16 CCM For Hillsong United, however, there is only one aftermath. And in that one…the aftermath of the cross…lies our freedom and God’s forgiveness. “We wanted to play on the negative connotation with [Aftermath],” says Joel Houston. “We were looking at the cross as a paradox. The way that God works…the way the Kingdom that we sing about in every which way is the opposite of what the Kingdom of earth looks like. “The cross is a symbol of death, but now it’s a symbol of hope and freedom and victory. In this day and age in 2011 it’s important to realize that our faith isn’t just an exercise or celebrating something that once was. It’s realizing that God is with us right here, right now. That’s the aftermath.” It’s the here and now that Hillsong United is focused on despite their years of award-winning music, albums and worldwide notoriety. “It is easy to become routine cause we make a routine of it,” says Joel. “We’re singing these songs all the time. But there are also new people coming into the church all the time. When it comes to worship, the important thing is to keep it simple. “If you look at this album, it doesn’t seem simple. At H il ls on g u n it ed a nd tH e a f te rm a tH : go d r ig H t H er e , r ig H t n ow Typically the aftermath of something… anything… isn’t good. The aftermath from a tornado leaves houses and lives blown apart. An earthquake aftermath leaves rubble and devastation. A broken relationship leaves just that… heartbreak. by Caroline Lusk