“My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
The man had heard the stories, but he hardly dared to believe that they were true. A Teacher from Nazareth was said to be able… Read More »“My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
hymns
“O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”
As a young man, Scotsman George Matheson (1842–1906) exhibited a quick mind and a fervent devotion to the Lord. He began to train for the… Read More »“O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”
Hymns sifted in Satan’s sieve of suffering
In the midst of difficult days, it is helpful to learn from those saints who have endured hard times before us. We are self-centered enough… Read More »Hymns sifted in Satan’s sieve of suffering
Facing the Cross: A Service of Scripture and Song
One of the things I’m going to miss most (among many!) during this unusual season when our church can’t gather is our annual “Facing the… Read More »Facing the Cross: A Service of Scripture and Song
Home Worship Resources During COVID-19
Last week I briefly highlighted how a church can at least approximate worship “together” while we’re prevented from being together physically, and I definitely echo… Read More »Home Worship Resources During COVID-19
How a church can worship “together” during COVID-19
It may be tempting to think that we are living in unprecedented times until we remember that Christians have faced persecution and plagues throughout history.… Read More »How a church can worship “together” during COVID-19
By the Waters of Babylon, Episode 11 now available: “Why We Sing”
It has always been a characteristic of God’s people that they are a singing people. Yet God’s people have also recognized that we must always… Read More »By the Waters of Babylon, Episode 11 now available: “Why We Sing”
Two resources for your church or family during the Advent/Christmas season
The Advent and Christmas seasons are just around the corner, a wonderful time of year to sing rich Christological hymns with your church and family.… Read More »Two resources for your church or family during the Advent/Christmas season
Episode 2 of “By the Waters of Babylon” podcast is available: “Singing the Lord’s Song in a Pagan Culture”
I have posted episode 2 of my new podcast, “By the Waters of Babylon.” You can listen here. In this episode, I continue my discussion… Read More »Episode 2 of “By the Waters of Babylon” podcast is available: “Singing the Lord’s Song in a Pagan Culture”
Why Hymnals?
I was recently asked to fill out a survey for pastors about their use of hymnals. Their final question was: “If you DO use hymnals… Read More »Why Hymnals?
Hymns Ancient and Modern for a New Generation
In 1861 a hymnal was published in England that would set the standard for all hymnals to follow: Hymns Ancient and Modern. This significant hymnal was… Read More »Hymns Ancient and Modern for a New Generation
New Book: Hymns and Carols of Advent and Christmas
I am pleased new announce a new collection of hymns and carols for Advent and Christmas. This is simply all of the Advent/Christmas hymns included… Read More »New Book: Hymns and Carols of Advent and Christmas
Tozer on great Christian poetry
In the preface to his Christian Book of Mystical Verse, A. W. Tozer writes, The hymns and poems found in here are mystical in that they… Read More »Tozer on great Christian poetry
May a Baptist (or any other Protestant) sing Catholic hymns?
A critic recently approached me about our hymnal and rebuked us for (among other things) including hymns written by Catholics in our hymnal. It is… Read More »May a Baptist (or any other Protestant) sing Catholic hymns?
What is a “traditional hymn”?
A friend recently asked how I would define a “traditional hymn” in contrast to a “contemporary worship song,” so I thought I’d post my response… Read More »What is a “traditional hymn”?
A plea for singing hymns in family worship
It’s no secret that people sing much less than they used to. Generally, as a culture, we listen to a lot of music, but make very little.… Read More »A plea for singing hymns in family worship
Using Song to Shape Hearts of Repentence
Up to this point in our study of Psalm 130, we have talked only about the poetic part of a song, but Psalm 130 wasn’t… Read More »Using Song to Shape Hearts of Repentence
Eleventh Hymn of Christmas: Christians, Awake!
A lesser known Christmas hymn, “Christians, Awake!” retells the Luke 2 story in a powerful and vivid way. Medical doctor John Byrom wrote this text… Read More »Eleventh Hymn of Christmas: Christians, Awake!
Tenth Hymn of Christmas: See Amid the Winter’s Snow
Like Rosetti’s “In the Bleak Midwinter,” Edward Caswall metaphorically connects the cold of winter to the condition of the earth at Jesus’s birth. He wrote… Read More »Tenth Hymn of Christmas: See Amid the Winter’s Snow
Ninth Hymn of Christmas: All My Heart This Night Rejoices
Written by German pastor Johann Gerhardt in 1653 and translated into English in 1858 by Catherine Winkworth, “All My Heart This Night Rejoices” explores the… Read More »Ninth Hymn of Christmas: All My Heart This Night Rejoices