Since its inception in 2000, Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” tour has become a yearly tradition not only for Peterson and his band, but for the families and churches who look forward to attending each holiday season. This beautiful Christmas production has blessed thousands of fans over the years in various venues across the country as Peterson and friends recount the Christmas story through song. This year, we are thrilled to bring the tour to Brook Hills.

Several members of our faith family have experienced this musical storytelling event, and they share the ways it’s left a deep, unforgettable impression on them and their families.

TODD NORTON

I first encountered Andrew Peterson’s music several years ago when “Dancing in the Minefields” played on the radio while I was driving to pick up my son from school. The song stood out because it lived in the same world I live in — messy and wonderful, but filled with longing for what God will re-make. I began exploring his songs, and each one gave a glimpse into the heart of a man who spends long hours with God’s Word and allows it to challenge and shape him. There are songs about family, life on the road as a musician, doubt and difficulty, hope and assurance. A few weeks later, Peterson was in Birmingham supporting his newly-released album, “Light for the Lost Boy.” Especially in a live setting, Andrew Peterson’s gift is his ability to bring Jesus into all of life, and I left the concert deeply encouraged.

Trevin Wax puts it this way:

“Andrew’s songs bear the mark of authenticity, giving voice to a faith that is firm in its grasp of the truth and yet honest in its experience of doubt or suffering. The result is a compelling portrait of Christianity in all of its messy glory.”

After discussing Peterson with friends who already knew about him, I learned that most fans first knew him as the “Behold the Lamb” guy. That December, Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” tour came to Birmingham, and we experienced it for the first time. Our family has gone to the show every year since, including last year at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

“Behold the Lamb of God” begins the Christmas season for our family. It places the birth of Jesus into the story of God’s plan to redeem His good world and His broken people, and we are reminded each year how significant it is that Jesus came.

DANIEL RENSTROM

This concert is so unlike any other musical tour/event I've ever attended.

The evening is broken into two parts. The first part of the evening is a song in the round, where the different artists on the tour sing their own songs. During the second half of the evening they play Andrew Peterson's “Behold The Lamb Of God” album the entire way through. No stops. No pauses. Just straight through. And when you hear the songs stitched together in this way, you hear all the glorious connections of the story of the incarnation. The songs so clearly show the promise of the Savior, the obstinance of Israel, and the relentless love of God. You can't help but be filled with so much thankfulness to God for Christ.

Every time I've attended this tour, it's been an incredibly moving and meaningful experience. The group of artists who play the songs change from tour to tour, but the format stays the same. Isn't that what makes Christmas kind of special though? We often come back to the same traditions around Christmas time because they're packed with meaning and significance.

SCOTT JAMES

Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” has been a part of our family’s Christmas tradition from the beginning. Jaime and I were already fans of Peterson’s work from our college days, but when this Christmas album/tour concept landed in 2004, we were stunned by its beauty. More than just the musical excellence, we were struck by the lyrical depth and the faithfulness of Peterson’s storytelling. It’s not merely a collection of Christmas songs. “Behold the Lamb of God” is an integrated cycle that carries the listener through the Bible’s grand and messy love story of a Savior pursuing the redemption of His people — or, as Peterson says, “it’s the true tall tale of the coming of Christ.”

As the years have gone by, these songs have become woven into the fabric of our family, shaping our biblical imagination and enlivening our praise of the Lamb of God. Any given day, one of our children may be heard bellowing, “Gather ‘round ye children come, listen to the old, old story of the power of death undone by an infant born of glory.” It’s music to my ears, because I know these songs have truly helped my family see how all Scripture points to the glory of Jesus, our great Deliverer.

This December will mark the 12th consecutive year we’ve been able to attend this concert, and the first year in which we are able to share in the experience with our church family. Brook Hills, I encourage you to join us for a special evening as we marvel at God’s love for us in Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Andrew Peterson’s "Behold the Lamb of God" is coming to Brook Hills on December 8. To purchase tickets for the production, visit brookhills.org/BTLOG.

To check out and purchase Peterson's album, "Behold the Lamb of God," visit amazon.com/shop/brookhills.