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Who Should Win Our To Be Like Jesus Video Contest?

m4265-00-21_sTwo months ago I invited people to send in videos based on one of the songs from our most recent kids’ album, To Be Like Jesus (now available for $6 during our February sale). The best video would receive a $250 Amazon.com gift card.

We narrowed it down to two finalists. The first, Gotta Wait, is from Jonathan Ruth. The second, To Be Like Jesus, is from the Cannon family. I need your help to pick the winner.

To vote, watch both videos and leave a comment letting us know which one you like best (one vote per person). Feel free to elaborate on why you’re casting your vote. If you have kids, you may want to find out which video is their favorite.

The video with the most comments as of 11:59 PM Thursday, Feb. 11 will get the gift card. Thanks for your help!

VIDEO #1

VIDEO #2

241 Responses

  1. Got to go with the video #1. The words were slow enough for a child to pick up easily. I like how it actually showed the kids acting out some of the lyrics as opposed to just a bunch of random scenes.

    I also loved it because I love a good horn section and those girls rocked it! :)

    Definitely video #1.

    Dustin Pead

  2. Hey Bob it is very hard to decide… I can see why you are leaving the dirty work to us!!! jeje…

    But really, you have great kids, fun, good video editing on both so it is a difficult call. I believe my vote is for video #2 and her is why:

    1. Mom edited it! (great edit… go mom!)
    2. Loved the kids playing the instruments (baby was cool too)
    3. Creativity in the whole idea (writing with scrabble and on the chalkboard)

  3. All of the children were so cute but I’m a little partial to the ones with the last name Cannon.
    Seriously though, I love the creativity with the scrabble pieces and the fact that the kids are actually using the song for their choreography. And that baby, well what can I say :)

  5. Bob

    I’m finding this very hard.

    I felt vid 2 was better eddited, but I’m a tombone player and just loved seeing how I must have looked aged 10 with a huge trombone – I to wait till 13 before I could reach 7th position!

    I also loved the “I make my daddy smile” top. Cheesy? Maybe, but anyless valid? nope.

    So, if we’re going for technically best, I’ll have to go for vid 2, but I’ll be clear this is no reflection on the children – its an assement of the directors :)

    Well done Kids!

    Neil

  6. Video 2 was VERY creative. Loved the scrabble words, chalkboard and the kiddos acting out some of the words. The baby clapping was a wonderful touch too. The editing was FABULOUS too!

  8. I would like to vote for the Cannon family – “To Be Like Jesus”

    yes, first reason is that Mom edited and filmed!

    creativity was the second, super creative with the variation of dancing, drawing, singing, pointing to scripture, the baby; etc.

    And they are my children’s friends at church and school :)

    Great job to both!

  9. Loved number 2! Very creative with the scrabble pieces and the use of the chalkboard. I also loved watching them rock out with the instruments!

  12. Video #2 for these reasons:

    1) It’s more creative- chalk board/scrabble pieces/book/Bible
    2) It flows better
    3) The camera is at kid level, not above them
    4) The editing was great

    and the final reason-
    5) My little brother voted for video #2. He liked that it was “cool” and that the kids acted out things for the lyrics, whereas in video #1 he said he didn’t always understand why certain actions they did went with the particular lyrics. As an adult, I obviously understood, but since it’s a kid’s song, it’s important they see how the lyrics line up with the actions, and he didn’t always see the match.

  13. I vote for video #2.

    The kids were adorable and looked like they had so much fun making the video. It was very creative and well put together!

  14. Both were great – my vote goes to #2 – great video – loved the guitar/drum playing, scrabble tiles, interaction between brother and sister and of course the baby!

  19. Gotta go with Video #1. I am in a big family and I’m shamelessly going with the one with more kids (I did like the editing, too, though) Maybe video #2’s family will catch up, eventually! :)

  20. They were both very good and obviously took a lot of work. I have to go with Video #1. It was obvious that considerable thought went into meshing the significance of the drama with the lyrics. I liked the pots and pans on the playground equipment.

  21. I vote for video #2 because that’s what my kids say I should vote for. They liked it because of the scrabble letters, instrument playing and the baby.

  22. wao! BOB… both are great!

    I’m voting for #2

    But I really have to say that there were some pretty good shots on video #1 … the kids playing the piano, the trombone, the waiting on line for the bathroom, the calendar, the kid taking the toy… that was all good!!

    But over all video #2 was better directed and edited. I have to say minute 1:56 (the little girl’s face) sold me the whole video!! LOL

    Congrats to all the kids and their parents. Hope and wish all those beautiful kids turn out to be JUST LIKE JESUS. That’s the most important part. May this video help them remember that for ever and for generations to come.

  23. My 7 year old daughter Genevieve and I watched these. We enjoyed them both but we liked #2 even though # 1 was really good.

    thanks

  28. We like video #2 I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS. Both videos had incredibly cute stars! The second one seemed to capture the message of the song stronger.

  29. We vote for video #2. My 5 year old said “the second one because it had the kids playing the drums. My wife says she liked the use of the words in the visuals.
    Both were great!

  32. Video #1 – no contest! Loved some of the less obvious connections between song words and actions, and as many have said – the horns!

  33. #2 All the the kids were sweet–and enjoyed worshiping Jesus! But I’m a little partial to my student Jack Cannon.

  34. I thought both videos were impressive. The children were wonderful to watch. I vote video #2 because of the extra creativity and great job on editing.

  37. Wow! These are both great! Amazing creativity in both, too.

    My two year old son indicates that his vote is for video number two–he particularly liked the kids playing their kid-sized instruments, the guitar and the drums. And he danced and wiggled along with them!

  38. This is hard…. kids are just cute!
    But I’m going to vote for Video #2 “To Be Like Jesus”.
    I just think in was really well thought out, coordinated, and edited. Loved the chalk board and scrabble ideas and choreography…. It was just very “music video – like”.

  40. We liked them both but #2 wins by an edge. If you are counting families, we are 1 vote. If your counting people, we’re 7.

  42. Both videos are great in their own way. There seems to me to be more connection with the lyrics in #1. But, more enthusiasm and creativity in #2.

    Personally, I like song #2 better so my vote is for #2.

  43. My vote goes to #1. Better and more creative connection between the lyrics to video.

  50. My 8 year old son Jeremy and I liked Video 1 Gotta Wait…
    Jeremy: “I liked the way the kids were acting like they are playing real instruments”. Dad thought both were well done, but also chooses Video 1.

  52. I love video #1. We have 6 kids and I’ve got to say that the little ones in the first video adorable. The action seems natural and not staged. Most importantly, to me, to music is pleasant and joyful.

  55. Both are great. But #1 has my vote for originality and hard work. The older children can be staged and coached, but
    the little ones in #1 are just being themselves. The parents are creative in leading them into varied fun activities. They’ve done a good job editing to the happy,
    joyful music as well.

  56. Both are good, but I must vote for #1. It’s more engaging and I felt that the action illustrates the truths in the song more concretely.

  60. Well done to both videos!! Such beautiful children and joy for Jesus. My decision was neck and neck between the two, however my vote goes for #2. That baby chuckle was the closer.

  62. Video 1 gets my vote; it shows real-life scenes that depict the words of the song. The video even uses different seasons, different settings. Terrific!

  67. #1 – Definitely! I loved the song and the way the children interacted with the music. Loved the use of different locations and activities. The pots and pans outside are great! Creative editing, sweet kids!

  71. Great work on both! My vote has to go to video #1 though, because those kids and their parents all go to our church and they had the best pots and pans :-)

  73. I did like the scripted look of #2 at first; but the piecing of lots of scenes and instruments to match the lyrics and sound track made video #1 the top in my book. Great job to both families!

  75. Number one, without a doubt. I can see how much thought went into this, and that it was done over a period of time. Love the expressions on the childrens’ faces!

  80. MY VOTE GOES TO #1

    reason:

    for the simple reason that the lyrics share real life experiences that these kids go through (and how hard it is for them)…

    -not getting what he/she wants
    -the hardness of waiting
    -when the sister isn’t being kind
    -brother taking what is his/hers

    ..but showing them, or more like pointing out who IS patient, kind, the person, JESUS CHRIST, in whom we are striving to be….

    the message of patience!!!

    i like it!!!

  83. I liked no.1 the most. It really held my attention. Plus, I have to admit that I liked the slower pace of the song too which makes it easier for kids to learn. I thought the video fit the song perfectly and was really well done.

  85. I enjoyed watching all the kids play instruments (both videos), but my vote is for #2!

  88. #1! The music was better synched with the video and there was a greater diversity in the film production. The portrayal of the lyrics was masterfully connected to the videography.

  89. I showed the videos to 30 or so HS music students in my classes at a Christian school. Personally, I liked video one the best but the majority of my students voted for number two. Some said it was more like an “actual” music video that you would see on TV.

  93. # 2 ….love the use of the chalk board writings, the nodding of the heads & of cause sweetie girl on the drums ;)

  94. I’m a great-grandma, and I love to watch kids in worship ! Both videos were great, but I have to go with # 2. To Be Like Jesus we have to do things that make our “Daddy” smile !

    Blessings to both familys.

  95. VOTE#2 :: very kid friendly . displays a ‘kid-response’ when listening to the CD . fresh / clear / creative . special attention taken to make it viewable for kids of all ages . excellent !

  96. Loved both these video’s Bob, but gotta vote for #1. I liked the montage’s of daily life and the trombone playing!

  98. I have to go with #1. The words were at a good pace and easy for kids to learn. I also love how #1 is not staged….just the kids living and playing in their Christian environment with the words relating so well.

  101. #1 the most fun & natural,kids having great fun.I love the keyboard & all the instruments, especially all the kitchen items. Great video.

  102. I loved video number one. I liked how the scenes were acted out which will make it easier for kids to understand the words.

  104. I vote for video #1. It was fun to watch. The content was great and the message was delivered in a lively and fun way. Those girls are adorable and so talented! Well done.

  107. #2 was very good. Number one was super. The family is so creative and I love the natural playtime rather than staging everything. #1 is #1 in my book. I vote for #1.

  109. I vote for #1! I like the song choice better and the video went really well with the song’s lyrics….plus it was really cute how when the music was piano that they showed the kids playing piano (etc. with the trombones and other horns). GREAT editing overall and had a good message :)

  110. I really like Video #1 because it shows kids doing kid-things that relate to the message of the song; and it’s easy to get the message of the song because the lyrics are clearly woven into the scenes. Great job!

  111. Well, I don’t know if my vote counts, but I guess I’ll vote for my video #1 if it does! Thanks for all the nice comments everyone – I think the other video was great and it was an honor to be selected as a finalist! My kids loved watching #2 – Phoebe (3) said “woah that boy is really good at the guitar!”

    To answer a few of your questions…

    -Yes, I was driving while recording that one scene. It wasn’t actually recorded for this – Phoebe was singing a song that was so great I had to record it and I did it without taking my eyes off the road – the camera has a great large viewfinder and I just held it up. I thought it worked well in the video.

    -It was me (dad) who did the recording and editing. Caribou Productions is just something I made up (kind of an inside joke from my days as a ska musician – long story) – but I like to play with the media functions of my mac!

    -We’re looking forward to the next SG kids cd – when is it coming out? :)

    1. Jon, Lord willing, the next Sovereign Grace kids’ CD will be coming out in June 2010. It will be based on the book of Proverbs. Thanks for asking!

  112. Gotta go with Video #1. It was put together extremely well and i liked how the music matched up with the videos (when the music had a horn playing and the girls were playing a horn, the same with the piano at times). Plus those girls are adorable.

  114. I vote for video #2. The kids are so cute and I love the way the video was shot and edited. The baby was tooooo cute.

    Great job!

  115. I vote for video#1. It shows lots of activities children do that can be used to develop patience. Very creative!

  118. Although I liked several of the scenes in video 1, video 2 had more elements of a true music video and captured the energy of the song. I really believe those kids do want to be like Jesus!

    Gotta vote for video 2.

  122. I gotta go with #2. It’s just too cute (not to mention very well done and quite clever). The style was very much like a true music video but really the baby won me over:)

  125. They are both really good, but my vote is for #1. I love the song about patience. It’s easy for kids to follow and sing, and my kids started singing along.

  130. #1 gets my vote. while the scrabble letters, chalk board writing and cute kids were great in #2, it felt like that’s all you saw over and over and over again…

    #1 seemed to put more thought into matching up lyrics and action.

  142. I vote for the Cannon Family-second video…

    They’re related through a friend…gotta support family:)

  147. I think #2 is the best and the kids remind me of my family so long ago. Good work by the production company too. Mom Video Productions.

  149. I have to go with video # 2-the children are wonderfully talented as well as beautiful! You can definitely see that they are raised in a Christ centered home. Mom did great too!

  153. Love the creativity of #2! I think it shows a lot of thought as to how to convey the message of the song in a fun, but still polished, way!

  156. Video #1 for me, I love the way the kids are depicted, and the way they seem to illustrate the lyrics…it was beautifully done!

  158. I vote for video #2. The first time I saw this my heart was full of joy! What a wonderful job Abby and the children did on this video.
    Can you tell I am a very proud Aunt?

  161. Tough decision!

    I know that I preferred the song for the second one – that wasn’t hard. I think that influenced my choice of video, too.

    I’m going to vote for the second one – by a whisker.

  163. While both videos are great, I vote for #1. Although the chalkboard was cute, the lyrics were easier to follow in #1. I see from a previous posting that Dad did a good job of editing. The actions of the children are natural, not staged, and fit well with the lyrics. Kids and adults can both relate to this one.

  165. #1. Definitely. First of all, great song! And the children were acting out some of the lyrics without even knowing it. It was so precious!

  166. I like them both.
    However, since I have to make a choice, I will go for number one.
    Number one has my vote

  167. Great songs, both of them, and the kids in the videos are soooooo cute!!!
    It is a tough decision indeed.
    My vote goes to number one, the song seems easier to remember. However, I do like them both.

  168. I vote for #2. Love both songs though, will have them posted on my fb page as soon as I can get to it. God Bless the children, that they each be raised up to be like Jesus.

  174. They are both good – but I’d have to go with video #2. Kids really did a great job acting out alot of the words or meaning of the song.

  176. Love #2. Children are beautiful and baby is precious. I can see that a lot of children will want to join in, dance, sing along, and learn about Jesus.

  178. I vote for #1. I like the free-form, natural style.

    @Jon & Mrs. C- great job filming & editing

    @all the kids in the videos- Wow! You really got my family engaged in these songs! Super job!

    @the people who compared which video had “cuter kids”- Bad form. Totally inappropriate.

  182. Gotta keep it in the family. I vote Video # 2 – very well edited. Great Job Abby

    cousin Chris

  183. Number 2! Better editing and better production concepts. The song was more upbeat and driving, and the drum fill was amazing.

  192. I’d say number 2. Both were fun, but 2 seemed more put together, a little more creative thought. I wanna do one!

  195. I can see why the second is popular. The song is catchy and the choreography is great. But I’m going with video #1 as my favorite. Kids are REALLY cute!!

  202. #2 gets my vote! I love the clever editing and the use of scrabble letters and writing on the chalkboard to reinforce the main points of the song. It reminded me more of a true music video…very polished! Great job!

  205. 2

    But you might wanna consider a consolation prize, Bob–do you REALLY want to make those cute kids cry?

  206. I vote for Video #1. They were both great, but I found the scenes in the first one to be quite poignant and heartwarming.

  212. This was such a fun idea. I vote for number 1. I liked how it demonstrated the attitudes, situations, etc. from the song.

    I will say number 2 was really well done!!

    Two different songs- maybe they both could win. :)

  219. I’m voting for number one! I liked the natural kid stuff and the brass section, not to mention the pots and pans and piano playing. #1

  226. I think Video #1 is awesome!!! VERY KID FRIENDLY!!! the words to the song on the video make it very easy for the kids to learn and remember.