The Woodlands UMC Music, The Comforter Has Come | Music Lifts

In the 13^th edition of Music Lifts (2024), we’re uplifted by The Woodlands UMC Music performing, “The Comforter Has Come.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 13^th edition of Music Lifts (2024), we highlight “The Comforter Has Come” as performed by The Woodlands UMC Music.

“O spread the tidings ‘round, / Wherever man is found / Wherever human hearts / And human woes abound.” What gorgeous, poetic lyrics! The Woodlands UMC Music – a United Methodist Church in Texas – make a joyful noise unto the Lord with “The Comforter Has Come”.  A beloved hymn, the lyrics were composed by Frank Bottome while the music was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick. The church utilizes a stunning arrangement by Bradley Knight which features a female soloist. Amber Scott delivers the dynamic solo on The Woodlands’ rendition.

Amber Scott leads the verses, singing authentically and expressively.  She never over-sings but always packs a punch, bringing just the right amount of grit.  By the end of the song, she flaunts that power of her pipes, truly elevating the spiritual nature of “The Comforter Has Come” to new heights.  The centerpiece of the hymn, the refrain (aka chorus), is delivered beautifully by the choir:

“The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!

The Holy Ghost from heaven, the Father’s promise given

O spread the tidings ‘round wherever man is found:

The Comforter has come!”

The Comforter, of course is God, in all His glory .  The refrain summarizes His greatness – his mercifulness. Beyond exceptional songwriting (Bottome), and terrific vocals (Scott/choir), the instrumentalists excel in Bradley Knight’s arrangement. The horns provide a bite, while the piano part/pianist nail the gospel music style. Recorded in 2015, this performance of “The Comforter Has Come” continues to provide both a musical and spiritual lift years later!

The Woodlands UMC Music // “The Comforter Has Come” // 7.26.15

The Woodlands UMC Music, The Comforter Has Come: Music Lifts No. 13 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; The Woodlands UMC Music; Hamid Tajik, Qamar Rehman, vansh mehta, Viridiana Rivera via Pexels]