Josh Garrels - Evangeline Lyrics
Lyrics
Instrumental
Video
Evangeline
Meaning & Inspiration
Josh Garrels has once again offered a profound sonic reflection with the release of his instrumental piece, "Evangeline," on October 31, 2024. In a landscape often saturated with lyrical messages, Garrels presents a striking departure, allowing the music itself to be the vessel for deep spiritual truth. The very title, "Evangeline," carries immense weight, deriving from the Greek word *euangelion*, meaning "good news" or "Gospel." This choice immediately situates the piece within the core narrative of Christian faith, inviting listeners into a contemplative space where the essence of the Gospel is explored not through words, but through the evocative power of sound.
The story behind this release, though wordless in its presentation, is inherently tied to the eternal story of salvation. Garrels, known for his earnest faith and ability to weave scripture into his art, uses this instrumental offering to remind us that the good news of Jesus Christ transcends language. It is a universal truth, a divine melody that resonates in the human spirit even before it is articulated. The absence of lyrics in "Evangeline" becomes its profound strength, compelling those who experience it to move beyond intellectual understanding into a realm of spiritual reception. This deliberate choice by Garrels mirrors the profound simplicity and accessibility of the Gospel itself, which, at its heart, is a message for all people, capable of stirring the soul regardless of spoken tongue. It challenges us to consider how the Spirit communicates directly, often beyond human utterance, much like the groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
Analyzing "Evangeline" as a purely instrumental work reveals a powerful testament to the Gospel's pervasive nature. Rather than describing a specific event or doctrine, the music is tasked with embodying the *feeling* and *impact* of the good news. It is a sonic journey that might evoke the peace that surpasses all understanding, the hope found in redemption, or the wonder of God's unfolding plan. The very concept of "good news" as brought by an "Evangeline" is beautifully captured in Isaiah 52:7, which proclaims, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" This verse speaks of the *arrival* of good news, and an instrumental piece can uniquely convey that sense of arrival, of something momentous and beautiful unfolding, without needing a single word. The music becomes the "feet upon the mountains," carrying an unspoken, yet undeniable, message of hope and divine sovereignty.
Furthermore, the song’s dedication to this profound biblical concept encourages a deeper reflection on the Gospel’s power and its personal significance. In Romans 1:16, Paul declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." An instrumental piece named "Evangeline" can serve as a meditative prompt for this very truth. It invites us to consider the *power* of the Gospel, not as a theological treatise, but as a living force capable of transforming hearts and minds. The music, in its unfolding, can become a space where one experiences a glimpse of that divine power, stirring faith and reminding us of the joy heralded by the angels in Luke 2:10-11: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." This instrumental piece offers a unique opportunity to simply *be* with the good news, allowing its spiritual weight to settle without the immediate demands of intellectual interpretation of lyrics. It stands as a compelling reminder that the Gospel is not merely information to be processed, but a divine reality to be encountered and embraced, often in profound silence.