THE LIVING CHRIST PROJECT
The story behind the Living Christ Project:
A few years ago, I was approached by Lizzy Jensen, Founder of The Small Seed, blogger, influencer, and mother of five. She asked if I would be willing to write music to The Living Christ, a document written by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Lizzy wanted it put to music so that people could more easily memorize it. Because, let’s face it, when you learn a song, you pretty much remember it your whole life.
The Living Christ is a short document. It fits on one page. It declares the truth about Jesus – touching on His birth, life, death and resurrection, His great atoning sacrifice, and His divine role as the Savior of all mankind. It’s packed with simple statements that carry profound meaning to those who believe.
I think it's beautiful. So I said, “Sure!”
I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was willing to try.
Then reality set in.
As beautiful as the words of The Living Christ are, they simply weren’t written to be set to music. They don’t have a meter. They don’t rhyme. Some phrases are short and some are long. They don’t follow any pattern at all. Which makes them the complete opposite of a musical lyric. Of course, I knew that going in, but I had never tried something like this, so I guess I was naively optimistic.
I’ll spare you the details of how I went about trying to make it all work. I’ll just say that through the process, I have learned to love these words. And more importantly, to love my Savior more. Every phrase could be studied in depth, like this one: “He taught…the potential of the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.”
I divided the document up into 8 sections, and the song for each section is unique. It's not a great work by any stretch of the imagination. I just hope it will be memorable.
And it’s only the second week, so it’s not too late to join in. If you follow along with us and learn all 8 sections, you’ll finish on Palm Sunday. How cool is that?
Lizzy has brought together artists who've created coloring pages, flip books, screen wallpaper and art to help your family memorize it. All the content is on Vursity. GO HERE TO GET IT. You'll need to create a free account to begin with. Then click on ‘classes’ and you’ll see “Memorize the Living Christ.”
All the best with your efforts! I would love to hear your comments, and to learn what your family is doing to memorize it.
This project has touched me very deeply. I have tried for years, in vain, to memorize this document, and can finally say that I have! Thank you so much.
Please consider making the piano music and background tracks available for the masses. I would certainly be will to pay for such a beautiful work.
I love what you have done! I love every song. You made the Living Christ document memorable on a very deep emotional level. I listen to each song over and over. They are all so beautiful. Thank you! God bless you!!!
I am in love with this project and your music! I’ve been listening to the songs every day since I found them! I would definitely purchase the full piano sheet music if it is available or can become available… Thank you for the work you put in to this!
Shawna, I am So grateful you took this project on with Lizzy in spite of the difficulties. It was life-changing for me to do each of the paintings and brought a needed and sacred reconnection to Christ, and then again as I relearned these words to your beautiful music with my family. What a gift. So grateful for your willingness. Thank you!
I am loving this and these songs. I find myself humming them throughout the day. Thank you for your talent. It has brought the spirit to my home. The tracks are so beautiful and I find myself wanting to play them on the piano. But the piano music given isn’t the same as is recorded on the track – only because it only has the melody or the top hand. Do you have the full sheet music I could buy from anywhere? Thank you!!
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