glory of the cross
On Good Friday during a church-wide fast, “Glory of the Cross” was born in Caroline Fidell’s office as she sat with her guitar. In the heightened spiritual sensitivity that fasting often brings, the phrase “the glory of the cross” rose in her heart and sparked a spontaneous moment of worship. What unfolded is song that expresses the beautiful paradox that only Jesus could accomplish: transforming the cruel Roman cross—an instrument of shame and death—into the greatest display of glory, love, and redemption in history. Rooted in Philippians 2:6-8, which declares that Christ, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant… and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross,” the song asks the awe-filled question: Who else but Jesus would do such a thing? The King of kings willingly left heaven’s throne and the angels’ endless praise to wear a crown of thorns, endure mockery, and die by crucifixion. Echoing Isaiah 53 and John 3:16, “Glory of the Cross” reflects on the Lamb of God who laid down His life for His enemies, the innocent Savior who remained silent before His accusers, and the Creator of the universe who chose Calvary out of obedience to the Father and love for sinners like us. With the heartfelt declaration, “Beauty for ashes, riches for rags, oh the glory of the cross / No way to earn it, no more striving,” the song (drawing from Isaiah 61:3 and Ephesians 2:8-9) celebrates the unearnable gift of grace. It builds to a triumphant declaration: “All sin forgiven, praise God it is finished,” pointing to the finished work of Jesus on the cross (John 19:30). “Glory of the Cross” invites the Church to sit in wonder and respond with the only response that fits: “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”
Real Gold Fears no fire
CCM Worship's debut EP release, "Real Gold Fears No Fire,” contains four original songs, including two new unreleased songs and two previously released singles. Each song was written by City Church Marietta’s Worship Leader, Caroline Fidell, and other collaborating worship songwriters from Atlanta, GA. The title track was inspired by the phrase, “Real gold fears no fire," an enduring expression used by the persecuted Church as a testimony of encouragement and comfort to one another while in the midst of suffering. The anchor verse for this song is rooted in 1 Peter 1:6-7, which says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The second new track, “In No Rush,” was born from a prayer for a greater desire to simply be with Jesus, in no hurry to leave His presence. This song’s lyrics stem from Psalm 84, which says, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!…For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” The heart of “In No Rush” is recognizing that the best place to be is with Jesus, but we must first slow down so we don't miss what He wants to say and do in our lives.
About CCM Worship
CCM Worship is the original worship music of City Church Marietta, led by Worship Leader and songwriter, Caroline Fidell. Each song is grounded in Scripture and written for the local church to worship together. The greatest desire of CCM Worship is the glory of God and our prayer is that these songs are an offering to Jesus, the only one worthy.
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