Sara Groves releases new Christmas album

‘Joy Of Every Longing Heart’ shares songs about those who witnessed Jesus' Birth; album is bookend to 2008's ‘O Holy Night’

Sara Groves, a Christian music folk-pop pioneer, singer and songwriter, announced the release of her new Christmas project, “Joy Of Every Longing Heart” (Fair Trade Services). The follow-up to 2008's “O Holy Night,” “Joy Of Every Longing Heart” is available now.

While her first Christmas project encompassed songs about Jesus' birth, Groves said she now wants to share a new collection, a mix of both traditional and original songs, to showcase those who were directly part of the Nativity story – the angels, wise men and shepherds who witnessed Jesus' birth.

"I think this story bears an infinite number of retellings, and I find myself revisiting it each year at Advent," she said. "It's comparable to turning a gem and seeing new facets. It is shrouded in tradition and years of baggage in some cases, but at the root, it is God with us. That’s pretty compelling."

One example of this is the track "Just Like They Said," one of Groves' favorites from the album, which focuses on one of the shepherds who witnessed the angel's pronouncement and how it changed him forever. 

"I know I have had experiences and moments of belief that were transcendent, but now I carry that witness, and I’m not always sure what to make of it," Groves said. "I picture this very human person in this moment witnessing something incredible, and then going on to tell his family, friends, and live the rest of his life. Like him, each of us has our own way of engaging with this story; we have our own testimony to how it changed us."

Additionally, the nine-song project was intricately thought through from the album cover to the title. The cover imaging is a rendition of the city of Bethlehem, purposefully showcasing the color tones of oranges and purples to represent the dawn and awaiting the birth of Jesus.

It was also important for Groves to include "joy" and "longing" in the album title.

"Yearly, we come to this story in December, the darkest month of the year and in the middle of winter," she explained. "We are waiting for the dawn in the days of the longest nights. There is a longing, but there is also joy and a sense of hope." 

The project, her 11th career album, was produced by John Mark Nelson and created at Art House North in Minnesota. A couple of lyrics were added in to "Winter Wonderland" as a nod to a city that truly inherits winter weather.

"Where we live, you have to acknowledge winter – it is the real deal – but once you do, you can enjoy it for what it is," Groves said. "Hibernation, good snow gear, hot drinks, snuggling with your loved ones – these are the gifts of winter." 

Groves will perform four Christmas dates this holiday season. Visit SaraGroves.com.

Over two decades, the singer/songwriter has attempted to name and explore the many tensions of a life of faith. Looking at issues both personal and global, Groves’ music and advocacy have allowed her to sing all over the U.S. and abroad, in diverse venues from federal prisons to the White House. For over a decade, she has joined forces with International Justice Mission, the largest anti-human trafficking organization in the world.