A hymn is a devotional song. We usually associate it with a song of praise to God, although it could be one of allegiance to a nation or even a cause. Hymns that motivate are often written for secular reasons, even though God may be invoked. Some of the most beloved songs in America were written to advance the Christian faith, both for believers and for outsiders that the Church wanted to invite in.
The Greek word from which we get our 'hymn' means a song of praise. We have ancient examples of devotional music from Greece and Egypt. A hymnal is a collection of worship songs, written to express thanksgiving, belief, repentance, joy, or pure worship of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Most churches have hymnals; some sing acapella and some have magnificent choirs and accompanists.
'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' is an example of a song written for a secular purpose but with religious connotations. Julia Ward Howe set her famous lyrics to a traditional 'Glory, Glory, Hallelujah' tune to inspire the Union troops and the citizens of the northern states during the civil War. This song is found in most hymnals and is sung on many patriotic occasions.
'Amazing Grace' is one of the most beloved songs in America. It's story has been the subject of a recent movie. John Newton, a rough sailor and slave trader, cried out to God during a time of peril on the sea and later became a clergyman and an ardent abolitionist. He wrote this poem for a sermon; it was later set to the music we know it by today. Newton lived to see his prayers answered and the slave trade abolished in Britain.
Those who love the traditional songs they heard as children and still appreciate have many resources today with the internet. YouTube has great renditions of songs like 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Holy, Holy, Holy'. Talent shows sometimes have wonderful performances of old favorites. There are cable TV stations that play Gospel and traditional church songs, and radio shows that feature the 'Old Gold' of hymns. Church, for many, would seem barren without the chance to sing. People can visit Mennonite church sings and monasteries and convents for chants as old as the Catholic church.
A hymn can extol the majesty and worthiness of God, the love of Jesus, or the price the Lord paid for sinners of every tribe and nation. Children learn 'Jesus Loves Me' and 'This Little Light Of Mine'. "The Old Rugged Cross' and 'At The Cross' remind us of Jesus' last gift to mankind, and 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' celebrates the treasures of salvation.
Peace and joy are other aspects of the Christian life that are extolled in song. 'I Come To The Garden Alone' and 'Blessed Assurance' try to tell others of personal experiences with a personal God. Many churches put the Psalms to music and sing the biblical words back to the One who inspired them.
Seasons of the year or of life are celebrated in spiritual song. We all love the traditional Christmas carols. The Easter service is many people's favorite, as the triumphant songs of Christ's resurrection lift voices and hearts. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate God's provision, and funerals a time to celebrate a life on earth that is now being continued in Heaven. Singing songs of praise and worship make our lives richer.
The Greek word from which we get our 'hymn' means a song of praise. We have ancient examples of devotional music from Greece and Egypt. A hymnal is a collection of worship songs, written to express thanksgiving, belief, repentance, joy, or pure worship of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Most churches have hymnals; some sing acapella and some have magnificent choirs and accompanists.
'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' is an example of a song written for a secular purpose but with religious connotations. Julia Ward Howe set her famous lyrics to a traditional 'Glory, Glory, Hallelujah' tune to inspire the Union troops and the citizens of the northern states during the civil War. This song is found in most hymnals and is sung on many patriotic occasions.
'Amazing Grace' is one of the most beloved songs in America. It's story has been the subject of a recent movie. John Newton, a rough sailor and slave trader, cried out to God during a time of peril on the sea and later became a clergyman and an ardent abolitionist. He wrote this poem for a sermon; it was later set to the music we know it by today. Newton lived to see his prayers answered and the slave trade abolished in Britain.
Those who love the traditional songs they heard as children and still appreciate have many resources today with the internet. YouTube has great renditions of songs like 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Holy, Holy, Holy'. Talent shows sometimes have wonderful performances of old favorites. There are cable TV stations that play Gospel and traditional church songs, and radio shows that feature the 'Old Gold' of hymns. Church, for many, would seem barren without the chance to sing. People can visit Mennonite church sings and monasteries and convents for chants as old as the Catholic church.
A hymn can extol the majesty and worthiness of God, the love of Jesus, or the price the Lord paid for sinners of every tribe and nation. Children learn 'Jesus Loves Me' and 'This Little Light Of Mine'. "The Old Rugged Cross' and 'At The Cross' remind us of Jesus' last gift to mankind, and 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' celebrates the treasures of salvation.
Peace and joy are other aspects of the Christian life that are extolled in song. 'I Come To The Garden Alone' and 'Blessed Assurance' try to tell others of personal experiences with a personal God. Many churches put the Psalms to music and sing the biblical words back to the One who inspired them.
Seasons of the year or of life are celebrated in spiritual song. We all love the traditional Christmas carols. The Easter service is many people's favorite, as the triumphant songs of Christ's resurrection lift voices and hearts. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate God's provision, and funerals a time to celebrate a life on earth that is now being continued in Heaven. Singing songs of praise and worship make our lives richer.
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