Lifespring! HymnStories

 

Written by Charles Wesley in 1744, this hymn first appeared in the 1745 "Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord".

Listen for the story behind the song.

.
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Music: Rowland H. Pritchard

 

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.

 

Born thy people to deliver,

born a child and yet a King,

born to reign in us forever,

now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit

rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all sufficient merit,

raise us to thy glorious throne.

This is a show dedicated to renewing love for the great hymns of the Christian faith. In this episode I tell the story behind the hymn "Jesus Shall Reign", which was written in 1719 by Isaac Watts, with the music being written by John Hatton.

The version of the song played in this episode is performed by Scott Wesley Brown.
Jesus Shall Reign
Isaac Watts
John Hatton

Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Behold the islands with their kings,
And Europe her best tribute brings;
From north to south the princes meet,
To pay their homage at His feet.

There Persia, glorious to behold,
There India shines in eastern gold;
And barb’rous nations at His word
Submit, and bow, and own their Lord.

To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His Name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His Name.

Blessings abound wherever He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.

Where He displays His healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more:
In Him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.

Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen!

Great God, whose universal sway
The known and unknown worlds obey,
Now give the kingdom to Thy Son,
Extend His power, exalt His throne.

The scepter well becomes His hands;
All Heav’n submits to His commands;
His justice shall avenge the poor,
And pride and rage prevail no more.

With power He vindicates the just,
And treads th’oppressor in the dust:
His worship and His fear shall last
Till hours, and years, and time be past.

As rain on meadows newly mown,
So shall He send his influence down:
His grace on fainting souls distills,
Like heav’nly dew on thirsty hills.

The heathen lands, that lie beneath
The shades of overspreading death,
Revive at His first dawning light;
And deserts blossom at the sight.

The saints shall flourish in His days,
Dressed in the robes of joy and praise;
Peace, like a river, from His throne
Shall flow to nations yet unknown.

Troubles within the church inspired this stirring hymn. Listen to the show for the whole story, and a great rendition of the song.
Today's Music
Worship Service Resources

James Morrison
"The Church's One Foundation" (mp3)
from "James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume Two"
(Classic Fox Records)

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The Church's One Foundation

Lyrics: Samuel J. Stone
Music: Samuel S. Wesley

The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord,
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her
And for her life He died.

She is from every nation,
Yet one o'er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation,
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy Name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With every grace endued.

The Church shall never perish!
Her dear Lord to defend,
To guide, sustain, and cherish,
Is with her to the end:
Though there be those who hate her,
And false sons in her pale,
Against both foe or traitor
She ever shall prevail.

Though with a scornful wonder
Men see her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder,
By heresies distressed:
Yet saints their watch are keeping,
Their cry goes up, "How long?"
And soon the night of weeping
Shall be the morn of song!

'Mid toil and tribulation,
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;
Till,

Fanny Crosby was one of the most prolific hymn writers the church has seen. This song is part of one of the most gratifying experiences of her life. Listen to the show to hear the story.

Rescue The Perishing
Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby
Music: William H. Doane

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.

Refrain:
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

Though they are slighting him, still he is waiting,
waiting the penitent child to receive;
plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
he will forgive if they only believe.
(Refrain)

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
chords that were broken will vibrate once more.
(Refrain)

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
back to the narrow way patiently win them;
tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died.
(Refrain)

This wonderful song has been an inspiration for generations. Even the author of the lyrics found comfort years after writing the song.

Music:
OneVoice
"I Need Thee Every Hour" (mp3)
from "A Cappella Hymns"
(IMI)

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David Berchtold..."Serenity"


I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR

Lyrics by Annie S. Hawks (1835-1918)
Music by Robert Lowry (1826-1899)

I need thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like thine
Can peace afford.

I need Thee, O I need thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior--
I come to Thee.

I need thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like thine
Can peace afford.

I need Thee, O I need thee;
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Savior--
I come to Thee.

Today we learn about the classic "Rock Of Ages". There's a surprising twist at the end of today's narrative.

Music

The London Fox Singers
"Rock Of Ages" (mp3)
from "Hymn styles - Down-Home Gospel"
(Classic Fox Records)

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Instrumental music was Jim Fidler's "Lillian, A Portrait In Sound".



Rock Of Ages

Lyrics: Augustus M. Toplady

Music: Thomas Hastings
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Our carol today is "What Child Is This."

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

What words of triumph and joy! Despite the melancholic melody, this song is a song of celebration of the birth of the King of kings.

After we hear about the background of this beautiful song, we'll hear an artist that I'm pleased to say that I personally introduced to podcasting. I found Cat Jahnke's music at garageband.com early in 2007, loved it, emailed her, told her about podcasting, and she responded by posting several of her songs at the Podsafe Music Network for podcasters to use on their shows. Now she's got this new CD of Christmas music, and I just love it. I think you'll enjoy her rendition of our carol today.

Today's Artists

Vocal rendition: Cat Jahnke "What Child Is This"

Joemy Wilson
"What Child Is This?" (mp3)
from "Gifts - Traditional Christmas Carols"
(Dargason Music)

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Thanks!

A tip of the hat to HomeSchoolBlogAwards.com. They recently listed Lifespring! HymnStories on their Tuesday Tour of great websites for homeschoolers. Being a former homeschooling dad,

The origins of this plaintive carol date to medieval times. In the 800s, a series of Latin hymns were sung each day during Christmas Vespers from December 17 to 23. To hear how John Mason Neale came to write this hymn, and how it is related to the Latin hymns, listen to the show.

Karmyn Tyler sang a very special, exclusive rendition of this hymn for this show. Thank you Karmyn!
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Lyrics translated by John M. Neale
Music: Thomas Helmore
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse's tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain

Today's Artists

Doug Boldt..."O Come, O Come, Emmanuel with What Child Is This?"


Karmyn Tyler, with her exclusive "Lifespring! Why Christmas Show" rendition of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

Thank you, Karmyn!




Karmyn Tyler
Photography: Michael D'Ambrosia

Today, we're going to hear the story behind the beautiful Christmas carol, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear."

Written in 1849 by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a Unitarian minister, this was the second of two "twin" carols. (Listen to the show for more.)

Lyrics

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

"Calm On The Listening Ear"

Calm on the listening ear of night
Come heaven's melodious strains,
Where wild Judea stretches far
Her silver mantled plains.
Celestial choirs from courts above
Shed sacred glories there,
And angels, with their sparkling lyres,
Make music on the air.

Artists On This Show

London Fox Players & Tim Mather
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" (mp3)
from "20 Peaceful Christmas Favorites"
(Classic Fox Records)

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Benjamin


 

An amazing and surprising story lies behind this great hymn, which was written in 1858.

Artists on today's show:

The Eden Symphony Orchestra
"Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" (mp3)
from "How Great Thou Art - 50 Orchestral Hymns"
(Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster
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The London Fox Singers
"Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus" (mp3)
from "Hymn Styles - Kids Sing Hymns Volume 1"
(Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster
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Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
Lyrics: George Duffield, Jr.
Music: George J. Webb
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear;
If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear;
Where'er ye meet with evil, within you or without,
Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, each soldier to his post,
Close up the broken column, and shout through all the host:
Make good the loss so heavy, in those that still remain,
And prove to all around you that death itself is gain.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,

William Cowper is one of God's gracious gifts to those suffering from depression. Like the Psalmist who cried, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?", Cowper shows us that our emotional struggles often give us heightened sensitivity to the heart of God and to the needs of others.

Listen to the show for more of the story behind this wonderful hymn.

Artists

Instrumental version:
Prayers For This Century

Vocal version:

The London Fox Singers
"There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood" (mp3)
from "Hymn styles - Praise Ensemble"
(Classic Fox Records)
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Lyrics by William Cowper
Written in 1772

There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Emmanuel's veins;
and sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains,
lose all their guilty stains;
and sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see
that fountain in his day;
and there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.
Wash all my sins away,
wash all my sins away;
and there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood
shall never lose its power
till all the ransomed church of God
be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more,
be saved, to sin no more;
till all the ransomed church of God
be saved, to sin no more.

E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream
thy flowing wounds supply,
redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die,
and shall be till I die;
redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I'll sing thy power to save,
when this poor lisping, stammering tongue
lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave,
lies silent in the grave;
when this poor lisping, stammering tongue
lies silent in the grave.

The story of Fisk University, and how American music history was forever changed by a fund raising tour, continues with this episode of HymnStories.

Lyrics: "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"

Chorus:
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin' for to carry me home;
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin' for to carry me home.

I looked over Jordan,
And what did I see,
Comin' for to carry me home,
A band of angels comin' after me,
Comin' for to carry me home.

Repeat chorus:

If you get there before I do,
Comin' for to carry me home,
Tell all my friends I'm comin' too,
Comin' for to carry me home.

Performed by:

LaTonya Peoples

LaTonya Peoples

This old "Negro Spiritual" shares a very important place in American music history with another very well-known song that will be the subject of Lifespring! HymnStories number thirty-seven.

Fisk University of Nashville, Tennessee, is part of the story as well.


Lyrics: "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen"

Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory Hallelujah

Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down, oh, yes, Lord
Sometimes I'm almost to the ground, oh, yes, Lord

Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory Hallelujah

If you get there before I do, oh, yes, Lord,
Tell all my friends I'm coming through, oh, yes, Lord

Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Nobody knows but Jesus
Nobody knows the trouble I've seen
Glory Hallelujah


Performed by:



Download "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" (mp3)
from "James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume Two"
by James Morrison
Classic Fox Records

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Written by the "Fanny Crosby of Sweden", Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, this hymn was born out of a personal tragedy. Listen for the story behind the hymn.

Day By Day
Lyrics: Karolina Sandell-Berg
Music: Oskar Ahnfelt
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best--
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
Performed by


Download "Day By Day" (mp3)
from "Worship Hymns: Traditional"
by Kristina
Devotion Music

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(We did this hymn back on Episode 5, but we did not have the lyrics being sung. This episode includes Karmyn Tyler singing this beautiful hymn.)
"Great Is Thy Faithfulness", popularized by George Beverly Shea and the Billy Graham Crusade choirs.

Thomas O. Chisholm
William M. Runyan

Arrangement: Heidi Henninger

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 will be.

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!

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.

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!

One of Fanny Crosby's many hymns which was not at all popular when it was first published. Cliff Barrows, of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association team, was introduced to this wonderful hymn eighty years after it was written, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Listen to the show for more details and a great rendition of this much loved hymn.

To God Be The Glory
Lyrics: Fanny Crosby
Music: W. Howard Doane

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Refrain
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Refrain
Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
Refrain

Performed by:

Download "To God Be The Glory" (mp3)
from "James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume Two"
by James Morrison
Classic Fox Records

More On This Album

Written by Henry van Dyke in 1907, this hymn was inspired by the Berkshire mountains. Mr. van Dyke was an extremely accomplished man, to say the least. Listen to the show for his story.

Performed by:

/strong>


Download "Joyful, Joyful" (mp3)
from "James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume One"
by James Morrison
Classic Fox Records

 

 

More On This Album

 


Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,
Op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!


 


All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.


 


Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.


 


Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o'er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.


 

 

Little is known about Katharina von Schlegel, the German author of this poem. Her words, joined with the haunting strains of "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius, have made this a classic hymn. It was widely sung during World War II when it comforted an entire nation.

Music in this episode:

Prayers For This Century..."Be Still, My Soul "

Be Still, My Soul
Words: Katherina A. von Schlegel
Music: Jean Sibelius

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy 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.

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

4. 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 great old hymn was written over a hundred years ago, but took less than thirty minutes to compose. Listen to the show to hear the surprising story.

Music:

Instrumental accompaniment during the reading:
Randy Sanders



Vocal Performance:


Download "Sweet By and By" (mp3)
from "Little is Much"
by Kevin Short
ItsAboutMusic.com

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In The Sweet By And By

Lyrics: Sanford F. Bennett
Music: Joseph P. Webster

There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.

In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

This hymn-prayer, written in 1898 and loosely based on Paul's testimony in Philippians 3, was written by Johnson Oatman, author of "Count Your Blessings" and thousands of other hymns.

Listen to find out more!

Special thanks to Don for giving his permission to use his recording of this great hymn on today's show. Please help show your gratitude by supporting him at his website.

Higher Ground
Lyrics: Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Music: Charles H. Gabriel

Performed by: Don Francisco

I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining every day;
Still praying as I'm onward bound,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
Refrain
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven's table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
Refrain
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan's darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
Refrain
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I'll pray till Heav'n I've found,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
Refrain

Written by a teenager, this hymn illustrates that one does not need chronological maturity for God to use a person!

Hymn performed by wahba.

My Jesus I Love Thee
William R. Featherston



My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.

This hymn celebrates that which brings the salvation of our sins, for "...without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins..."

Music:

brokenBox..."Nothing But The Blood"

Nothing But The Blood
Robert Lowry
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Now by this I?ll overcome?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I?ll reach my home?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Glory! Glory! This I sing?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain

Today we'll find out the history of "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful", James' favourite carol!

Music

Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band..."This Christmas"

Organ music: Julie Melton

Man: Gary Sundblad

Song: Jill Parr

Today we'll find out the story behind 'Hark! the Herald Angels Sing', which shouldn't really be the title at all!

Music

Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band..."This Christmas"

Background:


Download "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (mp3)
from "The Spirit of Christmas"
by Pittsburgh Symphony Brass
Four Winds Entertainment, Inc.

* Buy at iTunes Music Store
* Buy at Napster
* Buy at RealNetworks / Rhapsody
* Stream from RealNetworks / Rhapsody

Sung by: Dean Krippaehne..."Hark The Herald Angels Sing"

Today we'll find out the history behind 'Silent Night', it might not be what you think!
Find out more about Silent Night at whychristmas?com
Music
Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band..."This Christmas"
Background guitar: Michael Silvestri


Download "Silent Night" (mp3)

from "Christmas In New England - Guitar Celebrations For The Holidays"

by Michael Silvestri

ItsAboutMusic.com

* Buy at iTunes Music Store
* Buy at RealNetworks / Rhapsody
* Buy at Napster
* Stream from RealNetworks / Rhapsody

Full vocal version of Silent Night: Allison Crowe
A cappella version recorded especially for the Lifespring! Advent Calendar by Miss Karmyn Tyler. Thank you so very much, Karmyn, for your generosity!

Written nearly 300 years ago, this beautiful hymn was written by Isaac Watts. Charles Wesley reportedly said he would rather have written it than all of his own.
Sung by Jilleen.

"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"



When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e?er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o?er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Wil L. Thompson - From failure to fame to a life dedicated to service.
Softly and Tenderly

Music and Lyrics: Wil L. Thompson
Song perfomed by: Jilleen
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He's waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
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?
Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.
Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
O for 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.
Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Today's HymnStories is a bit different. Normally, using Robert J. Morgan's book "Then Sings My Soul", I tell you the background behind a popular Christian hymn and its author. Today, I'm not going to do that. Let me tell you why.
Today I went to a funeral. Please, don't be too concerned. The woman who has passed from this life is most assuredly with her Savior. She lived a long life, and was well loved by her family. They will, of course miss her, but have the hope of seeing her again when there is a great reunion in Heaven.
At the funeral, one of the grandchildren, a woman by the name of Teresa Young, sang one of my favorite hymns, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." Theresa has a great voice, which you will hear on the podcast, because I recorded the service, and then later asked her if I could play this song for you...
Continued on the podcast...
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Author Unknown

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I?ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

When my feeble life is o?er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o?er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

This beautiful hymn was written by Frances Havergal at the age of 36. A singer in great demand she came to devote every aspect of her life to Christ. Listen for the whole story.

Take My Life And Let It Be?

Lyrics: Frances Havergal
Sung by: Chelsie Boyd



Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
* Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
* Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee;
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
* Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise;
Take my intellect and use
Every pow'r as Thou shalt choose.
* Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
* Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

One of my favorite hymns, this was written in 1779. When first released, the author was anonymous. It later came to be credited to Rev. Edward Perronet. Listen to the show for the rest of the story.

Artist: Bob Bennett...from the CD "The View From Here"
Lyrics: Edward Perronet



All hail the pow?r of Jesus? Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all.
* Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre,
And as they tune it, fall
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Before His face Who tunes their choir,
And crown Him Lord of all.
* Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God,
Who from His altar call;
Extol the Stem of Jesse?s Rod,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Extol the Stem of Jesse?s Rod,
And crown Him Lord of all.
* Ye seed of Israel?s chosen race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all.
* Let every tribe and every tongue
Before Him prostrate fall,
And shout in universal song
The crowned Lord of all;
And shout in universal song
The crowned Lord of all.

Written in 1744 by an anonymous German Catholic priest, this beautiful hymn of worship was translated into English one hundred years later by Edward Caswall.

The hymn is beautifully performed here by:

Hymns - The Old Made New
Scott Wesley Brown
Devotion Music

* Buy at iTunes Music Store
* Buy at Napster
* Buy at RealNetworks / Rhapsody
* Buy at eMusic

Download "May Jesus Christ Be Praised (When Morning Gilds The Skies)" (MP3, 192kbps)

Lyrics

When Morning Gilds The Skies
Katholisches Gesangbuch

When morning gilds the skies,
My heart awaking cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work and prayer
To Jesus I repair:
May Jesus Christ be praised! The night becomes as day,
When from the heart we say,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

The pow'rs of darkness fear
When this sweet chant they hear;
May Jesus Christ be praised! Ye nations of mankind,
In this your concord find;
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Let all the earth around
Ring joyous with the sound;
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this, while life is mine,
My canticle divine,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this th' eternal song
Through all the ages long,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

When you begin the day,
O never fail to say,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
And at your work rejoice,
To sing with heart and voice,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Whene'er the sweet church bell
Peals over hill and dell,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
O hark to what it sings,
As joyously it rings,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this at meals your grace,
In every time and place;
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this, when day is past,
Of all your thoughts the last
May Jesus Christ be praised!

When mirth for music longs,
This is my song of songs:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
When evening shadows fall,
This rings my curfew call,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

When sleep her balm denies,
My silent spirit sighs,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
When evil thoughts molest,
With this I shield my breast,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Sing, sun and stars of space,
Sing, ye that see His face,
Sing, Jesus Christ be praised!
God's whole creation o'er,
For aye and evermore
May Jesus Christ be praised!

To Thee, my God above,
I cry with glowing love,

Some of the details of this hymn, written in 1677, are lost in the mists of time, and yet...

Today's artist is Jilleen.

Thanks to Robert J. Morgan for his permission to use the book, "Then Sings My Soul". Links to the book are in the right hand margin of this page.

Fairest Lord Jesus
Anonymous German Hymn

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul?s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.

All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,
Wondrously, Jesus, is found in Thee;
None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,
Than Thou, my Savior, art to me.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



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Carl Boberg, a 26-year-old Swedish minister, wrote a poem in 1885 which he called "O Store Gud" ("O Mighty God"). The words, literally translated to English, said:
When I the world consider
Which Thou has made by Thine almighty Word
And how the web of life Thou wisdom guideth
And all creation feedeth at Thy board.
Then doth my soul burst forth in song of praise
Oh, great God,
Oh, great God!
His poem was published and "forgotten", or so he thought....

Listen to the show to hear the rest of the story.
Today's Music
Instrumental Version
Judson Hurd


Vocal Version
Steve Amerson
"How Great Thou Art/Be Exalted"
from "Hymns and Gospel Songs"

Away In A Manger Was written in 1887, and is commonly known as "Luther's Cradle Hymn." But did the great German Reformer, Martin Luther, really write the words? Did he sing them by the cradle of his little son, Hans?

Listen to the show for a possible answer.

This hymn is beautifully performed by David Phelps, from his wonderful Christmas CD/DVD set "O Holy Night."

 
Away In A Manger
Lyrics: Anonymous
Music: James R. Murray

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

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 cradle til morning is nigh.

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 take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Bouncing back- that's a quality to be cultivated, because life is full of struggles. How do we become resilient? Unsinkable? Joyful amid the blows and burdens of life? This hymn tells us:
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, He giveth me strength as my day.
This hymn by Fanny Crosby explains the author's life, for Fanny faced three incredible hardships durning her ninety-five years. The first was her...

Listen to the show for the rest of the story, and to hear the stirring rendition by Scott Wesley Brown.



HE HIDETH MY SOUL

Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.

Refrain

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life with the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.

Refrain

With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!

Refrain

When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love
I'll shout with the millions on high.

Jesus, I Come
1887
One of the best histories of the gospel song era is George Stebbins' autobiography, Reminiscences and Gospel Hymn Stories. Stebbins was born in ht e mid-1880s in New York and showed early musical prowess. At age twenty-three, he moved to Chicago where he worked in churches and became acquainted with some of the "greats" of gospel music, such as Sankey and Bliss. In the late 1870s, D. L. Moody got hold of him, sending him into a lifetime of music evangelism.

Listen to the show for Stebbins' account of the first time he and D. L. Moody ministered together, and how "Jesus, I Come" came to be written.
Music on Today's Show
The instrumental version is from Worship Service Resources, 
and is used by permission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Wesley Brown graciously granted permission to use his beautiful rendition of an updated version of this classic hymn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then Sings my Soul 2 Set - Volumes 1 + 2

 

 

 

 
Jesus, I Come
Lyrics: William T. Sleeper
Music: George C. Stebbins

Out of my bondage, sorrow and night,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
* Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of earth's sorrows, into Thy balm,
Out of life's storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
* Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair, into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
* Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the joy and light of Thy home,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

 

Jesus must have been a bird watcher, because we see Him refer to birds many times in scripture. Listen to the show for the story of how this encouraging hymn was inspired.

Our hymn is performed beautifully by Natalie Nicole Gilbert.


His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Lyrics: Civilla D. Martin
Music: Charles H. Gabriel

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Written during the darkest hour of the American Civil War, this hymn is based on the twenty-third Psalm. Listen to the show for the author's own account of its writing.

Music on the show:

The London Fox Singers
"He Leadeth Me" (mp3)
from "Hymn styles - Praise Ensemble"
(Classic Fox Records)

Buy at Napster
More On This Album

He Leadeth Me
Words: Joseph H. Gilmore
Music: William B. Bradbury

He leadeth me, O bless'd thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the victory's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.