Category Archives: Hymn Study

The Magi at Epiphany and “Saw You Never in the Twilight” (#187)

Most non-liturgical “free churches” do not observe Epiphany, though they do observe the Christmas and Easter seasons.  But it is a day worth recognizing, since it marks a wonderful historical event in the Gospel record, the first manifestation (from the … Continue reading

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Welcoming a New Year and “A Few More Years Shall Roll” (#186)

One of the pleasant memories many of us share of New Year’s Eve is a watchnight service at church.  We would gather for a covered dish dinner in the fellowship hall after the sun had set.  Then after dinner we … Continue reading

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A New Year’s Prayer and “I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow” (#185)

When we come to the New Year observation, we naturally look back and also look forward as Christians.  Paul did this (though from prison, not a New Years!) when he wrote in Philippians 3:13-14, “But one thing I do: forgetting what … Continue reading

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The Sussex Carol, “On Christmas Night All Christians Sing” (#184)

What would Christmas be like if we weren’t singing carols?  Apparently the origin of this kind of folk song at this time of year is found back in medieval Europe in pagan songs sung at the winter solstice celebration, as … Continue reading

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The Manger Where “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” (#183)

Artists and movie makers and greeting card makers have created many pictures of Mary and Joseph with the baby.  These scenes are beautiful and sentimental, and powerful in the way they have stuck in our minds.  In contrast to those … Continue reading

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Gloria in Excelsis Deo and “Angels We Have Heard on High” (#182)

Isn’t it interesting that many of our Christmas carols have something to say about angels?  We sing of them directly in “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” and also in “Angels We Have Heard on … Continue reading

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The Polish Carol “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” (#181)

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.”  What a simple and yet profound fact that is!  Charles Spurgeon said that here at Christmas-time we try to grasp the enormity of the beauty and mystery and marvel of that statement.  His words are so … Continue reading

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Isaiah 40 and “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People” (#180)

Most of us are familiar with metrical Psalms in which the actual text of Scripture is set in a form that enables people to sing God’s Word.  Almost all hymnals have Psalms 23 and 100 in this format.  When we … Continue reading

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Suffering Christians and “Commit Now All Your Griefs” (#175)

Suffering is an unavoidable reality in this life for all people, whether Christians or not.  It takes many forms, from illnesses and disasters to persecution and old age.  We were not designed for pain and sadness, but sin’s curse has … Continue reading

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George Beverly Shea and “I’d Rather Have Jesus” (#176)

Anyone who has ever attended a Billy Graham Crusade will recall hearing the smooth bass-baritone voice of George Beverly Shea (1909-2013 … yes, he lived to be 104!) singing what many regarded to be his signature song, “I’d Rather Have … Continue reading

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