Nashville, TN – Christy Nockels, respected worship leader and songwriter, has released her newest album, King Who Never Sleeps: Anthems for Rest, on June 6, 2025. This new collection follows her much-loved 2017 record, Be Held: Lullabies for the Beloved. With a gentle mix of worship and soothing melodies, the album is designed for listeners, young and old.
Christy Nockels has long been known for her honest songs and thoughtful approach to faith. Whether recording at home or leading worship for large gatherings, she has built a place in Christian music through her heartfelt lyrics and sincere devotion. Over her career, her music has helped many grow closer to God, showing her steady faith in every project.
Christy Nockels: Rooted in Faith and Family
Growing up in Texas and Oklahoma, Christy Nockels was surrounded by music and faith from an early age. As the daughter of a pastor, she learned to connect biblical truth with song, a skill that would shape her entire career. Her mother, who played piano and organ at church, encouraged Christy’s love for singing, teaching her harmonies and vocal parts that later became her signature.
Together with her husband, Nathan Nockels, Christy started Watermark in the late 1990s. They joined Rocketown Records, founded by Michael W. Smith, and went on to release five albums with seven songs hitting No. 1 on Christian radio charts. Their teamwork and shared passion for worship made them a strong presence in modern Christian music.
Their path led them to the Passion movement in 1997, where Christy’s voice helped lead worship for thousands. She later released three solo albums with Sixsteps Records: Life Light Up (2009), Into the Glorious (2012), and the live album Let It Be Jesus (2015).
Beyond her music, Christy encourages others through speaking, writing, and her podcast, “The Glorious in the Mundane.” Since its start in 2016, the podcast has reached millions, sharing her thoughts on living a life of rest and finding identity as God’s beloved. Her book, The Life You Long For: Learning to Live from a Heart of Rest, offers further insight into her views on faith and living with peace.
Christy Nockels’ songs and ministry always come back to the power of God’s Word and His never-ending love. She talks about living as a worshipper, letting go of control, and trusting like a child. Her music draws from Scripture, turning biblical messages into easy-to-understand songs, whether through big worship anthems or gentle lullabies.
This focus on biblical truth and personal faith runs through all her work. The Nockels family now live in Franklin, Tennessee, with their three children, Noah, Elliana, and Annie Rose. Their home, “Keeper’s Branch,” offers a peaceful place for family and creativity, with its name reflecting both their street and the promise of God’s care found in Psalm 121.
King Who Never Sleeps; Anthems for Rest: A Fresh Offering of Peace
This new album, King Who Never Sleeps: Anthems for Rest, reflects Christy’s journey as her children have grown and started their own lives. While Be Held: Lullabies for the Beloved was inspired by caring for her children when they were small, her latest project comes from watching them take flight as adults.
Produced by Nathan Nockels at Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, the album features simple, gentle arrangements and Christy’s unmistakable vocals. Many tracks draw directly from the Bible, turning Scripture into memorable melodies that suit any age.
“These songs are for everyone, from babies to grown-ups,” Christy Nockels explains. “I hope adults find as much comfort here as children do.” She sees the album as music for private worship and daily life, not just for singing together on Sundays, but for anyone longing to live as a true worshipper.
The song “Be Where Your Feet Are” stands out as a reflection of her life now, focusing on staying present and not missing life’s important moments. Two songs, including “Shepherd of My Soul,” feature backing vocals from her daughters, and her eldest contributed hand-drawn art for the album. Songwriter Magen Roberson and GRAMMY® Award-winner Mitch Wong also collaborated on tracks like “Under the Feathers of God” and “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus,” adding new dimensions to the record.
King Who Never Sleeps: Anthems for Rest is more than just another album. It’s an invitation to slow down, find peace in God’s presence, and remember that God is always at work, even during changes and challenges. With this release, Christy Nockels continues to offer comfort and hope, standing as a trusted voice in Christian music.
