Hillsong Worship's new live worship album "Let There Be Light" shot straight up to No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Album chart in its first week of release with over 16,000 copies sold.
This marks the Australian band's 12th chart-topper (including Hillsong United and Hillsong Worship releases). "Let There Be Light" was recorded at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, according to Billboard.
Hillsong's Joel Houston said the new album hopes to inspire people to come together as one in God despite their differences. "More than anything, our greatest hope for this record is that it will give people something to sing that rages against the chorus of division and fear that seems to be making so much noise right now," he said. "God knows the world needs more love, more empathy, more hope, more light."
Other musicians who made it to the Top Christian Album charts include Tenth Avenue North. Its fifth studio set, "Followers," came in at No. 5 with 4,000 copies sold. Derek Minor's "Reflection" ranked No. 7 with 3,000 sold, while Clifton Ross III's four-song EP "I Believe God" ranked No. 6 with 1,000 copies sold.
Earlier, JD Douglas from Hillsong told the Gospel Herald that as grateful as they are to create wonderful music for God, there's actually something they value more: charity work. Douglas said nothing ever beats the high they get from helping people out, especially impoverished families through their ministry Compassion International.
Douglas said people from different backgrounds can help out if they choose to do so, and they need not be hindered by their imperfections.
"I don't have to be the world's greatest singer to be a worship leader; and you don't have to be the finest fill-in-the-blank to change the lives of others through serving in the ministry He has called you to. When we show up, He shows up — and incredible things happen through us and to us," he said.
