Andrew Peterson's latest release, Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ, is a moving album that combines Peterson's unique voice with beautifully penned lyrics about Christ's birth and the events leading up to it.

The album begins with, "Gather Round Ye Children, Come," which invites listeners to come close and hear the story of Jesus' birth. The album then shifts to Old Testament events with, "Passover Us," and "So Long Moses." "Deliver Us" is a haunting plea for freedom from sin and is one of the album's most enchanting songs. An instrumental version of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," is next and is a transition between the Old Testament and New Testament imagery of the album. In "Matthew's Begats," Peterson humorously traces the genealogy of Jesus as told in the book of Matthew. "It Came to Pass," and "Labor of Love," tell the story of Mary and Joseph and are followed by the quiet instrumental, "The Holly and the Ivy." "While Shepherds Watered Their Flocks," is a triumphant song that celebrates Christ's birth while "Behold the Lamb of God," is a soft, piano-based song in which Peterson expresses awe of Christ and his birth. The final song on the album, "The Theme of My Song/Reprise," is a perfect ending. Peterson combines lyrical elements from several songs and blends them together to rejoice in Jesus' birth.

Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming Christ is a rare gem that captures the spirit of Christmas and the wonder of Jesus' birth. It is a strong, biblically-based album that can be listened to any time of the year.

- Review date: 11/21/04, written by Laura Nunnery