Marc Martel's video: Marc Martel - Labor Of Love Official Music Video

Andrew Petersen is easily one of the best classic songwriters I know here in Nashville. He’s already had a storied career as a singer-songwriter, recording about a dozen albums over the last 2 1/2 decades, and is the acclaimed author of the children’s book series “The Wingfeather Saga.” He’s your basic renaissance man, is always down for conversation over some English tobacco, and he’s a friend of mine, to boot. Perhaps the thing Andrew is most well known for to his loyal fans, is his annual Behold The Lamb Of God Christmas tour, based on his 2004 release of the same name, on which he takes a small army of his musician friends on the road to perform the album in its entirety. The concert is an eclectic gathering of world-class ‘musos,’ filled with stories of faith, humor, pain, and redemption, told by Andrew and is cohorts. I’ve had the great honor of sharing the stage with Andrew & Co. for “Behold,” at the Ryman Auditorium here in Nashville, twice. One of the two more cathartic moments of the show is “Labor Of Love,” usually sung by singer-songwriter Jill Phillips, who also sang on the album version. This heart-wrenching song about Jesus’ birth, depicting the bittersweet reality of what every parent endures during the birth of a child, in general — but also Mary and Joseph’s unique story, in particular — always stood out to me as well. I always include at least one song on my Christmas albums that leans heavily into the faith I profess as a follower of Jesus, and for The Christmas Collection, Vol. 2, “Labor Of Love” was the perfect fit, for its unique concept, its underlying discomfort, and quiet beauty. I’m so grateful for Andrew’s blessing to record this one, and to have Ben Shive — Andrew’s band leader and pianist for many years, who also produced the original version of “Labor Of Love” — join me to produce the song. Thanks for listening and watching. My new Christmas album, “The Christmas Collection, Vol. II” is now available at MarcMartelMusic.com 1. Zat You Santa Claus? (feat. Jared James Nichols) 2. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year 3. What Christmas Means To Me 4. The Christmas Waltz with Amy Grant 5. Light Of The World 6. Labor Of Love 7. Welcome To Our World with Leigh Nash 8. White Christmas 9. Last Christmas with Arnel Pineda 10. Blue Christmas (feat. Joe Bonamassa) 11. Silver Bells (Acoustic Version) with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith 12. The Grinch 13. Run Run Rudolph (feat. Reese Wynans) 14. Thank God It’s Christmas 15. What Are You Doing New Years Eve? 16. I’ll Be Home For Christmas 17. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 18. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day