For a long while, I’ve disliked “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. Here’s why: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] That half step has put a stamp on the tune that says “Made in 1868″. It it’s like listening to a Kanye West song, hearing the auto-tune, and knowing immediately that it was “Made in [...]
Patrick Miller Kirkland (1857-1943) wrote this hymn for Easter evening. Jesus, Lord, Redeemer, Once for sinners slain, Crucified in weakness, Raised in power, to reign, Dwelling with the Father, Endless in thy days, Unto thee be glory, Honor, blessing, praise. Faithful ones, communing, Towards the close of day, Desolate and weary, Met thee in the [...]
A gem from Michael Spencer on Good Friday. Here’s the closing prayer: Master, this day is our day to stand and look. To be amazed and disturbed. This is a day to put away glad songs, and to see the terrible cost of our salvation. This is also a day to believe, and as Watts [...]
Spurred on by Bruce Benedict’s post Songs for Epiphany, here is an arrangement of At the Name of Jesus to Ralph Vaughan Williams’ outstanding tune, King’s Weston. [Audio clip: view full post to listen] At the Name of Jesus
Here is a hymn of John of Damascus (circa 6th century) for Easter: Come, ye faithful, raise the strain Of triumphant gladness; God hath brought His Israel Into joy from sadness. ‘Tis the spring of souls today: Christ hath burst His prison And from three days’ sleep in death As a sun hath risen. Now [...]
Read: Colossians 1:15-20 “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell…” Reflect: In John chapter 14, the disciple Philip says to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” I love the often-clueless boldness of the disciples. Jesus replies to him, “Don’t you know me, Philip, [...]
