Matthew West Says New Song Reveals ‘A Longing For Heaven’

Published: December 22, 2023

Matthew West Says New Song Reveals ‘A Longing For Heaven’

By Movieguide® Contributor

Christian artist Matthew West is sharing the impact his latest song, “Because of Bethlehem,” has had on audiences.

“I’ve been in the Christmas spirit for quite a while — since this summer when I wrote ‘Because of Bethlehem,’” he said during a recent episode of “The Matthew West Podcast.”

“Because of Bethlehem” was inspired by Max Lucado’s book of the same name.

“I saw the title of the book, ‘Because of Bethlehem,’ and immediately thought, ‘that would be a great song title!’” West said in a statement about the track. “Then it became my mission to write a song and surprise my friend Max with lyrics that would hopefully capture the same heartbeat of his book. The message is this: the hope of the world had humble beginnings. It’s because of Bethlehem and the birth of a savior that we can experience joy, love, peace, and even the hope of eternity.”

West has been on tour for the past few weeks, where he performed the Christmas song.

“There’s been a really special moment when I’ve performed it, and there’s a part in the song where the audience started cheering every single night,” he shared. “’From a tomb that love left empty, to a father’s right-hand throne, and a promise He’s preparing us, a place we’ll soon call home, He who came to earth from heaven will be coming back again, our eyes will see eternity because of Bethlehem.’”

West continued, “The promise of heaven is what made the audience start spontaneously cheering, and that made me realize…that there is a longing for heaven, there is a longing for eternity, placed in our hearts that keeps us from getting comfortable down here. At Christmas time, we can remember that longing and that what we long for has been promised to us. That He who promised it to us will fulfill it for us because that’s who God is and that’s what He does.”

In an Instagram post about “Because of Bethlehem,” West wrote about the song’s message.

“God with us, all because of Bethlehem,” he wrote. “Christmas season is in full swing and this song fills my heart with so much joy in anticipation for Christmas morning. It’s the constant reminder of the humble beginnings, the greatest gift we could ever receive, and it keeps my eyes fixed on His Kingdom.”

Movieguide® previously reported on “Because of Bethlehem”:

West continues to create new music. He released “Because of Bethlehem” in October.

“This song was inspired by a book written by one of my favorite authors, @maxlucado. It’s because of Bethlehem and the birth of a savior that we can experience joy, love, peace, and even the hope of eternity,” he said. “I love this song so much, and I hope you will too. And don’t worry, I know Thanksgiving is still around the corner. There will be plenty of time for Gobble Gobble. I just couldn’t wait to share this new one with you all. We need some hope in our world right now. And Jesus is our hope!”