texas town. In the story, his father mistook a bucket, as required payment. Frustrated, his father decided they would “take the money and run”. Instead, the bucket turned out to be filled with candy canes, given as a gift for waiting patiently. The family drove away embarrassed, forgetting to look at the lights! Tomlin used this moment to emphasize that Christmas is not about getting, but about giving… just as Jesus came to give. Tomlin later explained why “Good Good Father” was such an exemplary song to sing during Christmas before performing it himself.
He then closed the night with additional Christmas favorites.
As people exited, Tomlin mentioned that volunteers would be out there with buckets… not for donations, but filled with candy canes for everyone to enjoy. From beginning to end, the experience reiterated what I thought and felt walking in — this show was not about looking cool onstage. It wasn’t about how skilled the artists were; it was about worship. It was about the awe of the king of kings. Tomlin’s show gives glory to the Lord of Lords, celebrating the miracle that the savior of the world finally came down to earth to sacrifice himself for us.
There was something so special about being in a room full of like-minded believers, raising your hands with them, eyes closed, singing with all of your hearts to praise to the Lord, knowing you are not alone in your walk with Christ. This night was only a piece of what heaven would be… singing, dancing, and laughing. No more tears and sorrow. Chris Tomlin has always managed to keep the focus where it belongs: to Jesus. At the end of the day, he is just a servant using his talents to glorify Jesus. What an honor and a privilege to serve with and worship Christ with him.
Photography by Kayla N. Rising
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