As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“Perhaps unsurprisingly in a world of vapid, repetitive ‘praise’ music and ephemeral ‘pop worship’ hits, the old hymns of our faith—many musically gorgeous and lyrically deep—have not only endured but been rediscovered by younger generations.” - TGC
“When it comes to song selection, it draws deeply from the rich history of Christian hymnody while including the best of the songs written in recent years. It is perhaps slightly stacked toward the works of Keith and Kristyn Getty and their associated musicians (e.g. Matt Boswell, Matt Papa) but it is, after all, a Getty product.” - Challies
Some tunes stick with you–they live in your head and invade your quiet moments. The classic melody for “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” does just that. I’ve always loved this hymn and cannot understand why some modern hymnals have left it out (I’m looking at you, Rejoice Hymns!).
Recently, I discovered a new recording of this old hymn that has me playing it on repeat (just ask my family). I’ve put a link to this amazing version below.
“What was left of the hymn, archeologists found 100 years ago in ancient Egyptian ruins on a scrap of tattered papyrus, long buried by desert sand. The discovery was sealed in a climate-controlled vault at Oxford University until John Dickson came along.” - Baptist Press
“Singing is so core to spiritual growth, spiritual discipleship, and being holy. Christmas carols exemplify that.” - CPost
Read Part 1.
As the darkness gives way to the daylight, we notice long shadows—perhaps moving directly upon us.
Shadows have the capacity to unnerve—even frighten us. Sometimes the shadows may be mistaken for something real. At other times, something real may be hiding in the shadows.
Shadows make us uncomfortable. They represent incompleteness and uncertainty—”variation or shadow of turning” (Js. 1:17).
Darkness, to our sight, corresponds to silence, in our hearing. It is the absence of any stimulus to inform, direct or encourage us.
But darkness also entails a moral component. Darkness, by its very nature, spreads a covering over sin (see John 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:35, 46; Eph. 5:11-14).
“Prioritize the singing of familiar carols for the sake of theology…. Prioritize the singing of familiar carols for the sake of unity…. Prioritize the singing of familiar carols for the sake of quality….” - Baptist Press
“I thought it would be interesting to poll our dear Voices readers to ask about their favorite hymn. I hope you will share the title of your favorite hymn (or hymns) and tell why it’s your favorite.” - SBC Voices
Randall Goodgame “felt called to write for congregational singing. His new Scripture Hymnal, which releases October 21, contains 106 word-for-word Scripture songs.” - TGC
Discussion