The Final Word (1987)

The Final Word is the fifth studio album by Christian singer/songwriter/author Michael Card, released on March 23, 1987 by Sparrow Records. The album was produced by Norbert Putnam and it is the third and final release of a 3-album trilogy titled The Life of Christ, but told in reverse.

The Final Word is a more upbeat album that tells the story of the Incarnation and birth of Christ, but not necessarily a Christmas album although the track "Celebrate the Child" has sometimes been played on the radio during the holiday season. The album's two highlight tracks are "Immanuel" and "Joy in the Journey." It was the latter track that saw an increase in airplay two years later in 1989 and has become a popular favorite in Card's concerts. "Joy in the Journey" was also the name of two books that Card has published: the first is with Card's stories and song lyrics with calligraphy by Timothy Botts, published in 1996 by Thomas Nelson and in 2007, as a one-year devotional published by IVP Books. Each of the song's lyrics are scripture-based and is referenced from the Bible. The Final Word peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.

The Final Word was repackaged, along with Known By the Scars and Scandalon,

into a 2-CD boxed set titled The Life in 1988.

NOTE: "Joseph's Song" is a new recording of the track Card originally recorded on the Sparrow Records release 25 Songs of Christmas, Volume II.

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Michael Card.

1. To the Mystery -4:00

2. The Final Word -3:33

3. Spirit of the Age -4:17

4. Celebrate the Child -3:35

5. Joseph's Song -3:33

6. Overture to the Trilogy (instrumental) -3:44

7. The Promise -2:34

8. Immanuel -4:06

9. Carmen Christi -2:51

10. Joy to the Journey -3:03

Radio singles

1987 "The Final Word" -#11 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC

1987 "Celebrate the Child -#14 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC

1988 "To the Mystery" -#10 Christian CHR, -#5 Christian AC

1989 "Joy in the Journey" -#19 Christian AC

Previous release: Scandalon (1986) 

Next release: The Life (1988) (2-CD boxed set)