Christian music artists Presence Music, Avenue Music, and Joel Vaughn have joined forces for a new Christmas single, "The Darkness Didn't Know," released November 6 through NRT Music. Blending contemporary Christian pop with a deeply personal message of faith, the song explores grief, redemption, and the victory of Christ over darkness.
Written just three days after Presence Music vocalist Leah Monson experienced the loss of her brother, the song grew out of a season of personal grief and reflection. Rather than offering easy answers to suffering, it points listeners toward the hope found in Jesus' birth, sacrifice, and resurrection.
At the heart of the song is the journey of Christ, from the manger to the cross and the empty tomb. Its message reminds listeners that even when darkness seems overwhelming, God's plan of redemption is greater than anything it can understand.
The collaboration combines Presence Music's heartfelt songwriting with contributions from Avenue Music and Joel Vaughn, who also produced the recording. Doug Weier handled the mixing, bringing together the artists' creative contributions for a Christmas release that connects the celebration of Jesus' birth with the promise of eternal hope.
Watch the Official Lyric Video:
The Darkness Didn't Know - Official Lyric Video
The release also marks an important milestone for Presence Music, led by husband-and-wife duo Brandon and Leah Monson. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, the band continues to expand its reach through touring, radio airplay, digital platforms, and collaborations with established Christian music artists.
Recent achievements include more than one million combined YouTube and TikTok views for "Found in the Hurt" and over 100 radio station adds for "Down in the River," featuring KJ-52. The group has also received editorial playlist support from Spotify's New in Christian & Gospel and Christian Alt, Apple Music's New in Christian, GMA Dove New Music Friday, and K-LOVE Fresh Sounds.
Presence Music's previous collaborations include Stephen Christian of Anberlin, Jason Lancaster of Mayday Parade, and 10-time Dove Award winner KJ-52. The band's music has also been featured in the Christian film My 7 Grandmas, available on Prime Video, with two songs included in the movie, one of which appears during the end credits.
Additionally, Presence Music received a nomination for the 2026 We Love Christian Music Awards in the Next Big Thing category. The band has continued its ministry efforts through touring and performances at festivals such as City on the Hill, ThriveFest, and Hills Alive.
With "The Darkness Didn't Know," Presence Music, Avenue Music, and Joel Vaughn offer listeners a Christmas message that reaches beyond the traditional celebration of Bethlehem, pointing to the hope and redemption made possible through Jesus Christ.
"The Darkness Didn't Know" is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and other major streaming platforms.
Listeners can learn more about Presence Music through its official website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
