Column: Uplifting, Inspiring, and Cool Christian Music

by: Hans Sirotniak ‘24

Well, would you look at that? It’s already two months into the new year! What exactly does it take for a journey or for a new beginning in 2025? Common advice says to set goals, to focus on what you want to achieve, and to work hard to become who you want to be.

I’d like to suggest that we all “enjoy the show.” Time, life, and nature have brought us to a unique situation, in a unique year, in a unique place. Through all of time, through all of the universe, and through all of the possibilities, we ’ ve made it here, and that is something to celebrate and enjoy every day.

Be glad, then. Be good, then. Be great, then. Be faithful, then.

A set of joys, challenges, opportunities, and sadness probably came to all of us in some way last year. I’d expect that again this new year. I’d want to trust in God that it’s all part of the plan…the perfect, wonderful, making-us-into-saints, type of plan. It’s all part of the plan…the redeeming, loving, meant-to strengthen-us type of plan. It’s all part of the plan… the plan that charges us up with bravery and vigor to face all of the intensity that life could bring. It starts and ends with us committing, in some way, to singing a song of praise…the shout that this is the life that God has given us and that we ’ re giving back to Him. Let us be grateful.

To continue to celebrate this new year, we ’ re bringing a selection of inspirational Christian-based songs about journeys and new beginnings. This issue’s selection of songs tells us to start over, to see where we are in life, to stand with God, to focus on the present moment, to be resilient, to keep going, and to be fascinated by the journey of life.

*These songs are copyrighted by their respective owners. I attempt to mention songs in accordance with fair use guidelines for commentary and educational purposes. I am not affiliated with any of the artists mentioned.* All songs featured this month can be easily found on YouTube.

Hans Sirotniak '24

The 2023-2024 senior editor, communications specialist, and writer with Crossroads, Hans was instrumental not only in helping to launch each issue last year, but also in inspiring many students, staff, and faculty with his regular column on Christian music. Hans graduated from PVI in May 2024 and is now attending William & Mary. He is currently involved in the college’s Student Video Department and WCWM 90.9 FM, the college’s radio station! In addition, he enjoys martial arts training and is active in Faith Formation at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg.

Eli Gable opens up to the wonderful excitement of starting over, leaving behind a shameful past and appreciating a brand new start.

JSteph realizes that there’s another part of his life story, a year of blessings and big opportunities, and he hopes for a pathway to an even greater future.

One Common gets up from the chair of indecision by making a commitment to stand with God and take up His company no matter what.

TobyMac and Juan Winans sing their troubles away by keeping their mind and their eyes on God instead of on their pasts.

Grace Graber makes a resolution to focus on living in the moment so that she can rock through life without any regrets.

Jonathan Cyphers gives himself a new name and advertises the hope that lifts him up whenever the world pushes him down.

Mission blows us a second wind by offering some motivation to inspire us to stop letting life’s disappointments weigh us down.

PEABOD delivers a very personal reflection about his whole life journey and asks God to prepare him for the road of growth ahead.