My daughter Valerie sang “Borning Cry” at Esther’s funeral this week. Our good friends, Jim and Nancy accompanied her with flute and piano. What can I say? I cried. A beautiful song with powerful message!Drink in the love of God today through this hymn:I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong. If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I'll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun. In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun. When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes, … [Read more...]
O Holy Night – An Incredible Hymn Story
On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.“O Holy Night” is one of the most beautiful hymns ever written. Its haunting music and uplifting lyrics draw us into the story of our Saviors birth in a special way. Listen here to Celine Dion sing this Christmas classic.Did you know this hymn was at one time banned and controversial?The LyristPlacide Cappeau (1808-1877) wrote the lyrics. Known more for his love of wine and poetry than his love for Christ, the local parish priest asked him to write a poem for the Christmas mass. Not sure where to start, Cappeau imagined what it would have been like to witness the story found in Luke. The ComposerCappeau asked his friend Adolphe Charles Adams to put the words to music. The words were difficult to place in a tune, even for this well-known composer of over 80 operas. … [Read more...]
Auld Lang Syne
“It’s a Wonderful Life” – my absolutely favorite movie! I broke away from Christmas busyness and escaped for a few hours the other day – indulging myself in my annual treat of watching Jimmy Stewart in this great movie. The closing scene still gives me goose bumps – surrounded by what really matters in life – friends and family – knowing Clarence got his wings and all singing the classic "bring in the new year" song – Auld Lang Syne.Since I have writing about the stories behind difference Advent and Christmas hymns this month, I wondered about this song. I sing it with gusto each year and don’t even know what the title means. Here is what I learned:· Auld Lang Syne literally translates to "Old Long Since," and more roughly it means "long, long ago" or "days gone by."· Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem, thought to be composed or at least compiled by Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns in 1788. · The tune is the traditional folk melody though was played faster for … [Read more...]
Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee – Advent Hymn Story
On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine. This Advent hymn - O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee - was a new one for me, though I recognized the tune when I heard it (hear it here). The title alone though spoke to my soul and felt very fitting for Advent.How do we meet the Lord? In this crazy busy time of year, do I rush into your presence or do I stop everything and fully focus on You, Lord? How do I meet You?Love the last phrase of the first verse: To do in spirit lowly all that may please you best. – What a prayer for the season!Written by Paul Gerhardt, who was born in 1607 near Wittenberg in Germany, and studied theology at the University of Wittenberg from 1628 to 1642. In 1651 he was ordained and made pastor of a church in Brandenburg, near Berlin. Despite personal suffering (four of his children died … [Read more...]
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – An Advent Hymn Story
On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.COME THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUSCharles Wesley wrote 7500 hymns! One of them is this week’s featured advent hymn story. You can hear it here: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. This hymn was first published in 1744 as part of small collection of poems called “Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord.” In 1830 Welshman Rowland Prichard put the words to the tune “Hyfrydol” which means “good cheer.”Take the time to read and ponder the words. The first verse stresses that Jesus’ coming fulfilled Israel’s deep yearning for the Messiah.I love the word in the second verse, “Born a child and yet a King.” That line alone is enough to empower my Advent devotional time with Lord.Come, Thou long expected JesusBorn to set Thy people free;From our fears and sins release us,Let us find our … [Read more...]
O Come O Come Emmanuel – Hymn Story
On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine. O Come O Come Emmanuel Emmanuel – even the sound of this word evokes peace within me. Emmanuel – “God is with us” – Doesn’t that just amaze you that God Himself stays with us? Advent is a time of welcoming, anticipation, and waiting. Our prayers rise up, “O come, please come and be with us, Lord. O come, Emmanuel.” This name, which Matthew refers to in his Gospel (Matthew 1:23), was first given to Jesus by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before His birth (Isaiah 7:14). “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is a favorite hymn to sing during Advent. Its history originates in the medieval Roman Catholic Church. This mournful melody was originally a Plainsong or Chant, which is the earliest form of singing in the church. It is believed that the traditional music … [Read more...]
His Eye is on the Sparrow
I learned the other day the story behind one of my favorite hymns: His Eye is on the Sparrow. If you don’t know that song or do and want to enjoy it again, listen here on You Tube, featuring the singing group, Selah. One approach to prayer I really like is to read aloud , not sing, the words of a hymn and let them seep into my heart and spirit. Here are all of the words to this song to add to your devotions:Why should I feel discouragedWhy should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me.“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.Whenever I am tempted, … [Read more...]
Hymn of Promise – In the End is our Beginning
This past weekend I reheard a song I had forgotten and its melody and words have wrapped their arms around my heart. Thought I would share them with you today:Hymn of Promiseby Natalie SleethIn the bulb, there is a flower; In the seed an apple tree;In cocoons, a hidden promise: Butterflies will soon be free!In the cold and snow of winter There’s a Spring that waits to be,Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.There’s a song in every silence, Seeking word and melody;There’s a dawn in every darkness, Bringing hope to you and me.From the past will come the future; What it holds a mystery,Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.In our end is our beginning; In our time, infinity.In our doubt there is believing; In our life, eternity.In our death, a resurrection; At the last, a victory,Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.You can hear Hymn of Promise here.Natalie Sleeth wrote this song in 1985 as a choir anthem and later adapted it into … [Read more...]