We Speak Gospel
Aaron Williams Releases Christmas Version of “Abide” with Hope Darst
Christmas is coming early as Integrity Music artist and worship leader Aaron Williams releases a special Christmas rendition of his worship song “Abide,” with Hope Darst. Available today, the new release reimagines the song through the lens of the Christmas story, inviting listeners to reflect on the wonder of Christ’s arrival and the beauty of His presence with us.
Originally released as a heartfelt declaration of dependence on God, “Abide” has become a significant worship track, resonating with churches and listeners around the world. With nearly 50 million streams across all versions, the song continues to make an impact, currently ranking No. 35 on CCLI and No. 12 on SongSelect.
Since the original version, he has shared special releases of the song alongside artists including CAIN, Jon Reddick, and The Worship Initiative. Now, he brings a new perspective to what has become a defining song in his ministry.
The Christmas release features two recordings: a collaboration with acclaimed worship artist Hope Darst and an intimate acoustic version performed by Williams. Both recordings offer a fresh expression of the song’s central message, connecting the invitation to abide in Christ with the hope and wonder of Advent.
“I’m so grateful to have Hope Darst joining me for the Christmas version of ‘Abide,'” shares Aaron Williams. “Hope’s voice and presence helped draw out the beauty and wonder we sought to capture with this new version of the song. We pray it draws many to worship Jesus this Christmas season. As I immersed myself in the Advent story, new words and phrases emerged, bringing an entirely new perspective to the theme of abiding. I truly love where it ended up, and I pray it invites the listener to ponder the depth of the story of Jesus this Christmas season.”
For Williams, “Abide” has become more than another song in his catalog. Its continued impact and connection with worshipers have made it what he considers a life song, and perhaps even a career-defining anthem. This Christmas interpretation gives listeners and churches a new opportunity to experience its message during one of the year’s most meaningful seasons.
About Aaron Williams: Aaron Williams is an Integrity Music artist, songwriter, and founder of The Way of Worship, an organization helping train and mentor worship leaders from all over the United States. He is passionate about helping people discover and develop an abiding relationship with Jesus. Williams is managed by BrickHouse Entertainment.
About Integrity Music: Established in 1987, Integrity Music is a record label and song publishing company that exists to serve creatives and steward songs that lead people worldwide to Jesus. With staff in Nashville, Tenn., and London, England, Integrity is part of the Cook Media Global family.
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Vancouver worship outfit The Slower I Go released their single “Holy Sanctuary” on March 20 through NRT Music, a song built less like a performance and more like a prayer meeting caught on record. Credited to The Slower I Go alongside Noah Priebe and Brooklyn Summer, the single was written by Logan Murph, Brooklyn Summer and Noah Priebe.
The song’s heartbeat is a simple, repeated cry: “Come through, come through, come through.” Rather than building toward a single big moment, “Holy Sanctuary” circles that refrain the way a congregation circles a prayer, letting repetition do the work of surrender. It is worship written for the room as much as for the listener, an invitation to slow down, as the band’s name suggests, and make space for God to move.
The Slower I Go is a four-piece made up of Noah Priebe, Brooklyn Summer, Dacey Lane and Logan York, and “Holy Sanctuary” has not been their only word in 2026. The year has also brought the singles “All Eyes On You” and “Rejoice,” and the group followed “Holy Sanctuary” with “SHOCK!,” a collaboration with Zane Walls that landed in NewReleaseToday’s new releases for the week of June 5, showing a band comfortable moving between intimate worship and bolder, pop-leaning territory.
Canada’s worship scene has always been at its strongest when its songs are born in local rooms, and The Slower I Go sound like exactly that: a Vancouver band writing from the middle of a praying community. “Holy Sanctuary” is their open door, and the invitation could not be simpler. Come through.
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