Chris Tomlin Brings Songs of Holiday Worship to Arlington

All ye faithful, rejoice! On Thursday, December 8, America’s biggest-selling contemporary Christian music artist, Chris Tomlin, will bring songs of worship and holiday cheer to the Arlington Theatre for his Adore Christmas Tour with label-mate Matt Redman, helping to suffuse some real spirit into S.B.’s seasonal proceedings. The award-winning, Texas-born singer will sing numbers from his two Christmas albums, Adore and Glory in the Highest, plus cuts from his new album, Never Lose Sight.

His goal, he said, is to bring a spirit of divine devotion back to the commercialized holiday songs. “It’s reminding people that these songs are not little carols that were written when we were kids; these are great worship songs that the church has been singing for hundreds of years,” said Tomlin, whose favorites include “O Holy Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Tomlin’s music aims heavenward and heartward with a passion and gravity that demonstrates his deep convictions. “There’s a simplicity to my songs that people can sing, and I hope I do it in a very relevant and reverent way,” he said. His new album title, Never Lose Sight, reflects how “worship is more about seeing than singing. I want these songs to help people see what is really true, that maybe what’s unseen is more powerful and real than what is seen.”

With the nation ever more divided and disillusioned following November, Tomlin said this Christmas is an especially vital reminder to turn to the power of selflessness and higher love. “We are obviously in such times of uncertainty, unrest, and fear,” he said. The concert “hopefully will bring in some unity and lift people’s hearts again. That’s what Christmas does that no other season can do.”

Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman play the Arlington Theatre (1317 State St.) on Thursday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (805) 963-4408 or visit thearlingtontheatre.com.