SongsandEverlastingJoy

Although we know it probably wasn’t winter when Jesus was born, the sentiment of this hymn is beautiful. Although heaven itself cannot hold God, a humble stable did that night. Though cherubim and angels worship Him, nursing at Mary’s breast and resting upon hay was enough for the Son of God. Though we cannot give a great enough gift to thank Him for His life, our heart is enough. Let us give it to Him today and each day of the year. In the Bleak Midwinter Verse 1 In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth was hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow. In the bleak midwinter, long ago. Verse 2 Our God, heav’n cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain, Heav’n and earth shall flee away, when He comes to reign; In the bleak midwinter, a stable place sufficed, The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Verse 3 Enough for Him whom cherubim worship night and day, A breast full of milk and a manger full of hay; Enough for Him whom angels fall down before, The ox and ass and camel, which adore. Verse 4 What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part, Yet what I can, I give Him, give my heart.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus This hymn was written by Fanny Crosby, who has an incomparable ability to create visual masterpieces, though she herself could not see. It is a summary of the life of Jesus, from His birth to his death and resurrection and it has such a sweet tone, capturing the essence of His life purpose. May we all desire to hear His story at all times of the year, the story that is our own, and the story that tells how we are saved from eternal ruin. Tell Me the Story of Jesus Verse 1 Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.” Chorus Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Verse 2 Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that He passed, How for our sins He was tempted, yet was triumphant at last. Tell of the years of His labour, tell of the sorrow He bore; He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected and poor. Verse 3 Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, writhing in anguish and pain; Tell of the grave where they laid Him, tell how He liveth again. Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see; Stay, let me weep while you whisper, “Love paid the ransom for me.”

Phillips Brooks, on a visit to the Holy Land in 1865, toured Bethlehem and the surrounding area on Christmas Eve. As he saw the location, a carol began to form in his mind. However, he did not write it down until several years later. When he did write the poem, he gave it to the organist of the church at which he was a minister, Lewis Henry Redner. Redner fell asleep on Christmas Eve and woke suddenly with the tune ringing in his ears. He wrote it down quickly and then finished it the next morning. It was first sung on December 27, 1868. Bethlehem was long set apart as the birthplace for the Redeemer of the world. So small, quiet and unassuming, it fulfilled its role in history. May the Lord be born in us daily, hourly and minutely as He was born in Bethlehem all those years ago. O Little Town of Bethlehem Verse 1 O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Verse 2 For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth! Verse 3 How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in. Verse 4 O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

This hymn is penned by Charles Wesley and first appeared in a small book of poems in 1744. It can be used to speak both of the first and second advent of our Lord. As some in Israel looked forward to the Messiah's coming, so we look for His second coming. And we, too, have been expecting Him for a long time. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Verse 1 Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free, From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Verse 2 Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thy own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our heats alone; By Thy all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

For many years, "Away in a Manger" was attributed to Martin Luther. However, more research has proven that he was not the author, and the author remains unknown. It was first published in its current form, with a third stanza, in 1892. It is a beautiful children's song about baby Jesus when He came to this earth just over 2000 years ago. It has a sweet melody and a lullaby-like sound. It is a favourite for many carol lovers the world over. Away in a Manger Verse 1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head. The stars in the bright sky, looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. Verse 2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, And stay by my side till the morning is nigh. Verse 3 Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, Close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

William Ralf Featherstone is thought to have been about 15 or 16 when he wrote the poem that became the lyrics for this beautiful hymn. He sent it to his aunt, who got it published not long after. It was originally, anonymously, given a different tune, but Adoniram Judson Gordon felt it was unsuitable, so prayerfully composed the tune we now know and recognise. The song has become a special one for many of us. At each stage of life, we have reason to love the Lord the most. He has done so much for all of us. May you be blessed by these words and may your love for Jesus increase onwards and upwards. My Jesus, I Love Thee Verse 1 My Jesus I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus 'tis now. Verse 2 I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me, And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree; I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now. Verse 3 I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath; And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now. Verse 4 In mansions of glory and endless delight, I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright; I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

"Silent Night" was written in 1818 on December 24 in an Austrian village. Joseph Mohr, the assistant priest, was preparing for the Christmas Eve service and realised the organ was not working. He wanted some music for the program, so he quickly wrote the lyrics for the carol in German and asked the church organist, Franz Gruber, who lived in a neighbouring village, to create a tune. It was written very quickly and the priest performed it that night at the Christmas Eve service, accompanied by a guitar, himself singing the tenor, Gruber singing the bass and a choir of girls singing at the end of each verse in four part harmony. The carol was not widespread for many years. An organ repairer heard it sung at the village and took it back to his district. There, it became very popular and was gradually translated and published in hymnals around the world. It is nearing the time when the world traditionally celebrates the birth of Jesus. Whether you believe in celebrating His birth or not, whether you think it really was this time of year or not, it is a worthy topic to consider at any time of the year. Long ago, on a night in the town of Bethlehem, a baby was born who gave humanity hope. It was a holy night, a time when heaven reached down to earth. That night, and what it means to us personally, is a topic we should always think about. Silent Night Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright; Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night, Darkness flies, all is light; Shepherds hear the angels sing, "Hallelujah! Hail the King! Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born." Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light; Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Silent night, holy night, Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Hallelujah to our King; Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.

Amazing Grace John Newton praises God for his transformation from a slave captain, and later, himself a slave, to a Christian minister. He felt that he had experienced the grace of God first hand. This hymn is his personal testimony and is based on King David’s comments in 1 Chronicles 17:16,17. The final stanza that is traditionally sung with this hymn, beginning “When we’ve been there ten thousand years,” is not written by Newton. It is not known who wrote those lyrics. "Amazing Grace" has become arguably one of the most famous hymns of all time, with many gospel and pop singers recording versions of the hymn over many years. For some, this may have lessened the beauty of the words but it is my prayer that they be seen in new light and applied to each listener personally. May the experience of Newton be our experience as we allow the amazing grace of God to cleanse us from selfishness and sin. May we accept the gift of grace He offers us and one day go home to heaven with the Lord. Amazing Grace Verse 1 Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. Verse 2 ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! Verse 3 The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will me shield and portion be As long as life endures. Verse 4 Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. Verse 5 When we’ve been there then thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.

This is My Father’s World This hymn was composed as a 16 stanza poem by Maltbie Davenport Babcock sometime in the late 1800’s. It was inspired by his early morning walks, which he called “going out to be in my Father’s world.” It was first published in 1901, after Babcock’s death. The world of nature, though marred by sin, still has so much to teach us about our God. Try and get out and see more of His world this week. This is My Father’s World Verse 1 This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears, All nature sings, and round me rings, The music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world, I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought. Verse 2 This is my Father’s world, The birds their carols raise; The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world, He shines in all that’s fair; In the rustling grass, I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere. Verse 3 This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father’s world, Why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let the earth be glad.

Near to the Heart of God This hymn was written by Cleland Boyd McAfee. He often wrote hymns for the local church, where he was the pastor. His family were very grieved to lose two of his nieces to diphtheria in 1901. Though he still trusted in God, Cleland’s brother was heartbroken to lose his girls. Cleland decided to write a hymn for his brother, as he felt there was comfort for them near to the heart of God. He wrote the words and music, had the choir practice it, and then sing it outside the home of his brother, where the family were still in quarantine. The song was preserved by his family and now in many hymnals. At this strange time, when many of us have been in months of isolation, we can be comforted by the thought that we do not need to leave our homes to be near to the heart of God. He will stoop low to receive us, so that we may have that experience now. May each of us have quiet rest, comfort sweet and a full release in the heart of God this week. Near to the Heart of God Verse 1 There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God, A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. Chorus O Jesus, blest redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us, who wait before thee, Near to the heart of God. Verse 2 There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God, A place where we our Saviour meet, Near to the heart of God. Verse 3 There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God. A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.

This short hymn is taken from several Psalms and compiled in a meaningful way to help deliver a beautiful, personal promise. Whatever burden you’re holding onto, you can cast it to the Lord, who has promised to sustain you and keep you steadfast. You will never be ashamed, when you wait on the Lord. The Psalms that are featured in this short hymn are: Psalm 55:22 Psalm 16:8 Psalm 57:10 Psalm 25:3 Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord Cast thy burden upon the Lord, And He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to fall; He is at thy right hand. Thy mercy, Lord, is great, And far above the heavens; Let none be made ashamed, That wait upon Thee.

Softly and Tenderly was written by Will L. Thompson and first published in 1882. It has been used extensively in evangelistic campaigns due to its pleading lyrics to the lost sinner. The lyrics are an enlargement on the words spoken by Jesus: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Softly and Tenderly Verse 1 Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me; At the heart's portal He's waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me. Chorus Come home, come home, Ye who are weary, come home; Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling, O sinner, come home! Verse 2 Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, Pleading for you and for me? Why should we linger and heed not His mercies, Mercies for you and for me? Verse 3 Think of the wonderful love He has promised, Promised for you and for me; Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon, Pardon for you and for me.

This hymn was written by Henry F. Lyte. It was inspired by an experience he had while sitting with a dying friend who constantly repeated the words, “abide with me.” The lyrics of the song should remind us to think about how much we need God’s presence every hour of our lives, whether knowingly near to death or not. May we all choose to have the Lord abiding with us in all stages of life, as we never know when our final chapter will be written. Abide With Me Verse 1 Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. Verse 2 Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see— O Thou who changest not, abide with me. Verse 3 I need Thy presence every passing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me. Verse 4 I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness; Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Be Thou My Vision is said to have been written by a monk in the eighth century. It was translated by Mary Byrne and then made into verses by Eleanor Hull. It is a wonderful description of the many roles the Lord can fill in our lives. He is our eyes to see the world around us and discern the truth, providing light for the way. He is our wisdom, our Father, teaching us the right way to live. Because of who He is, we do not want the world and what it offers. Instead we want God's inheritance; eternal life. We will receive that if we walk with Him and endure until the victory is won. Be Thou My Vision Verse 1 Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best Thought, by day or by night Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light Verse 2 Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord Thou my great Father, I Thy true son Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one Verse 3 Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise Thou mine Inheritance, now and always Thou and Thou only, first in my heart High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art Verse 4 High King of Heaven, my victory won May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun Heart of my own heart, whatever befall Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

Joseph M. Scriven wrote the words for this hymn in 1855 (as a poem and never intended to be a hymn) from a life of disappointment and grief. He was unable to fulfil his career due to health issues, lost not one, but two of his brides-to-be just before the wedding to accident and illness. He also suffered financial loss and depression. Yet, through it all, he had a friend in Jesus. We, too, can have that assurance. Jesus is our friend, no matter what life throws at us. Now matter the grief, disappointments or sorrows. What a friend we have in Jesus. What a Friend We Have in Jesus Verse 1 What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear, What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer. Verse 2 Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer! Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer! Verse 3 Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer! Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

This song was written to express the conversion experience of the composer, Robert Robinson. It leads us to think back to our own conversion. Do you remember when it was? Was it sudden? Or gradual? Was there a moment or a period of time? The lyrics lead us to contemplate how indebted we are to the Lord for His grace, His mercy on a daily basis. They remind us of our tendency to wander away. But Jesus seeks us out and draws us back to Himself. What a wonderful Saviour we have. How worthy of our praise! Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Verse 1 Come, Thou fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy praise, Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me ever to adore Thee, May I still Thy goodness prove, While the hope of endless glory, Fills my heart with joy and love. Verse 2 Here I raise my Ebenezer, Hither by Thy help I've come, And I hope by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God, He to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood. Verse 3 O, to grace how great a debtor, Daily I'm constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind me closer still to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love, Here's my heart - O, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

It Is Well With My Soul Is it really possible for it to be "well with my soul" when things happen that ruin plans, shorten life, hurt and upset me? Is it possible to be at peace during times like that? Perhaps an accident has taken away life as you know it. Perhaps unexpected illness has struck you or someone you love. How do we see the hand of God working together for good in our lives when these things happen? Horatio Gates Spafford planned a trip to Europe for his wife and family, but at the last minute he had to remain at home on business so he sent them on ahead. His wife and their four daughters, aged from 18 months to 12 years, were travelling by ship when, unfortunately, their ship collided with a sailing ship and sank. Mrs Spafford was rescued but all of her children were drowned, the baby being washed from her mother's grasp. Ten days later, when the survivors were landed in Wales, she sent a cable to her anxious husband. It said, "Saved alone." Spafford sailed across the Atlantic to meet his wife. They both met with Dwight L. Moody while in England. He comforted them after their tragic loss and noted their trust and confidence in God in spite of what had happened. "It is well," they said. "The will of God be done." Two years after the tragedy, he wrote the poem. It Is Well With My Soul It Is Well With My Soul Is it really possible for it to be "well with my soul" when things happen that ruin plans, shorten life, hurt and upset me? Is it possible to be at peace during times like that? Perhaps an accident has taken away life as you know it. Perhaps unexpected illness has struck you or someone you love. How do we see the hand of God working together for good in our lives when these things happen? Horatio Gates Spafford planned a trip to Europe for his wife and family, but at the last minute he had to remain at home on business so he sent them on ahead. His wife and their four daughters, aged from 18 months to 12 years, were travelling by ship when, unfortunately, their ship collided with a sailing ship and sank. Mrs Spafford was rescued but all of her children were drowned, the baby being washed from her mother's grasp. Ten days later, when the survivors were landed in Wales, she sent a cable to her anxious husband. It said, "Saved alone." Spafford sailed across the Atlantic to meet his wife. They both met with Dwight L. Moody while in England. He comforted them after their tragic loss and noted their trust and confidence in God in spite of what had happened. "It is well," they said. "The will of God be done." Two years after the tragedy, he wrote the poem. It Is Well With My Soul Verse 1 When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Chorus It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul. Verse 2 My sin, O the joy of this glorious thought, My sin, not in part, but the whole. Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Verse 3 And Lord, haste that day, when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.

"Give Me Jesus" This song was amongst a large collection of Negro Spirituals, originally shared with the world by the Fisk Jubilee Singers in the 1800's. "Give Me Jesus" had a slightly different arrangement when it was sung at this time. The modern arrangement is by Alma Blackmon in 1984. The song was written to echo the sentiments of Jesus when He said in Matthew 16:26: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" "You may have all this world, give me Jesus." May this be our prayer now and forever. "Give Me Jesus" Verse 1 In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, Give me Jesus. Chorus Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You may have all this world, Give me Jesus. Verse 2 Dark midnight was my cry, Dark midnight was my cry, Dark midnight was my cry, Give me Jesus. Verse 3 Just about the break of day, Just about the break of day, Just about the break of day, Give me Jesus. Verse 4 Oh, when I come to die, Oh, when I come to die, Oh, when I come to die, Give me Jesus.

What would you give up to have Jesus? Is He more important than everything in this world? He offers us eternal life with Him, if we choose Him now. I'd Rather Have Jesus I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold, I'd rather be His than have riches untold, I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands, I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand. Chorus Than to be the king of a vast domain, Or be held in sins dread sway; I'd rather have Jesus than anything, This world affords today. I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause, I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause, I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame, I'd rather be true to His holy name. He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom, He's sweeter than honey from out of the comb, He's all that my hungering spirit needs, I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

Great is Thy Faithfulness God is faithful in all things. Even when we cannot see His faithfulness, we can trust Him to be faithful to us. "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23. This song is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother, who passed away on 4th September, 2020. This was a song she liked me to sing to her. Great is Thy Faithfulness Verse 1 Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee, Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Chorus Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness! Lord unto me! Verse 2 Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Verse 3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.

Have you ever wondered if Jesus cares? He does. The life we now live, with it's worry and grief, was never His design. He wants to take us home to live with Him, where there is no sadness, stress or worry. If you're going through a hard time right now, having suffered loss or an uncertain future, be assured - Jesus cares. "Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away." Isaiah 51:11. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4. Does Jesus Care? Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song; As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long? Chorus O yes, He cares, I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Saviour cares. Does Jesus are when my way is dark, With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near? Does Jesus care when I've said good-bye To the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks, Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

The hymn “How Great Thou Art” has a long history of translations and arrangements. It was originally in Swedish by Carl Boberg in 1888. He wrote while contemplating the nature around him and the beauty of the things God had created. It was published in magazines and made its way to Germany, where it was translated into German in 1907. In 1912 it went to Russia, where it was translated into Russian by Ivan Prokhanoff. It was there that a Methodist missionary named Stuart K. Hine saw it and used it in his missionary work around eastern Europe. Stuart translated three of the verses from Russian into English. He did not know it was originally Swedish. When Hine returned to England, he wrote the final verse, being inspired by Polish refugees who kept asking “when are we going home?’ He published his version, and the Russian version, in a magazine that went all over the world in 1949. It was then made popular when it was used in Billy Graham crusades. It has been added to and further arranged over the years since, but remains one of the most majestic hymns ever written. How Great Thou Art Verse 1 O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder Consider all the works thy hand hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed, Chorus: Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Verse 2 When thro’ the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze, Verse 3 And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin; Verse 4 When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!

Holy, Holy, Holy is a simple hymn that describes the majesty of our God. He made all things and deserves our praise! May we worship Him in spirit and in truth. Holy, holy, holy, Holy is the Lord! Holy, holy, holy, Holy is our God! He who always liveth, Evermore the same, Heav’n and earth He ruleth, Come and praise His name! Holy, holy, holy, Holy is the Lord! Holy, holy, holy, Holy is our God! Glorious and beloved Is the one adored! Holy, holy, holy, Holy is the Lord.

"Be Still, My Soul" was written by Katharina von Schlegel in 1752. It had five stanzas in the original language. Jane Borthwick translated the hymn into English and three stanzas are commonly sung. The verse in Psalm 46:10 has a similar sentiment. "Be still and know that I am God." In the quiet of our souls we can have faith that the Lord will lead us through. My favourite line, repeated at the end is: "Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know. His voice who ruled them, while He dwelt below." It is an obvious reference to the story of how Jesus calmed the sea. "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:39. He can calm our storms of life, too. Be still, my soul, and accept His peace. Verse 1 Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to your God to order and provide; in every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Verse 2 Be still, my soul: your God will undertake To guide the future as He has the past. Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below. Verse 3 Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on When we shall be forever with the Lord, When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

This song, "I Surrender All" was written expressing the intense struggle of the author to surrender to God's will for his life. When he finally did, peace and blessings followed, as well as many people won to Christ. May we all have this experience as we surrender our lives, our wills and our desires to the only One who can take them and make them into something more beautiful than we could ever imagine. Verse 1 All to Jesus I surrender; All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. Chorus I surrender all, I surrender all, All to Thee, my blessed Saviour, I surrender all. Verse 2 All to Jesus I surrender; Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now. Verse 3 All to Jesus I surrender; Make me, Saviour, wholly Thine; Let me feel the Holy Spirit; Truly know that Thou art mine. Verse 4 All to Jesus I surrender; Now I feel the sacred flame. O the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory, to His name!