This month, I have the
pleasure of reviewing Steve McConnell’s latest release, "Hamoedim".
Steve is no stranger to the Messianic Movement. His first release "We
Delight", released in 1996, was well received. Steve was
quickly recognized as a talented Messianic artist, especially with the
world-renowned song, "We Delight In Your Shabbat."
Steve’s beautiful vocal abilities, along
with his songwriting expertise, are evident in this latest collection of
songs written about the festivals of God. Steve addresses each festival
of the Lord as outlined in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus. I
found this musical tribute to the Lord’s appointed times to be a
wonderful offering of worship, setting the emotion of a believer in
Yeshua through these meaningful songs.
One of my favorite tracks, and the first song
sample from this release, is the song entitled "The Pesach
Song". This song exemplifies just how powerful our God is. He
delivered us from 400 hundred years of slavery to Pharaoh. This song’s
melody line seeks the very heart of God in the telling of the
deliverance of our Jewish ancestors from bondage while in Egypt. It left
me praising God for His unending love and care for us all.
The second song sample that I have selected is
entitled "Yom Teruah". This wonderful musical telling
of Rosh Hashonah, The Day of The Trumpets, from a believer’s
perspective, says it all about our faith in Him. It calls for God’s
chosen people to realize that Yeshua is the Messiah. I love the verse,
"Hear O Israel; the Lord is one! And at this turning of another
year, May we turn to see His Son!" The song goes on to
challenge those who know Yeshua not to be silent! "You who know
Yeshua don’t be silent anymore, sound the shofar to a dying world! Be
ready for the coming Lord!"
Even though I have sampled only two of the
songs from this wonderful collection, I will tell you that every
believing home, whether Jew or Gentile, must have a copy of this great
musical expression of the festivals of the Lord. This is a vital part of
our walk, and this album will definitely bring all of us to revisit the
roots of our faith. It is obvious that the Lord has chosen Steve
McConnell to bring us this wonderful album and when you hear it, you
will see why.
Biographical
Information
Steve and his wife Sue attend Congregation
Melech Yisrael, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he is the
worship leader. Steve and his wife, have written and produced two albums
of their original Messianic music. Steve is known internationally and
his songs are sung in Messianic Congregations throughout the U.S. and
the world. He has performed at conferences and concerts throughout the
U.S. and in Israel.
