The first thing you notice about JJ Helle… Read Full Bio ↴By Kierstin Casella (2006)
The first thing you notice about JJ Heller is a wide grin that stretches across her face and welcomes you in as a friend, whether you’ve known her for years or are shaking her hand for the very first time. These days especially, the twenty-five year old west coast native has a lot to be happy about.
In March 2006, she independantly released her third record (scheduled for national release in November 2006), Only Love Remains, showcasing her pure, penetrating voice, and opening the door to a bold new range of songs. JJ, along with her husband Dave (who serves as guitarist, manager, and co-writer) recorded the distinctive album at Nashville’s Sputnik Sound with Grammy-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman.)
“I found that JJ has an unadulterated approach to song writing. Her songs actually spoke to me, where a lot of Christian music is the same message with different words,” explains Dane. “[JJ and Dave] live their art, and I never felt like they were trying too hard to be something they weren't.”
In addition to JJ and Dave’s prominent talents, Only Love Remains features Bryan Sutton (Dixie Chicks, The Chieftains) on mandolin, guitar and banjo; David Henry (Over the Rhine) on cello; Ben Shive (Andrew Peterson) on piano; Andy Hubbard (Little Big Town, Fernando Ortega) on drums, Aaron Sands (Jars of Clay) on bass; with Jeremy Casella (singer/songwriter) and Andrew Osenga (Caedmon’s Call) on guitars/backing vocals.
Only Love Remains follows Heller’s 2005 EP, Collection of Thoughts, and her debut release, Songs That I Know (2004.)
JJ began her career nearly six years ago at San Jose Christian College where she dabbled in songwriting and performed at local coffeehouses. After graduating, JJ and Dave got married and relocated to Phoenix to pursue music full time. In August of 2006, they moved to Nashville, TN where they currently reside. The combination of Dave’s business sense and creative input, and JJ’s loose artistic style drives their success.
“We’re definitely two halves of a whole,” she explains. “I write the bulk of the lyrics and Dave is the editor and arranger, making the songs more effective. He also does everything on the business side, which is great because it frees me up to be creative.”
For Only Love Remains, the pair focused on a braver songwriting style, departing slightly from JJ’s prior introspective lyrics and exploring story-songs about the lives around them. Musically, they pulled influence from artists like Damien Rice and Over the Rhine, with a lyrical intricacy akin to Patty Griffin. The result is an exceptional collection of songs that is warm and engaging with a little bit of edge.
In writing material for the new release, JJ poured her every day observations into her songbook: stories she heard while traveling, and those nearer to her heart. “This album is all about redemption,” observes JJ. “ Looking back on the songs, there’s a lot of struggle written into them because that’s life. Everyone has different problems to face, but in the end, the outcome hinges on how you deal with those struggles-- if you allow them to destroy you or make you stronger.”
Perhaps it’s her insight and sensitivity that consistently draw a female audience to JJ’s music. She touches on issues of self-image and worry, questions of faith, and feelings of loneliness; her songs resonate with women and offer encouragement. But JJ’s music connects with people from all walks of life. Whether performing in a quaint coffeehouse, at a weekend retreat, or a Sunday morning church service for 1000 people, the Hellers aim to be themselves wherever they go. They maintain a balance of light-hearted humor and poignant dialogue with their listeners.
As an artist, JJ Heller is a mix of eclectic and down-to-earth: from her jeans and t-shirt style to the way she pushes her own boundaries. When it comes to her music, she never settles.
"Music has a way of speaking to my heart like nothing else can," JJ says. "It is my hope and prayer that my songs will somehow speak to my listeners and bring them hope, peace and inspiration."
Christmas Is Here
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hear the Church bells starting to chime
Millions of snowflakes, falling from Heaven
Turning the world, from grey to white
Even the hardest of hearts
Cannot deny the magic in the air
Let us adore Him
Sing it out loud
Sing it out clear
Christmas is here
Join in the chorus, sing to the baby
Sleeping beneath the stars that He made
Light in the darkness, hope for the hopeless
His love will never fade away
Heaven came down to earth
To bind our wounds, and wipe away our tears
Let us adore Him
Lift up your voices
Sing it out loud
Sing it out clear
Christmas is here
The first verse of JJ Heller's "Christmas Is Here" paints a vivid picture of a snow-covered, cozy winter night with the sounds of church bells ringing in the distance and candles flickering in windows all around. The snowflakes are falling from heaven, turning the world from grey to white, and even the hardest of hearts cannot deny the magic in the air. This verse sets the scene, creating a sense of peace and wonder.
In the chorus, the focus shifts to adoration of the baby Jesus. The lyrics call for everyone to lift up their voices, to sing out loud and clear, for Christmas is here. The emphasis is on celebrating the miracle of Christ's birth, and the joy that it brings. The hope and light that Baby Jesus brings is emphasized, reminding the listener that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
The second verse brings the focus back to the baby Jesus, describing him as sleeping beneath the stars that he made, and emphasizing the light that he brings to the world. The lyrics speak to those who are hopeless, and remind them that Christ's love will never fade away. Heaven came down to earth to bind wounds and wipe away tears, emphasizing the power of the Christ child to bring healing and comfort to those who are hurting.
Overall, "Christmas Is Here" is a song that emphasizes the power and beauty of Christ's birth. It speaks to themes of hope, light, healing, and comfort, and celebrates the joy that Christmas brings. It is a song that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a reason to sing out loud and clear.
Line by Line Meaning
I see the candles, glow in the windows
The warmth and coziness of Christmas is seen in the glow of candles through the windows of homes and buildings.
I hear the Church bells starting to chime
The sound of Church bells ringing signals the beginning of the festive season and spreads joy and hope to those who listen.
Millions of snowflakes, falling from Heaven
The beauty of snowflakes falling from the sky is a reminder that Christmas is a time for miracles and that hope is never lost.
Turning the world, from grey to white
The snow blankets the earth, transforming the dull winter landscape into a gleaming world of white wonder.
Even the hardest of hearts
Despite one's lack of faith or cynicism towards the holiday season, the magic and spirit of Christmas cannot be denied and holds the power to soften even the toughest of hearts.
Cannot deny the magic in the air
The atmosphere surrounding Christmas is filled with an unexplainable magic, which can be felt by all, regardless of their beliefs.
Let us adore Him
The birth of Jesus is the reason behind Christmas, and we should take this opportunity to revere him once again.
Lift up your voices
By singing praises to Jesus, we are acknowledging his divinity and the profound impact his birth has on people's lives.
Sing it out loud
By singing carols during Christmas, we are celebrating the love and joy that the season brings.
Sing it out clear
By singing clearly and with intention, we are conveying our devotion and gratitude to Jesus during this special time of year.
Christmas is here
With the candles, snowflakes, ringing bells, singing, and celebration, Christmas is here - and with it, the opportunity to spread love, hope, and joy.
Join in the chorus, sing to the baby
We should come together with others during Christmas to sing carols and lift our voices in celebration to honor the birth of Jesus in the manger.
Sleeping beneath the stars that He made
Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a humble manger under the night sky, surrounded by the beauty of His own creation.
Light in the darkness, hope for the hopeless
The birth of Jesus brought light to the darkness of the world and hope to those who were suffering and struggling in their lives.
His love will never fade away
God's love for us, shown through the gift of His son Jesus, is unending and will never lose its power or importance to us.
Heaven came down to earth
With the birth of Jesus, heaven was brought down to earth, revealing God's love and compassion for His creation.
To bind our wounds, and wipe away our tears
Jesus came to Earth to heal and save humanity from its sins, bringing peace and comfort to those who were hurting.
Contributed by Wyatt S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Aims_hyer
You know just when you've been living a really s*** life and then you hear a song like this and you feel the Holy Spirit In You, and you just cry because there is hope
@chriscalvert5887
Peace and love to you
@ellenstabler913
Amen
@JohnThomas-vr8bp
It's a magic because when I was searching the carols I got this song and it touched my heart❤......... and I felt so blessed✝️.... Such a beautiful song✨
@juliachan8421
I feel so peaceful when I listen to this song, it reminds me to be thankful for what Jesus did for us this Christmas season! <3
@TuyetNguyen-yz6wi
I Love this song ❤
@joycornwell3432
Absolutely loved it. Let us adore him, Christmas is almost here!!!
@richardgooding3254
Amazing voice.
@yunseojung1815
I cant understand why people don’t know this song. Absolutely perfect song. Really love it!❤️ I choose this song as the best song I’ve ever heard, especially in Christmas💕💕
@ageagebobage
This is beautiful! The melody, the instrumentation, the message....it's sitting so light and hope-filled on my heart! ♡