Jesus, King of Angels--A Beautiful Contemporary Christian Song

While searching for a list of Christmas tunes to play on YouTube, a song entitled, "Jesus, King of Angels," caught my attention. Intrigued by the title, I listened and was immediately moved by the pure simplicity of the words, melody and the singer's pensive, contemplative voice.

Jesus, King of angels, heaven's light,
Shine Your face upon this house tonight.
Let no evil come into my dreams;
Light of heaven, keep me in Your peace.

Remind me how You made dark spirits flee, And spoke Your power to the raging sea.
And spoke Your mercy to a sinful man;
Remind me, Jesus, this is what I am.

CHORUS:
The universe is vast beyond the stars,
But You are mindful when the sparrow falls, And mindful of the anxious thoughts That find me, surround me, and bind me . . . .

With all my heart I love You, Sovereign Lord.
Tomorrow, let me love You even more.
And rise to speak the goodness of Your name Until I close my eyes and sleep again.

CHORUS

Jesus, King of angels, heaven's light,
Hold my hand and keep me through this night.

The singer, Fernando Ortega, an adult contemporary singer-songwriter in contemporary Christian music, has been singing and recording for quite some time. Wikipedia notes that Ortega is known for his interpretations of traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus", "Be Thou My Vision", and many others, but also for writing clear and accessible songs, such as "This Good Day".

Ortega and his wife Margee, newcomers to Anglicanism, joined St. Mark's on-the-Mesa Episcopal Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico, four years ago and made the move to Christ the King with the Revs. Roger and Libbie Weber and the majority of the congregation. Ortega had been on the church staff less than three months when the parish realigned with AC-NA.

The Webers were unfamiliar with Ortega's music when he came to their parish three years ago, but a few parishioners soon let them know about the God-gifted musician in their midst. "He's been a blessing to our parish," said the Rev. Libbie Weber, assisting priest and wife of the rector, the Rev. Roger Weber. "Roger and I had been seeking the depth and history and mystery and beauty of Anglican worship, and our thoughts and feelings seemed to parallel those of Fernando and Margee who were looking for the same things. We needed a music worship leader, and he needed to stay home more with his wife and his daughter Ruby who just turned one."

Before joining the staff at St. Mark's, Ortega and his wife, Margee, have been affiliated with several congregations, including one pastured by renowned evangelist, Chuck Swindoll.

Ortega began studying piano as a child and earned his bachelor's degree in music education from the University of New Mexico. From the late 70's to 1993, he served in music ministry at a number of churches, including a Baptist church in Albuquerque, Congregational Christian and Assemblies of God churches in southern California, and First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, Calif. which was pastored by Chuck Swindoll. From 1993 to 2009, Ortega worked mainly as a concert and recording artist, and has released 14 records. He also served as a frequent worship leader for Anne Graham Lotz Ministries.

Biography

Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the banks of the Rio Grande. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State, he also spent time in Ecuador and Barbados. His family lived in Chimayo, NM for eight generations, which has been cited as an influence on his music. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico where Ortega derives his unique sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk and rustic hymnody. Ortega's father Ambrosio was once vice president of Central New Mexico Community College, his brother Armando is frontman for the Latin-flavored, world music band Wagogo.

Sources:

American Anglican Org, Ralinda B. Gregor, 2009

You Tube

Wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Ortega