"Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it by word and example with a family, a member, neighbor, or the stranger? Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it?" - Marvin J. Ashton
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll honor his name. I'll do what is right; I'll follow his light. His truth I will proclaim.
When I think of this hymn, a different tune comes to mind. But then I look at the actual notes and I remember correctly. Not really sure why I think of the other tune. Of course, I don't know the words very well either. They tell of Zion--how we rejoice in it and look forward to it being on earth again. The third verse is all about how we can be a Zion people, and make Zion in this world. One of my pet peeves growing up "in the mission field" (ugh) was when people in Utah referred to themselves as Zion. I was raised knowing that Zion the place was in Missouri, but that generally when we talk of Zion now, it is about a state of mind and being. The pure in heart as Doctrine & Covenants 97:21 states. So I like that this hymn talks of that Zion.
From the history book
Merrill Bradshaw--the composer and lyricist--was commissioned to write music for the sesquicentennial pageant called Zion in 1979. He couldn't find any text to capture the idea behind the pageant--the task of LDS people becoming a Zion people. Since he didn't find anything to his liking, he wrote his own with a tune that would be simple enough for most congregations to sing with confidence.
Up until the last couple of years, this was a more unfamiliar hymn to me. I may have sung it once or twice in a congregation. I became a little more aware of it when I went on a John Newton info. kick (when the movie Amazing Grace came out) and learned he had written this hymn.
But I did not become up close and personal with it until it became one of my hymns in my organ lessons. WITH. THE. PEDAL. That usually means instead of a few weeks on the hymn, it will likely be months. And it was. Oh my word. I haven't counted, but I think this hymn might have actually taken an entire year. The sad thing with that is I am extremely familiar with all 4 parts, but still not so much on the words. But I know I've had the ward sing it. I know even more so because that happened to be one of the Sundays I had to sub as the organist. And when I play for Sacrament meeting, I do not bother with the pedal at all. Too many mistakes and slowing downs that I think the congregation would actually notice. The funny thing is, I started playing this hymn for the congregation without the pedal, and it felt like an entirely different hymn! My left hand had no idea what to do, trying to play the bass part (with the tenor, too!) for the first time. It was so confused, it wasn't as lovely as I could have tried to make it. I should have stuck with playing the pedal! After that many months, it couldn't have been worse than what I ended up playing with my hands. Oh well. One truly never knows with the organ until one is actually playing. Very interesting instrument, that. And one big thing to note, even after all that time of practicing the hymn, I still like the tune. Written by Haydn, so of course it is great!
Looking over Newton's lyrics, it is a song about Zion. Its beauties, riches, and blessings and how those who live their are disciples of our Redeemer. Lines I like:
*"He whose word cannot be broken"
*"See! the streams of living waters, Springing from celestial love"
*"Jesus, whom their souls rely on"
From the history book
The opening line comes from Psalm 87:3. The book refers to Newton's early life and how his sincere turning of his heart would enable him to envision such righteous blessedness as he describes in his hymn. This text was first published in 1779. This was included in the 1835 hymnal, with 10 short verses. In 1950, they reduced that to 7 verses and put in the choir section. It had a different hymn tune which was harder to sing, and thus never sung. The current hymnal combined 6 of the verses into 3 longer ones, and put with the more familiar tune that it was sung with. As Davidson describes it, "one of the most elegant and uplifting hymn melodies in our book." I think that is a safe description.
Haydn first wrote this tune as an Austrian Hymn in honor of the Emperor. Later he used the melody in the second movement of his String Quartet opus 76 no. 3, known as "Emperor Quartet." Which meant I had to go find that!
Lyrics
1. Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God!
He whose word cannot be broken
Chose thee for his own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake our sure repose?
With salvation's wall surrounded,
Thou may'st smile on all thy foes.
2. See! the streams of living waters,
Springing from celestial love,
Well supply thy sons and daughters
And all fear of drought remove.
Round each habitation hov'ring,
See the cloud and fire appear
For a glory and a cov'ring,
Showing that the Lord is near.
3. Blest inhabitants of Zion,
Purchased by the Savior's blood;
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
Makes them kings and priests to God.
While in love his Saints he raises,
With himself to reign as King,
All, as priests, his solemn praises
For thank-off'rings freely bring.
Text: John Newton, 1725-1807. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
One of the short hymns, often chosen because of its length. Written by an Apostle. A very simple message of pleading and promising to our Father. I would list my favorite lines, but I love them all. It is so beautifully poetic and the sentiments conveyed hit home perfectly for me.
From the history book
The tune used for this hymn was originally written by Evan Stephens and was in the 1927 hymnal. In the hymnbook revising, the committee suggested leaving this one out because it was never sung. But the composer Schreiner didn't want that because these were words of an Apostle. So he went to Elder Widstoe proposing a title change (because its original was a bit negative: "Father! Lead Me Out of Darkness") and adjust a few words. Elder Widstoe, however, had written in to be sung by someone not of the LDS faith, who is in darkness. Brother Schreiner was able to help him see how the song might not work so well if sung after an enlightening message to the Saints. The rearrangement of words changed its meter, so Tracy Cannon asked Schreiner to supply a new tune. I like that history!
Lyrics
1. Lead me into life eternal
By the gospel's holy call.
Let thy promise rest upon me;
Grant me ready strength for all.
2. Father, all my heart I give thee;
All my service shall be thine.
Guide me as I search in weakness;
Let thy loving light be mine.
3. Hear me as I pray in meekness;
Let my strength be as thy day.
Give me faith, the greater knowledge;
Father, bless me as I pray.
Text: John A. Widtsoe, 1872-1952. (c) 1948 IRI
Music: Alexander Schreiner, 1901-1987. (c) 1948 IRI
I believe I heard the background story to this hymn when I was a teenager. By that point, I knew it was the Christmas hymn that was hard to play with its 3 flats and accidentals throughout. Also in ward choir we sang a version where the 3rd verse went into a minor key, which made that somber verse stand out even more, and its change to a major key in the 4th verse bring out the joy and hope in the author/singer's realization. Always, always loved the words of this song, particularly the last 3.
The song took on another special meaning to me when my first family ward on my own, without my actual family in it with me, had a magnificent pipe organ with these amazing chimes. It was a tradition in our ward to play this hymn on the Sunday we had our Christmas Sacrament program, with those chimes. In the last 2 months, the ward boundaries were reorganized and our ward ended up meeting in a new building, with an obviously inferior organ. Yet our organist still played this with gusto this morning, making those chimes work as well as she could. And I still enjoyed singing these words of hope, joy, and redemption because Christ brought that as His gift to us, He and His life being Heavenly Father's gift to us.
Favorite lines:
*"Had rolled along th'unbroken song"
*"The wrong shall fail, the right prevail"
*"Till, ringing, singing, on its way"
From the history book
Longfellow's original poem was 7 stanzas long, published in 1867. Original Verse 4 and 5 were more of the author's grief over the Civil War occurring in his country (United States) at that time. The original 3rd verse is now the last because they wanted the song to end on a more hopeful, optimistic feeling. I'm great with that!
This is possibly one of my most favorite Christmas hymns. It's up there with Away in a Manger for loving it simple for its tune. Sweet and pure, yet it also moves! Love those moving parts. First came to fully embrace this hymn when our 7th grade choir sang the version of this hymn combined with Pachelbel's Canon in D. I loved how well it fit with a classical song I loved. Later in college, my roommate (and the ward choir director) picked the Mack Wilberg arrangement. That is when I learned there were more than the 2 verses we see in our hymnbook, which simply tell the story of the angels. I fell in love with that 3rd verse. Got a copy of that song as soon as I could! (It's the one I have included as the video.) Because of that one verse, this hymn has stood out to me more each Christmas. Last year my choir sang another arrangement, but it still included the 3rd verse. I have had my ward choir sing the Wilberg arrangement. Any time I can have this song sung, I will do so.
From the history book
I knew "Noel" was a French word, but I didn't know that it was related to the Latin word natalis which means "birthday." She points out that the hymn is loved for its simplicity. Agreed. First printed in 1833, the hymn had nine verses! Three of those verses change the focus from the shepherds to the wise men. But my favorite is this one:
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
No information on who wrote the lyrics or the tune, but I am quite grateful they did so that I have this wonderful hymn to sing.
Lyrics
1. The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
(Chorus)
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
Born is the King of Israel!
2. They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Text and music: Traditional English carol, ca. 17th century
This is such a fun one to sing! The verses are short--basically one line. And then the really fun chorus with moving parts, especially that bass part! Kind of fun to play with the organ--though I haven't spent a lot of time attempting it. Easier on the piano for sure. But it is a fun one to sing in unison and then break out into those fun parts on the chorus.
Starts with the angels' part of the story, and then applies it to how we can join in the song, which then spreads this to the more worldwide joy, not just what took place on those plains with the shepherds.
Favorite lines: Pretty much the line for Verses 2, 3, and 4. Yep. Redeeming love. We too would rejoice. Help us to sing. Strains sublime. So beautiful! And joyful to sing!
From the history book
This is the one! I knew there was a Christmas hymn written by an LDS man. He wrote this in 1869 for his choir to sing, since he felt they needed a new hymn to sing. A friend wrote some text, but he could not get a tune to work. Then he woke in the middle of the night with the words and tune for this. The words were different from his friend's, but he wanted to give his friend the credit. The friend refused and let John take full credit. This is the only song that he wrote lyrics for, since composing was his talent. The tune is named after his wife. And it points out that there are no plains where the shepherds tended their flocks--they were hills. But it is excused for a man who had never been to that part of the world. He and his friend collaborated on other hymns, one of which is in our current hymnal.
Lyrics
1. Far, far away on Judea's plains,
Shepherds of old heard the joyous strains:
(Chorus)
Glory to God, Glory to God,
Glory to God in the highest;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!
2. Sweet are these strains of redeeming love,
Message of mercy from heav'n above:
3. Lord, with the angels we too would rejoice;
Help us to sing with the heart and voice:
4. Hasten the time when, from ev'ry clime,
Men shall unite in the strains sublime:
Text and music: John Menzies Macfarlane, 1833-1892
I know I sang this growing up, but honestly the main memories I have of this song are recent--trying to play this on the organ, with the pedal. I spent months on it and still never passed it to her satisfaction. The irony is my teacher isn't a huge fan of this particular hymn, and I didn't love it to begin with. I don't dislike it, but all those months of playing it brought mostly frustration. So I am hoping to some day be able to appreciate this hymn again. We'll start with today's entry!
The hymn is the angels parts of the story with the shepherds, with scripture-based quotes. Favorite line is the very last: "Goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men Begin and never cease."
From the history book
Written in 1700. It has been around awhile. Emma Smith included a version in the 1841 hymnal. It mentions that it has been paired with many tunes in hymnals. I believe that is why my organ teacher doesn't like this one, because she prefers a different tune. Maybe I should research some of the other tunes and I will appreciate this song bettter!
I like singing this one for its ending. The second line goes up and pauses, then sings a Hosanna chorus. Always enjoyed singing that. First hymn that mentions the wise men in the story. Indeed, the first two verses are about their part of the story. The third mentions the angels.
Favorite lines:
*"The wondrous little Stranger"
*"And still is sung in ev'ry tongue The angels' song of glory"
*And shall not cease till holy peace In all the earth is growing"
From the history book
Mentions how the star is a symbol of peace for the world. Nothing is known about the author or composer, but it first appeared in LDS hymnody in 1884. The book points out that the wise men probably didn't hear the angels singing. Well, how do they know? If angels and a star guided shepherds, why not both for wise men? Weren't wise men considered prophets? Could not angels sing to and converse with them? Was it not such a joyous occasion with singing about more than once? Oh well--to each their own interpretation.
Lyrics
1. With wond'ring awe the wisemen saw
The star in heaven springing,
And with delight, in peaceful night,
They heard the angels singing:
(Chorus)
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!
2. By light of star they traveled far
To seek the lowly manger,
A humble bed wherein was laid
The wondrous little Stranger.
3. And still is found, the world around,
The old and hallowed story,
And still is sung in ev'ry tongue
The angels' song of glory:
4. The heav'nly star its rays afar
On ev'ry land is throwing,
And shall not cease till holy peace
In all the earth is growing.
Text and music: Anon., Laudis Corona, Boston, 1885
This is one of those exciting songs, rather than one of the slower ones. The joyous "Hallelujah" kind! In this song, you almost get to feel like the angels themselves singing and proclaiming the Savior's birth.
My favorite lines: "Light and life to all he brings" and "Born that man no more may die."
From the history book
The book mentions being part of the angel choir, too. The text was first published in 1739. Some wording changes made in hymnody. And two verses that didn't correspond to LDS beliefs were not included in our 1985 hymnal (which might make sense why there are only 2 and I felt it was a bit short!). I have heard one of those hymns in my version of the song by Linda Eder. Felix Mendelssohn's melody is the song that eventually was set to this hymn. He wrote it in honor of the 400th anniversary of the invention of printing and didn't thing the tune would ever serve as a musical setting for a sacred text. Thank goodness he wasn't right!
I typically think of this song with the previous hymn (#207) because of their possibilities sharing the same tune. They also both tell a story in the first 2 verses, and then the 3rd verse reminds of the wonder, joy, promise, and excitement for why that humble birth story is so amazing. That 3rd verse is fabulous, because it contains one of the best messages in all the hymns: "No ear may hear his coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in." It is similar to the phrase I like of "Wise men still seek Him." We must seek for Him, and be ready and open to receive Him as we find Him.
From the history book
The author Phillips Brooks was a Harvard-trained minister who based this hymn on memories of a visit to the Holy Land. He spent Christmas in Bethlehem in 1865. Three years later he wrote this hymn. I love that--he wrote about that little town, having actual memories of being there. The composer was the superintendent of Brooks' Sunday School as well as the church organist. There were two other verses, though Brooks himself removed the fourth. Some hymnals still print the 5th verse, as the 4th.
I have never had a problem with this Christmas hymn; I liked it well enough and remember a beautiful 4 part women's rendition in one of my Junior High Christmas performance seasons. But a few years ago, I believe in a movie about C.S. Lewis, I heard it set to a different tune. (At least, I believe it was this one. This and Hymn #208 can go to any of the same tunes, and be switched themselves, which really messes with the brain!) I was amazed at how differently the words stood out to me because of that tune. Later I heard it to yet another tune in Under the Greenwood Tree. I liked them all.
I like the original tune--don't get me wrong on that. But it doesn't seem to have as joyous and excited a feel that "glorious song of old" conveys. My first Christmas program as current ward choir director, I had them sing this hymn to a Mack Wilberg arrangement of Hymn 15. And I loved it! True, "the world in solemn stillness lay" wasn't as solemn anymore, but "Peace on the earth, good will to men" and "When the new heav'n and earth shall own The Prince of Peace their King" took on entirely new meanings. By the way, that Prince of Peace line is my favorite in this song. But again, the whole song helps paint the picture of the nativity, and remind us of the joy and gifts that we receive because of this gift of our Savior.
From the history book
Written by a Unitarian minister who wanted others to know that the angels' message was not just a one-time event but had longer-lasting, much more far-reaching effects. His concern is shown more in 2 verses we don't have. They definitely have a great message. I especially like "And man, at war with man, hears not The love song which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing!" Poem was first written in 1849. In its earlier years it shared its melody with "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks." Never realized those went together either, but it does work! I love the versatility of hymns like that, yet also like the familiarity and unifying factor of tunes most everyone is familiar with.
In case you'd like to hear the Mack Wilberg arrangement (and don't want to hear it from Hymn 15 entry) so you can imagine it with these lyrics instead:
(If that arrangement does not give you chills, I may have to think your musical ear and spirit are dead.)
I have so many, many favorites in things. Countless. It kind of discredits the word "favorite." Nevertheless, Away in a Manger may possibly be one of my favorite Christmas songs. I love how much of a lullaby it is. I love the setting of the nativity scene in verse 1 and 2. I love how, to me, it feels like those 2 verses are so appropriate if Mary or Joseph were to sing about this amazing, newborn baby. But what I absolutely love the most is the 3rd verse and our pleading to the Savior as a child--very fitting since we are the children of God.
I think what really makes this song hit hymn is the tune--at least the one used in the 1985 hymnal. The one they used to have us sing in schools slightly annoyed me. The Primary version--though the chorus be quite the fun--is similar to that tune and annoys me even more! I get that both tunes are probably better for children's voices. But the one in the hymnal is so much more soothing, tender, and lullaby-ish. Really good for adult voices, particularly ones that can't go as high as they once might have been. (No, I am not referring to myself, though have spent many years dreading when my voice will inevitably not be able to sing the way it can right now.) The irony in how much I love the tune in the hymnal is that I have the choir singing this song for Christmas--to an entirely different tune!
From the history book
No known history of the text. Some thought it was Martin Luther, but it first appeared in print in the United States, not Germany. Ahhh! I love this: "the hymn tune Cradle Song by William J. Kirkpatrick was chosen for our hymnal because of its dignity and simplicity." Agreed! It is simple and dignified. And how appropriate that its name tends to evoke thoughts of a lullaby. I sometimes forget that the shift from the nativity scene to a child's please happens halfway through Verse 2. And the book's author points out that it isn't too great a shift if one thinks about a child seeing how Jesus is disturbed from his sleeping yet does not cry, and that they plead he will stay with them so that they can sleep.
Lyrics
1. Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
2. The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
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.
Text: Anon., ca. 1883, Philadelphia
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921; harmonized by Rosalee Elser,1925-2007. (c) 1980 Rosalee Elser.
This is a fun hymn for singing (and playing, if one can manage it!) because there are moving parts --especially for the bass! They often are cursed with the most boring part, so in this they get to sing. But every part gets to move somewhere, and that is nice for all. The text tells the story of the Nativity in the first 2 verses. But that 3rd verse! It contains the reason why we celebrate that Nativity story in those other 2 verses--that He has redeemed us and His teachings and ways will lead us home (if we choose to follow).
From the history book
The author of the text wrote two other hymns in the 1985 hymn, one is an Easter song and one is a Sacrament song. How appropriate! She wrote all three hymns in the desire to "make it easier for children to understand the meaning of different paths of the Apostles' Creed, a statement of belief recruited by the congregation during worship services in some Christian denominations." That would explain the simple lessons taught in all 3 of her hymns, and how each one tells a story to teach those lessons. The book says nothing about the tune, and I think I have heard this hymn set to other tunes before. This song was new to the 1985 hymnal. I'm glad they included it. I think I appreciate it more knowing its background.
This is a blog where I share inspirational/explanatory quotes, pieces of my testimony, and various things/events/experiences that have strengthened and will continue to increase that testimony. I am not officially called of my church to keep this blog. I share these things because they are the core of my very existence. And every part of me wants to proclaim it to all the world. So, I'll start here. I hope all who read my "spiritual ramblings" may know with a surety that I know and believe these things with all of my heart and with complete assurance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would love to talk more with readers, though I do reserve the right to not discuss or respond to anything inappropriate or that I am not comfortable with.
