Growing up Christian, I've come to appreciate all the different genres of music that fall under that category. Really, if you think about it, you realize that they're all different genres, and can't be classified under just "Christian" because it's so broad. Here are some contemporary songs I really enjoy, and I think you would too regardless of your own beliefs:

1. Sparrows by Jason Gray

This is a song I actually cannot listen to without breaking out into dance. It's such a simple 'he's got the whole world in his hands' reminder, and always leaves me feeling happy.

2. Glory to Glory by Bethel

'Glory to glory' is my personal favorite at the moment, because once again it's so simple yet so powerful. When William Matthews inverts in the second 'you're taking us higher' it always makes me want to throw my arms up and sing along.

3. Fierce by Jesus Culture

I had the privilege of being able to attend a Jesus Culture concert over the summer for their Let it Echo tour, and the atmosphere was incredible. Chris Quilala's beautiful voice reminds us in this song of an unconditional, unstoppable love beyond anything we could comprehend ourselves.

4. Let There Be Light by Bryan & Katie Torwalt

Also a part of Jesus Culture, Bryan & Katie Torwalt have written some incredibly moving songs. This song provides an allusion to the biblical story of creation, and calls for metaphorical light in the darkness of whatever situation we may be going through.

5. Stand in the Light by Jordan Smith

'Stand in the Light' is sung by Jordan Smith, who won his season of The Voice. Whenever I hear this song, it reminds me that we all have individual purpose and talents that we shouldn't try to mask but should share.

6. Heart Like Heaven by Hillsong Worship

Of course, I couldn't make a list about contemporary Christian songs without including Hillsong. As usual, this is a beautiful worship song that you can't help but sing along to.

7. My Story by Big Daddy Weave

This song is a very personal song to me, because it reminds me of my own story. I won't go into too much detail, but the idea is this: The doctors told my parents a little after I was born that there was almost zero chance that I would live through the night, and if I did live, I would live in a vegetative state. As you can tell, neither of those things happened, and I have the motion in my limbs and the thoughts in my brain to tell about 'the kindness of Jesus' they sing about in this song that allowed for one small human in the scope of all humanity to live to see another day.

8. Fearless by Mia Fieldes

I thought I would end with this because I find it a great transitioning song. This was my theme song for when I was making my move down to Florida from Massachusetts. It's always good to feel fearless and brave, and this song reminds me to let go of my worries and rest assured in the fact that what is supposed to happen, will.