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Thursday Hymn Reflection: “God of Wonders”
[Each Thursday, we “reflect” on a hymn suggested by our readers. To add your favorites, leave a list of up to three in the comments. NOTE: We have about 25 still on our list, but add yours now. We do not do these in any specific order. If you add yours now, it may be written about in 6 months, or in a couple of weeks!] Each time I hear of sing “God of Wonders,” I can’t help but think of Psalm 19, which begins with the immortal words, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and…
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Thursday Hymn Reflection: “The Old Rugged Cross”
[Each Thursday, we “reflect” on a hymn recommended by our readers. To add your favorites to our list, leave a comment with up to three suggestions.] “The emblem of suffering and shame.” That single phrase makes “The Old Rugged Cross” one of my favorite old standard hymns. Written in 1913, George Bennard’s best-known hymn continues to be sung as widely as just about any other old “standard.” Robert Morgan, in his book Then Sings My Soul, gives this brief history of the song: On one occasion, after a difficult season of ministry, George realized he needed to better understand the power of the Cross of Christ. He later said, “I…
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Thursday Hymn Reflection: "In Christ Alone"
[On Thursdays, we “reflect” on a hymn suggested by our readers. To add your favorites (no more than 3, please) to the list, simply leave a comment.] What a fantastic new hymn! “In Christ Alone,” in my opinion, will stand the test of time because it is a simple melody in the usual construction of four verses. The beauty of this song is that it builds together (1) the sacrifice of Jesus and (2) our response to it. The song begins with a verse of praise to Jesus. With that verse, we sing that our full faith is in Him, then we move to the reason why. Verse one uses…
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Thursday Hymn Reflections: "Jesus Is Lord"
[NOTE: If you would like to add your song ideas for these “reflections” series, leave a comment with no more than 3 songs. There are almost 40 in the line-up now!] The first verse of this song is very old, while additional verses have been added in the last 40 years. As the verses, especially the final one, have been added, the song has been much more used. It is a song that usually is accepted first by young people, but that adults love to. I love this song for its simple message. It doesn’t get simpler than “Jesus is Lord, my Redeemer; how He loves me, how I love…
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Reflections on "Where No One Stands Alone"
When I was in the Sonshine Singers at Freed-Hardeman, we sang the beautiful hymn “Where No One Stands Alone” many times. The song was also a favorite at campus singings and devotionals. It’s always fascinating to me what “old” songs are commonly sung by young people and young adults. The hymn reflects a theme that is common to many other great songs: God’s protection. We go through moments in life when we feel alone, but, as the song eloquently states, we “cry” to God, “Don’t hide Your face from me.” Aren’t you thankful that God is always there! In my mind, though, it’s the chorus of the song that gives it a…
