KANSAS CITY, MO | October 2026
Good Shepherd KC's worship ministry, gsWorship, is releasing its newest original Christmas song, Cradle to Crown, on November 1, 2026. Written by Jason Craig and Gabo Toro, produced by Toro, and featuring vocalist Macie Farmer, the song celebrates the story of Christmas through the contrast between Jesus' humble birth and His eternal kingship.
The song began when Toro, Good Shepherd KC's Creative Director, challenged Craig, a songwriter and worship leader at the church, to write an original Christmas song.
With Farmer's voice in mind, Craig began reflecting on the vulnerability of the baby Jesus and the extraordinary truth of who He was.
“I landed on the image that His cradle was really also His crown, because from the start he was always going to be our savior,” Craig shared.
For Toro, the lyrics immediately sparked a musical direction inspired by the Christmas music he grew up hearing, including songs produced by his father.
“I wanted the production to feel nostalgic, cinematic, and full of that Christmas magic, while making sure the message and storytelling remained front and center,” Toro said.
Farmer, a young vocalist and volunteer with gsWorship, brings warmth and sincerity to the recording, reflecting the ministry's commitment to developing and celebrating the creative gifts within its church community.
Worship Beyond Sunday Morning
For Good Shepherd KC, Cradle to Crown represents more than a music release. It's an opportunity to extend the impact of worship beyond the church walls.
“Every week, I get to hear how our worship gatherings impact people across our campuses,” Toro shared. “Sometimes it's a song, a lyric, or even a spoken moment that sparks something meaningful in someone's life.”
“I wanted to use Christmas as an opportunity to take what happens in our worship gatherings beyond Sunday mornings. Into people's homes, car rides, workplaces, and schools. That's where we want to be as a church, at the heart of our community.”
The release reflects Good Shepherd KC's vision of igniting hope and meaningful change for new generations.
“Christmas is one of those rare moments when the culture around us naturally turns its attention toward the story of Jesus,” Toro said. “We have an opportunity to point people toward the greatest gift of all: Emmanuel, God with us.”
“Cradle to Crown” will be available November 1, 2026, on major streaming platforms under gsWorship.
About Good Shepherd KC
Good Shepherd KC is a United Methodist church serving the Kansas City community through its North Oak and Gladstone campuses. Its mission is to invite the next person to follow Jesus, grow in faith, and live a life of impact.