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New Blacknall Arts Song Sings the Story of Emmaus

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Blacknall Arts, our community of in-house songwriters and musicians, has released its latest single from the forthcoming album, “From the Dead.” The song, “Christ Revealer,” is now available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms.

The song draws inspiration from Luke 24, when Jesus reveals himself to disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. Just as Christ revealed himself to those disciples after his resurrection, he still meets us today at the communion table in the bread and cup.

“We, too, sometimes struggle to see and understand how Jesus is present in the world and in our lives,” said Associate Director of Middle School Ministry Sarah Lapp, who wrote the song. “Yet, every time we approach the table and receive his body broken for us, his blood shed for us, we trust that our risen Lord is present with us there as he reveals himself to be our Savior, Friend, and King.”

Liner notes about “Christ Revealer” by writer Sarah Lapp

My entry point to songwriting has been meditating on the Gospel stories and listening to how they speak to me — and to us, the church — today. As part of a larger project on the Gospel of Luke, I wrote “Christ Revealer” while meditating on the story of the road to Emmaus. When Jesus meets his disciples on the road after his resurrection, they don’t recognize him, even though their hearts are “burning within” them. It is only when he joins them for dinner and breaks the bread that they recognize him as the risen Jesus.

The hymn’s title points to Jesus not only as one who is revealed to his followers, but as the one who reveals the True story of the past, present and future. It is only in knowing Jesus that we can know the Story that contains all of our stories — from those we find in Scripture, to the joy and suffering we experience in our own lives, to the promised resurrection of the dead and restoration of all things. Jesus’ presence with us now is only a small taste of the heavenly banquet to come, when every nation, people, tribe and tongue will gather together at the table of our Lord.

Download or buy the single on Bandcamp | Find the single on any music platform

  • Writer: Sarah Lapp

  • Performers: Charis Taylor (vocals), Wen Reagan (vocals, guitars, bass), Nat Stine (piano), Sarah Lapp (violin, viola), Caleb Wagner (cello), Caleb Pineo (vocals, accordion), Kat Burgett (backing vocals), Sam Gould (organ), Paul Alberti (percussion)

  • Artwork: Ruthie Connolly

About “From the Dead”

With songs of praise, reflection, and adoration, a new album from Blacknall Arts is set to celebrate the heart of the Christian story: Jesus Christ is risen, and new life is breaking through. The collection includes original works, hymn retunes, and even a classic Wendell Berry poem set to music. Across its rich variety, one theme resounds: Christ is the firstfruits from the dead, and we are drawn with him into new life. From the Dead will release on June 3.