Between songs at their sold-out “Drummer Boy Christmas” performance at the Grand Ole Opry on Dec. 17, Joel Smallbone, along with his brother Luke of the Christian band For King and Country, mentioned it was an evening of firsts.
I agreed. Personally, it was the first time I had attended a concert at the Grand Ole Opry. It was the first time I was able to enjoy that kind of event with my 86-year-old mother, my 25-year-old daughter and my husband.
Also, as a professional photographer who wasn’t allowed to bring my high-end cameras into the Grand Ole Opry, it was the first time I photographed an entire concert from my seat, using only my phone.
But much more notable was that it was the first time they played a new, unreleased song from the soundtrack of “House of David,” while filming some of the performance. The sold-out crowd enhanced the videotaping by raising their phone flashlights high as they sang along to the chorus.
The song was “Psalm 40,” a cover of a composition by the 80’s band, U2. Originally named “40,” it was written, recorded and mixed in a quick 40 minutes to complete their album, “War” and was based on the Psalm. As a fan-favorite, it closed almost every concert they played in that decade.
Cry for deliverance
Psalm 40 portrays David’s cry for deliverance when life isn’t going well. It’s an admonishment to worship Him through all circumstances while remembering what He’s already done.
U2’s version was first performed live on Feb. 26, 1983, 22 years and one day before the new series “House of David” will be released on Prime Video — Feb. 27, 2025. For King and Country’s version will be the first single released on its original soundtrack — and is very timely.
“I wish I could tell you that we knew what would be going on in this country during this time… what would be going on the world stage during this time,” Joel said. “We didn’t. But there’s a great proverb that I love, almost a live verse that says we make our plans, but God orders our steps.
“Maybe you’ve found love or maybe you’ve lost the greatest love of your life. It’s easy, I think, to ask questions in times like these. And by the way, it’s okay — questions such as where is God? Is God some abstract idea, some man upstairs, absentee parent, looking down on His great experiment called planet Earth…”
“Make no mistake, this Christmas, Luke and myself and this band, we stand before you — more convicted, more convinced, more passionate. God is not some abstract idea.
“God is here. God is now. God is with us.”
As one who has had a difficult year, with my father passing in December 2023 and many other hardships since that time, this reminder really spoke to me and the songs they included throughout the night contained truth that went straight into my heart.
Backstory
The Smallbone brothers told part of their story, which is shared more thoroughly in their 2024 film release, “Unsung Hero.” Having been born in and raised the early years of their lives in Sydney, Australia, the family came to the US for a job opportunity that failed.
They lost their house, car and basically everything they owned. Their life was a testament to how God provides and how He answers prayer.
But there was humor in their adjustment to life in the States, even in the midst of such need. They were used to Christmas being in the summer with Australia being in the Southern Hemisphere.
Their first Christmas in Nashville, it snowed and they were awed. They built snowmen for each of them — six at the time — and displayed a photo of the creations lined up in a row with their young makers.
However, later that day a neighbor with an F150 truck mowed down the snowmen. The brothers joked that it was an interesting “welcome to America.”
For King and Country is known for their high energy, unique shows and this one didn’t disappoint. “Burn the Ships,” “God Only Knows” and “Unsung Hero,” their tribute to their mother, Helen Smallbone, were only a few of the fan-favorites the enthusiastic crowd got to enjoy — while being reminded, as I was, of God’s love and provision.
It was another “first night” incident that they probably would have preferred not to experience, but at the same time, made them more relatable.
The rest of the evening included classic Christmas carols, such as “Silent Night,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and the bands’ own take on “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful.”
And, of course, the For King and Country rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” was a highlight of the show. Luke Smallbone’s son, Phoenix, played the drums along with his dad and uncle in a joyful celebration of the true meaning of Christmas — Jesus’ birth.
They concluded the concert with an encore of their 2019 Grammy and Billboard Music Award winning song “Joy.”
“Drummer Boy Christmas” is also now on DVD and Blu-Ray. To learn more about For King and Country, go to www.forkingandcountry.com. Be on the lookout for more information about “House of David” and its release in February 2025.
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