Music
O Holy Night Lyrics: A Hymn of Advent Expectation
Sacred Music & Associations
One thing I love about music discussions is that they’re never controversial. Especially when the discussion focuses on associations for particular songs or artists – then the conversation becomes exceptionally balanced!
Sing a New Song
Is old music better than new music? We all know the joy and freshness of learning a new hymn or hearing a new song of praise, but at other times we feel hesitant and uncertain about being too new or too edgy. Add to the mix the fact that churches and families are made of people with a variety of opinions and ideas about music. It certainly seems like the safe thing to do is just to stick with the old, proven hymns that we’ve been using for years. The safe and easy option, however, is not necessarily best. God teaches us that we should create and sing new songs of worship.
A Love that Glorifies God
Paul shares his heart’s desire for the Philippian believers when he tells them how he prays for them (Phil. 1.9-11). I’ve written the following poem to help us remember what God-glorifying love looks like. Pending the discovery of a suitable melody, I hope that this could be used as a hymn text.
God of Mercy
]Last night, SoundForth presented its latest CD in the Bible Conference premiere concert. God of Mercy is an excellent collection of new and old hymns sung and played by the BJU Singers & Orchestra.God Himself Is With Us
Scott Aniol of Religious Affections Ministries recently released a CD of vocal solos and duets called God Himself Is With Us. This CD of worship music focuses on what God has done to save sinners and how saved sinners should respond to God. As a whole, the music is meditative and clear; the arrangements quietly complement the thought-provoking texts.Light All Around
I recently got a copy of Light All Around by the Master’s Chorale – it is quite a delight! I’ve enjoyed listening to it repeatedly. The CD has a refreshing variety of pieces and a sound that nicely combines good training and understandability. This album made it to my iPod Touch right away!Free from Guilt and Free from Sin
I’ve been listening to King of Love today and the words to one of the songs reminded me of the great debt that Christ paid for me and the great freedom he provided!
Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness
Repeatedly, the psalmists enjoin us to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (I Chron. 16.29; II Chron. 20.21; Ps. 29.2; 96.9) or in “holy array” or the “splendor of holiness.” Ps. 96.9 links this worship with fearing God – trembling before Him. John Monsell wrote a hymn entitled “Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness” and he clearly understood the relationship between right worship and humility.
Glory Dwelleth in Immanuel’s Land
Anne Cousin’s hymn “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” has long been a favorite of mine. The last verse has always beautifully pointed to the glorious Christ with whom I will share eternity: