Phil Wickham and CeCe Winans Team Up for Christmas Single “Peace on Earth”

Phil Wickham is getting an early start on Christmas this year, and he's invited CeCe Winans to sing with him. The two will release "Peace on Earth" on Friday, November 6, bringing together one of contemporary worship's most familiar songwriters and the gospel singer behind "Alabaster Box."

Wickham announced the collaboration on Instagram, telling fans that Christmas is one of his favorite times of the year and that he was especially excited to begin the season with Winans. He summed up what he hopes listeners will hear in the song: "Such a powerful reminder that the Light of the World is here."

The title recalls the angels' announcement in Luke 2. The shepherds are keeping watch over their flocks when they hear that a Savior has been born. The child is lying in a manger, and the shepherds can go and see him for themselves. In that scene, the promise of peace is tied to something that has already happened. God has come near.

The Christmas duet follows another new release from Wickham. His single "SOS (Don't Let Me Go)" leads Songs Inspired by The Chosen: Seasons 1-5, an album of original music released October 30. Wickham said he began writing the song while praying for a close friend with cancer. He kept returning to the story of Peter walking on water and crying out to Jesus as he began to sink.

Wickham was already weeks into writing when the team behind The Chosen approached him about contributing a song inspired by that very scene. Watching Peter reach for Jesus gave him a way to put into words what he had been praying for his friend. The two releases approach the theme of God's nearness from different moments in the Gospels. In one, Peter cries out for help. In the other, shepherds hear that a Savior has come.

Wickham will also return to Southern California for his five-night Hallelujah! It's Christmas! tour. The run opens at Water of Life Church in Fontana on November 30 and December 1, continues at Maranatha Chapel in San Diego on December 3 and 4, and concludes at Calvary Chapel Downey on December 6. The shows will feature Christmas classics alongside newer worship songs.

"Peace on Earth" is available to pre-save or pre-add ahead of its Friday release.