Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, January 10, 2021

Welcome to another edition of Notes of Glory, where we praise God together each week by singing "with heart and soul and voice" while we wait for the day when we can sing together in person once more!

If you are a first-time visitor, click here to find out the story of "Notes of Glory." (You will also find instructions here for listening to music using the SoundCloud windows).

Here's an alphabetical list of all "Notes of Glory" music with links so that you can revisit your favorite hymns/songs and sing them once again!

Complete "Notes of Glory" Song List

PRELUDE

(to help you prepare to worship)

Our Hope is in the Lord

Piano solo by Anthony Giamanco

Psalm 146:5-6
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

________________________________________

Here's an uplifting solo by pianist, organist, conductor, and composer Anthony Giamanco that will help you to focus on the hope we have in Christ each new day: feel free to meditate on the verses listed above as you listen. 

NoG · Our Hope Is In The Lord.WAV

HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING ANYWHERE

(transposed to easily singable keys!)

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus

Words by W. Chatterton Dix, Music by Rowland Hugh Prichard, "Hyfrydol" hymn tune

Revelation 5:9-12

And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,

and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,  saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

Acts 1:9-11

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Matthew 28:20

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
__________________________________

Earth's Redeemer. Heavenly High Priest. Intercessor. 

Christ is praised, and our reasons for praising Christ are enumerated in this beautiful hymn text by British poet and businessman William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898), set to the famous tune "Hyfrydol" by Welsh musician Rowland Hugh Prichard (1811-1887). We have spent the past month celebrating the birth of Christ who was "born a child, and yet a king" (this line comes from "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus," another well-known text sung with "Hyfrydol"). Today we will continue to sing of Christ's majesty ("his the scepter, his the throne") in "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus" and will celebrate Christ's triumph and victory over death: he has "redeemed us with his blood."  We also are reminded that  Christ is Emmanuel (God with us) as we enter this new year. He is "our help, our stay," and we are not left as orphans because He is with us evermore. 

The second verse includes the line "though the cloud from sight received him when the forty days were o'er, shall our hearts forget his promise, 'I am with you ever more?'." William Chatterton Dix, author of "What Child is This" and "As with Gladness Men of Old," which were both featured recently on Notes of Glory, wrote "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus" in 1866 as a hymn for Ascension Sunday (usually the Sunday that falls closest to 40 days after Easter each year).  It was originally titled "Redemption in the Precious Blood" and was inspired by Revelation 5:9 (listed above).  Although this hymn specifically refers to Christ's ascension into heaven as described in Acts chapter 1, it is a wonderful hymn for any time of year!  

You'll most likely recognize the "Hyfrydol" hymn tune (we sang it at the beginning of Advent, with "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus") but if you'd like to hear a recording of "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus" here's a lovely one featuring the Choir of King's College.  

NoG · Alleluia! Sing To Jesus.WAV

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus,
His the scepter, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood,
"Jesus, out of every nation,
has redeemed us by His blood."

Alleluia! Not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! Christ is near us,
faith believes, nor questions how;
though the cloud from sight received Him
when the forty days were o'er,
shall our hearts forget His promise,
"I am with you evermore?"

Alleluia! Bread of Heaven,
Christ on earth our food and stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful
rest in You from day to day:
Intercessor, Friend of sinners,
earth's Redeemer, please for me,
where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.

Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love

Words by Charles Wesley, Music by William Havergal, "Evan" hymn tune, arranged by Lowell Mason

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!

John 13:35

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Romans 12:4-5

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

__________________________

We miss one another!  Worshipping "together" online has been a blessing, and the technology that allows for this is a gift for which we are all so grateful. But our hearts long for in-person fellowship. It's been a long time (nearly 10 months!) since we have been able to gather together in the same space. Even spending time together outside of church with our brothers and sisters in the faith has been sharply curtailed for health reasons.  

"Blest be the dear uniting love" speaks to the beauty of Christian fellowship, and greatly comforts us in our time of separation from one another. The great British hymn writer Charles Wesley (1707-1788), featured many times here on Notes of Glory, truly understood the joy of being part of the family of God, united by faith in Him alone. Each lovely verse seems to have been written for us today, even though  "Blest be the dear uniting love" first appeared in Wesley's collection Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1742, 278 years ago. Wesley helps us to appreciate the sweetness of our collective faith, and reminds us that God's presence in our lives unites even when we cannot be together at church or elsewhere.  May this hymn be a blessing to you in the coming weeks as we wait on the Lord, keeping our eyes fixed on Him, and continuing to love and cherish one another in all the ways that we can right now.  

Wesley wrote a final verse to this hymn that is sometimes omitted in printed versions, but also seems as timely as ever, as we believers anticipate a wondrous future as described in Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Then let us hasten to the day

which shall our flesh restore;

when death shall all be done away,

and bodies part no more.

The tune matched here with "Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love" is called "Evan" and was written in 1846 by British clergyman, organist, poet, and composer William Henry Havergal (1793-1870), the father of Frances Havergal who wrote the text for "Another Year is Dawning" (featured last week on Notes of Glory) as well as "Take My Life and Let it Be." While both this hymn text and tune are probably new to you, I encourage you to listen to the piano recording and then join in at any point (you can always play the recording for a minute or so to get a feel for the tune, and then replay the track and sing along).  I pray that God will use this hymn to minister to and encourage you during this challenging time.  

Public domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org

NoG · Blest Be The Dear Uniting Love.WAV

Blest be the dear uniting love
that will not let us part;
our bodies may far off remove,
we still are one in heart.

Joined in one spirit to our Head,
where he appoints we go,
and still in Jesus' footsteps tread,
and do his work below.

O may we ever walk in him,
and nothing know beside,
nothing desire, nothing esteem,
but Jesus crucified!

We all are one who him receive,
and each with each agree,
in him the One, the Truth, we live;
blest point of unity!

Partakers of the Savior's grace,
the same in mind and heart,
nor joy, nor grief, nor time, nor place,
nor life, nor death can part.

Awake My Soul, and With the Sun

Words by Thomas Ken, Music by François H. Barthélemon, "Morning Hymn" tune

Psalm 59:16

But I will sing of your strength;
I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress
and a refuge in the day of my distress.

Psalm 143:8
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

_________________________________

You may remember that we sang the "Doxology" together in June 2020 here on Notes of Glory. 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,

praise him, all creatures here below,

praise him above, angelic host,

praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Along with the music and lyrics, I shared the following information:

The text commonly referred to today as "The Doxology" or "The Common Doxology" was originally a stanza attached to three hymns in a 1695 devotional book for morning and evening worship by Thomas Ken, written for students of Winchester College.

Today we're going to sing one of those devotional hymns (first written simply as poems, as many hymns were) by Thomas Ken (1637-1711) who is considered one of the fathers of modern English hymnody. "Awake, My Soul and With the Sun" was published along with "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night" as prayers for private devotion, and both included the "Doxology" as the final verse. These poetic prayers were not originally sung as hymns because at that time in England most congregational or public sacred singing was to be primarily drawn directly from the Psalms. Today we can heartily sing this lovely hymn that inspires us to lean on God throughout each day, and to give thanks for His protection during the night.  This also seems like a beautiful text to sing at the dawn of a new year!

The tune "Morning Hymn" was written by French composer and violinist François Barthélemon (1741-1808). Jacob Du­ché, chaplain at the Female Orphan Asylum in London, asked Barthélemon to compose this hymn tune and it was published in 1789 in A Supplement to the Hymns and Psalms Used at the Asylum or House of Refuge for Female Orphans. 

You'll notice that today we'll be singing seven verses of this hymn (scroll down below the printed music and recording window to see the lyrics for today). This seems like a lot by modern standards, but keep in mind each verse is fairly short. However, the version of "Awake, My Soul" we're singing today is half as long as Ken's original prayer which had 14 verses!  Here are the other seven omitted verses:

In conversation be sincere,

Keep conscience as the noon-tide clear:

Think how all-seeing God thy ways

And all thy secret thoughts surveys.

By influence of the light divine,

Let thy own light to others shine,

Reflect all heaven’s propitious rays,

In ardent love, and cheerful praise.

I wake, I wake; ye heavenly choir,

May your devotion me inspire,

That I like you my age may spend,

Like you may on my God attend.

May I like you in God delight,

Have all day long my God in sight,

Perform like you my Maker’s will,

O may I never more do ill.

Had I your Wings, to Heaven I’d fly,

But God shall that defect supply,

And my Soul wing’d with warm desire,

Shall all day long to Heav’n aspire.

I would not wake, nor rise again,

And Heav’n itself I would disdain;

Were’t not Thou there to be enjoy’d,

And I in Hymns to be employ’d.

Heav’n is, dear Lord, where e’er Thou art,

O never then from me depart ;

For to my Soul, ’tis Hell to be,

But for one moment void of Thee.

What a powerful prayer!  Although this hymn is probably new to you, it is so beautiful and inspiring that I hope you consider learning it and including it in your active hymn repertoire.  Here's a recording of this hymn by the Choir of Norwich Cathedral which will give you a chance to first hear this great hymn of the faith, still so very relevant today, before joyfully joining in with the lyrics and accompaniment below.   

NoG · Awake My Soul, And With The Sun.WAV

Awake, my soul, and with the sun
thy daily stage of duty run;
shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise
to pay thy morning sacrifice.

Redeem thy mis-spent time that's past,
and live this day as if thy last;
improve thy talent with due care;
for the great day thyself prepare.

Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
and with the angels bear thy part,
who all night long unwearied sing,
high praise to the eternal King.

 All praise to Thee, who safe hast kept
and hast refreshed me whilst I slept;
grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake,
I may of endless light partake.

Lord, I my vows to thee renew;
disperse my sins as morning dew;
guard my first springs of thought and will,
and with thyself my spirit fill.

Direct, control, suggest, this day,
all I design or do or say;
that all my powers, with all their might,
in thy sole glory may unite.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
praise him, all creatures here below,
praise him above, angelic host,
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

POSTLUDE

(to help you go out with joy!)

Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It

Words by Fanny Crosby, Music by William J. Kirkpatrick, piano solo arrangement by Molly Ijames

Lamentations 3:58
You have taken up my cause, O Lord;
you have redeemed my life.

Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

______________________________

American hymn writer Frances "Fanny" Crosby (1820-1915), who wrote more than 8000 hymns and gospel songs, has been featured previously on Notes of Glory as the author of "Blessed Assurance," "Close to Thee," "To God Be The Glory," "Praise Him! Praise Him!." (You can visit any of these links to find out more about the life and legacy of this prolific figure in the history of hymnody).  

"Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it" was written by Fanny Crosby in 1882.  She once proclaimed it as the hymn that best represented her conversion experience when asked to select one of her many creative works. "Fanny replied, 'I would write many hymns to describe the joy of my salvation. The one that stands out the most to me right now is this one.' She began to sing in her beautiful soprano voice, 'redeemed, how I love to proclaim it.'"

The melody for "Redeemed" was composed by William Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), a prolific American hymnwriter and composer who collaborated with Fanny Crosby on a number of hymn projects including "He Hideth My Soul," and also composed the music for "Tis' so Sweet to Trust in Jesus," "Jesus Saves!," and "Away in a Manger," along with many others.  

Our opening hymn, "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" and our closing postlude both feature lyrics focusing on the redemptive power of Christ. May this solo piano arrangement by pianist, composer and arranger Molly Ijames of Fanny Crosby's "Redeemed! How I love to Proclaim it" send you forth into a new week with a renewed joy in your salvation!

NoG · Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It.WAV

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever I am.

Refrain:
Redeemed, redeemed,
redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,
no language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
with me doth continually dwell. [Refrain]

I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song. [Refrain]

Here's a complete playlist of all of the music featured in today's post.  Enjoy!

NoG · Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, January 10, 2021

Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, January 3, 2021

Happy New Year!

When you think of music for celebrating the New Year, do you think of "Auld Lang Syne" (a traditional Scottish song by Robert Burns), or perhaps the annual New Year's Day concert from Vienna?  Maybe even "Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve" or (this is really showing my age here) the smooth big band stylings of Guy Lombardo?

Although celebrating the change from one calendar year to the next is not mentioned in the Bible, many hymn writers found this fresh start to be an inspiration and wrote wonderful hymns that help us to focus on God's constancy, recall past blessings and look forward with hope. Today we'll be encountering several of these great hymns, and I pray they will be a blessing to you and will help you worship with great joy the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

If you are a first-time visitor, click here to find out the story of "Notes of Glory." (You will also find instructions here for listening to music using the SoundCloud windows).

Here's an alphabetical list of all "Notes of Glory" music with links so that you can revisit your favorite hymns/songs.

Complete "Notes of Glory" Song List

PRELUDE

(to help you prepare to worship)

Amazing Grace

Words by John Newton. "New Britain" hymn tune. Arranged for solo piano by Mark Hayes

1 Chronicles 17:16-17

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God!

___________________________

Did you know that "Amazing Grace" was intended to be a New Year's song?  For this reason it seems very appropriate to include it in today's post, the first of 2021. 

British pastor John Newton (1725-1807) wrote the hymn we know as "Amazing Grace" during Christmastime 1772, and presented it to the congregation of his parish church in Olney, England on January 1, 1773, as part of his New Year's Day sermon.  The sermon was based on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 (shown above), in which David recalls God's past guidance and looks forward in faith to promised future blessings. Thus, Newton titled his newly composed hymn "Faith's Review and Expectations" which was an ideal summary of the text for that morning's sermon. 

Here are some of Newton's sermon notes from that New Year's Day morning in 1773:

The Lord bestows many blessings upon his people, but unless he likewise gives them a thankful heart, they lose much of the comfort they might have in them. And this is not only a blessing in itself but an earnest of more. When David was peacefully settled in the kingdom, he purposed to express his gratitude by building a place for the Ark. This honour the Lord had appointed for his son Solomon, but he graciously accepted David's intention, for he not only notices the poor services of his people, but even their desires to serve him, when they spring from a principle of simple love, though opportunity should be wanting. He sent him a message by Nathan assuring him that his son should build the house and that he himself would build David's house and establish his kingdom. This filled his heart with praise. 

My text is part of his acknowledgement. Omitting David's personal concerns, I would accommodate them to our own use as a proper subject for our meditations on the entrance of a new year. They lead us to a consideration of past mercies and future hopes and intimate the frame of mind which becomes us when we contemplate what the Lord has done for us.

In 1779, "Faith's Review and Expectations" was published as part of Newton and William Cowper's collection Olney Hymns.  Here is the original text as included in Olney Hymns, Book 1, 1st Edition (Hymn #41).  

(Notice how Newton originally ended the hymn: this final verse is different from the one we usually sing, "When we've been there ten thousand years" which was added later).

We sang this hymn together on September 27: you  might enjoy revisiting that post which contained lots of additional background information on the creation of "Amazing Grace" and John Newton. Today, at the dawn of a new year, I hope you enjoy reading Newton's original hymn text as you listen to Mark Hayes's beautiful arrangement of this beloved song.

 

NoG · Amazing Grace Piano Solo Arrangement.WAV

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be for ever mine.

HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING

(transposed to easily singable keys!)

Another Year is Dawning

Words by Frances Havergal, Music by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, "Aurelia" hymn tune

Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

_______________________________

A fresh new year is underway. We've said farewell to both the trials and challenges as well as the joys of this past year, and are looking forward with hope, trusting that God will walk with us through each new day. In 1873, hymn writer Frances Havergal (1836-1879) was similarly reflecting on the calendar's change, and contemplating all that lay ahead. She wrote the poem  "Another Year is Dawning" and had it printed on greeting cards to be sent to her friends, along with the caption "A Happy New Year! Ever Such May it Be!" Eventually, the hymn was included in the book Under the Surface (1874) and the posthumous collection  Life Chords (1880).  Frances Havergal was featured in our July 5 post as the author of "Take My Life and Let it Be," more information on her life and legacy as a hymn writer can be found there. 

Although this hymn text is most likely new to you, you may be very familiar with the tune it is matched with here: "Aurelia" by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, which is frequently sung with "The Church's One Foundation." (Here's the post in which that tune was featured).  The words fit so well with the tune that hopefully you'll have no problem at all singing right along with the piano accompaniment!

The beauty and simplicity of Havergal's poetry seem to perfectly capture our hopes for the coming year. "Another year of progress, another year of praise, another year of proving Thy presence all the days." Perhaps this lovely hymn will become one of your new New Year's Eve/Day musical traditions!

NoG · Another Year Is Dawning.WAV

Another year is dawning!
Dear Father, let it be,
in working or in waiting,
another year with thee;
another year of leaning
upon thy loving breast,
another year of trusting,
of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of mercies,
of faithfulness and grace;
another year of gladness
in the shining of thy face;
another year of progress,
another year of praise,
another year of proving
thy presence all the days.

Another year of service,
of witness for thy love;
another year of training
for holier work above.
Another year is dawning!
Dear Father, let it be
on earth, or else in heaven,
another year for thee.

Great God, We Sing That Mighty Hand

Words by Phillip Doddridge, Music arranged by William Gardiner, "Germany" hymn tune

Psalm 145:15-16
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Acts 26:22

To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass.

____________________

The Bible frequently mentions the strength and might of God's hand (and arm). (See verses listed above, also Joshua 4:24, "so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.").  This theme is reflected in the hymn, "Great God! We Sing that Mighty Hand" by British pastor and hymn writer Philip Doddridge (1702-1751) which uses not only this imagery of God's power, but also describes His guidance, mercy, "unerrant counsel," "incessant bounty," and goodness.  This is another wonderful hymn to sing at the beginning of a new year: when it was originally published in 1755, it was listed under the heading " Help obtained of God, Acts xxvi. 22. For the New Year." Indeed, the first verse refers to both the start and close of the year, and the second verse reflects with thankfulness on the past and also ponders what is to come, surrendering the future to God. "With grateful hearts the past we own; the future, all to us unknown, we to Your guardian care commit, and peaceful leave before Your feet."  Philip Doddrige wrote over 400 hymn texts, often to accompany his sermons, much as John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace" often did.  He was part of the Non-Conformist church in England, whose members frequently dealt with discrimination.  Few of his hymns are still in circulation today, but "Great God! We Sing That Mighty Hand" is one that merits regular singing and reflection.

Here it is sung to the classic hymn tune "Germany" which was written (or arranged) by William Gardiner (1770-1853), who worked in manufacturing but also had the opportunity to meet composers like Haydn and Beethoven on his business travels, and arranged some of their melodies as hymn tunes as a way to infuse psalm singing with fresh melodic material.  Although this tune was originally attributed to Beethoven, it seems more likely that Gardiner himself composed it, and it was published in his important 1815 collection, Sacred Melodies. 

This beautiful tune will probably sound familiar to you as it has been used for a number of hymn texts including "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life," "Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness," "All Things are Yours" and "Take Up Thy Cross," among many others.  Feel free to listen to the piano accompaniment once to refresh your memory (or become familiar with the tune if it is new) and then join in!

NoG · Great God, We Sing That Mighty Hand.WAV

Great God, we sing that guiding hand
by which supported still we stand;
the opening year Your mercy shows;
that mercy crowns it till it close.

By day, by night, at home, abroad,
still are we guarded by our God;
by His incessant bounty fed,
by His unerring counsel led.

With grateful hearts the past we own;
the future, all to us unknown,
we to Your guardian care commit,
and peaceful leave before Your feet.

In scenes exalted or depressed,
You are our joy, You are our rest;
Your goodness all our hopes shall raise,
adored through all our changing days.

As With Gladness Men of Old

Words by William Chatterton Dix, Music by Conrad Kocher

Matthew 2:1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Revelation 21:23

And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

___________________________

We are approaching January 6, which in many Christian denominations is the day that the visit of the wise men to the Christ is remembered. In fact, this observance has its own name (Epiphany) and is a very old tradition which reminds us that, unlike what most nativity scenes depict, the Bible states that these men visited separately from the shepherds, some time after the birth of Christ.  In some Christian churches, Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas celebration period, concluding the traditional "twelve days of Christmas." 

This gives us a good opportunity to sing a wonderful hymn which may be lesser known, but is a lovely way of both recalling this part of the Biblical narrative of Christ's birth while also pondering how we can worship Christ today. The hymn text was written by William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898) who was featured just a few weeks ago here on Notes of Glory as the author of the poem "The Manger Throne" from which the text for "What Child is This" was extracted.  Like Phillip Doddridge (author of "Great God! We Sing That Mighty Hand," Dix also worked outside the field of music, literature, and ministry (he managed a maritime insurance company) but had a creative side that manifested itself in poetic composition.  He suffered from an extended illness and as a result, was at home in bed on January 6, 1859, unable to attend his church's Epiphany service.  That morning, he read the account of the wise men's visit to Christ in Matthew 2:1-12, and spent the rest of the day reflecting on this text and composing "As with Gladness Men of Old."  

Dix's text paints a picture in words of  the wise men beholding the guiding star, hailing its light "with joy." In fact, the first three verses include the word joy at various points, reminding us that true worship brings joy. Each verse also brings us into the narrative, juxtaposing the actions of the wise men with prayers that we may similarly have a worshipful response: beholding and bowing to Christ and honoring Him in our hearts, and giving to Him from hearts overflowing with joy and gratitude.  The final verse is an entire prayer, that our lives may be guided by Christ and that we will join Him in heaven "where (our lives) need to star to guide, where no clouds Thy glory hide." 

In 1860, "As with Gladness Men of Old" was first published (text only) in Hymns for Public Worship and Private Devotion. A year later, it was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern where it was matched by editor William Henry Monk (1823-1899) with a tune by German composer Conrad Kocher (1786-1872) written in 1838.  This tune, eventually named "Dix" because of its association with "As of Gladness Men of Old," was also paired around the same time with Folliott S. Pierpoint's hymn text "For the Beauty of the Earth." ("For the Beauty of the Earth" was featured as part of the September 20 Notes of Glory post).  If you know the melody to that hymn, you'll find it very easy to sing "As with Gladness, Men of Old" but if the tune is new to you, here's a video showing a the congregation of St. Mary le Tower Church in Ipswich, England singing this hymn with great enthusiasm.  

NoG · As With Gladness Men Of Old.WAV

As with gladness men of old
did the guiding star behold,
as with joy they hailed its light,
leading onward, beaming bright;
so, most gracious God, may we
evermore be led to thee.

As with joyful steps they sped,
Savior, to thy lowly bed,
there to bend the knee before
thee whom heav’n and earth adore;
so may we with willing feet
ever seek thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
at thy cradle rude and bare,
so may we with holy joy,
pure and free from sin’s alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to thee, our heav’nly king.

Holy Jesus, ev’ry day
keep us in the narrow way,
and, when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed souls at last
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds thy glory hide.

POSTLUDE

(to send you forth with joy!)

How Brightly Shines the Morning Star

Words and music by Philipp Nicolai, Translated by William Mercer.  Solo piano arrangement by Larry Shackley. 

Psalm 45:6

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.

Revelation 22:16

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

Jeremiah 33:14-16

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

_____________________________

We'll close today with one more hymn that has a long tradition of being sung during or after the Christmas season (at Epiphany). It clearly refers to Jesus as the Morning Star, as does Revelation 22:16 (shown above). What a wonderful way for us to start 2021: praising Christ, "thou victorious Prince of graces, filling all the heavenly places."  

'How Brightly Shines the Morning Star" (considered a "chorale" at the time of its composition) was written in 1597 by Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608), a German Luther pastor and poet.  Nicolai described the text as "a spiritual bridal song of the believing soul concerning Jesus Christ, her heavenly Bridegroom, founded on the 45th Psalm" and referred to Christ as "the Bridegroom, and the King of grace," reflecting the wedding theme of that psalm. This chorale subsequently inspired many other Reformation and post-Reformation-era musical compositions including a cantata by the same name by Johann Sebastian Bach. Nicolai's German text was further adapted by Johann Schlegel (1791-1823) and was translated to English by Catharine Winkworth (1827-1878) as well as byWilliam Mercer (1811-1873), whose translation is shown below.

Larry Shackley's piano arrangement of this hymn seems to begin with a bell- or chime-like effect in the treble part, calling our attention to behold the beauty of Christ, the Morning Star.  Listening to the music while reading Nicolai's text may be just what you need to ring in the New Year with a song in your soul!   

NoG · How Brightly Shines The Morning Star.WAV

How brightly shines the Morning Star!
The nations see and hail afar
the light in Judah shining.
Thou David's son of Jacob's race,
The Bridegroom, and the King of grace,
for thee our hearts are pining!
Lowly, holy, great and glorious,
thou victorious Prince of graces,
filling all the heavenly places!

Though circled by the hosts on high,
he deigns to cast a pitying eye
upon his helpless creature;
the whole creation’s Head and Lord,
by highest seraphim adored,
assumes our very nature.
Jesus, grant us, through thy merit,
to inherit thy salvation:
hear, O hear our supplication.

Rejoice, ye heav'ns; thou earth, reply;
with praise, ye sinners, fill the sky
for this his incarnation.
Incarnate God, put forth thy pow'r,
ride on, ride on, great Conqueror,
till all know thy salvation.
Amen, amen! Alleluya, alleluya!
Praise be given evermore by earth and heaven.

Here's a playlist with all the music featured on today's post.  Enjoy!

NoG · Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, January 3, 2021

Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, December 27, 2020

Glory to the Newborn King!

Yes, we celebrated Christmas yesterday.  

We celebrated the birth of our Savior with feasts, gifts, prayers, songs, and grateful hearts.  Many of you may be pulling down decorations today, finishing up holiday leftovers, and moving forward.

Here on "Notes of Glory" we're going to hit "pause" briefly and enjoy one more week of what some churches call the season of "Christmastide" which actually begins on Christmas Day!

Today, music will be featured which focuses on our response to the birth of Christ: our joy, our wonder, our awe. We give thanks for the gift of Jesus, and for the miracle of the Incarnation as we sing songs that convey our reactions and compel us to action--to share the Good News!  

If you are a first-time visitor, click here to find out the story of "Notes of Glory." (You will also find instructions here for listening to music using the SoundCloud windows).  

Here's an alphabetical list of all  "Notes of Glory" music with links so that you can revisit your favorite hymns/songs. 

Complete "Notes of Glory" Song List

PRELUDE

(to prepare you to worship with joy!)

What is this Lovely Fragrance?

(Quelle est cette odeur agréable?)

Traditional French carol. Arranged for solo piano by Larry Shackley

Isaiah 28:5

In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory,
and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people.

Revelation 22:16

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.

__________________________

"What is this lovely fragrance?" dates to 17th-century France. In this carol, as in the others featured today, Christ is (already) born: the lyrics are about how we (and various characters in the Nativity story) respond to that. The first two stanzas ask questions that are related to our senses. First, the shepherds are asked about the ravishingly beautiful fragrance that fills the air... not a typical question for rural shepherds caring for animals not known for their appealing smell!  The lovely fragrance is Christ, metaphorically described as "gentler than all the flow’rs of springtime, wafting from heav’n in sweet delight." In the second stanza, the sense of sight is summoned as questions are asked about the dazzling star that guided the Magi to Christ (who himself is the morning star, see Revelation 22:16). The third stanza answers the questions posed earlier by directing us toward "our Redeemer, Lord, and King." 

The traditional folk melody matched with this carol perfectly reflects the beauty of the lyrics, and Larry Shackley's arrangement for solo piano featured here is full of warmth and tenderness. 

NoG · What Is This Lovely Fragrance.WAV

Shepherds, what is this lovely fragrance,
Filling the air this wondrous night?
Gentler than all the flow’rs of springtime,
Wafting from heav’n in sweet delight.
Shepherds what is this lovely fragrance,
Filling the air this wondrous night?

What is this light, so clear so brilliant,
Filling the sky before our eyes?
Brighter than day a star is shining,
Ne’er have we seen such radiant skies!
What is this light, so clear so brilliant,
Filling the sky before our eyes?

In Bethlehem in lowly manger,
Lies our Redeemer, Lord, and King.
Come, let us hasten to adore Him,
And there to Him, our praises sing!
In Bethlehem in lowly manger,
Lies our Redeemer, Lord and King.

HYMNS TO SING WHEREVER YOU ARE

(transposed to easily singable keys!)

Go, Tell it on the Mountain

Traditional African-American Spiritual, Words adapted by John Wesley Work II

Isaiah 40:9-11

Go on up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good news;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good news;
lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Behold your God!”
Behold, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.

Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 2:15-20

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

____________________

The refrain of the great African-American spiritual "Go Tell it on the Mountain," echoing Isaiah 40 and recalling the Great Commission in Matthew 28, boldly tells us what to do with the news of Jesus's birth.  We're not to acknowledge it quietly and go on with business as usual. We're to share the Gospel, the Good News, "that God sent us salvation, that blessed Christmas morn," far and wide . . . "over the hills and everywhere."   

This spiritual which dates to at least 1865 (and perhaps earlier) was first notated and published by John Wesley Work II (1871-1925). Work served as the director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the pioneering vocal ensemble from Fisk University that first performed traditional African-American spirituals in concert here and abroad, bringing awareness of this vital musical form to the world. 

Here's a short video that provides more information about  "Go, Tell it on the Mountain."  

Here's Mahalia Jackson singing "Go, Tell it on the Mountain, and here is a version by the Staples Singers.   

Now: it's your turn to sing!

NoG · Go Tell It On The Mountain.WAV

Refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!

While shepherds kept their watching
o’er silent flocks by night,
behold throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. [Refrain]

The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo! above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]

Down in a lowly manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Words by Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliot, Music by Timothy R. Matthews

Matthew 8:20

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Luke 2:7
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Mark 13:26-27

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

John 14:2

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

____________________

Here's another hymn that focuses on Jesus's birth as having happened (the lyrics in the first four verses use the past tense) and then reminds us that this historical event should initiate a personal response now (the short refrain to each verse is in the present tense). In "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne," the Incarnation is not just a pretty story to ponder once a year, but invites us to open our hearts to Jesus each day, and to "make room" for him, welcoming Christ to sit not on the sidelines of our lives but on the very throne of our hearts. A wonderful aspect of this hymn is that the lyrics recall the Nativity and then recount Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and second coming.  From the very first line of  "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,"  Jesus's majesty is emphasized while being juxtaposed with his act of entering this world and suffering on our behalf.  He is not just a lowly babe in the manger, he is "Lord Jesus" with a "royal degree." Our King came to earth "with great humility," and left his "kingly crown," willingly taking up "a crown of thorn."  The final stanza points to Jesus's return, and our joy in being united with Him as believers. 

The author of these poignant lyrics was British hymn writer Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott (1836-1897), who was the daughter of an Anglican clergyman and niece of Charlotte Elliott, author of "Just As I Am." Emily Elliott wrote a number of hymn collections, including one titled "Under My Pillow" which was intended to comfort those who were ill or suffering. "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne"  (like another beloved Christmas hymn, "Once in Royal David's City") was originally written to teach children about the life of Christ and the significance of the Incarnation. The beautiful melody by English clergyman and organist Timothy Richard Matthews (1836-1897) was composed specifically for this text. 

If this hymn is new to you (and it may be!) you may enjoy hearing this recording by George Beverly Shea. As always, the sheet music and lyrics are posted below, and I've recorded a piano accompaniment (that should be in a comfortable key for you, hopefully!) to guide you through the singing of this hymn.  I hope you'll give this theologically rich and beautiful hymn it a try: perhaps it will become a new Christmastide favorite!

NoG · Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.WAV

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.

When the heavens shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee."
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.

There's a Song in the Air

Words by Josiah G. Holland, Music by Karl P. Harrington

Luke 2:10-14

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Philippians 2:5-11
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

________________________________

"There's a Song in the Air" was written in 1872 by American novelist, poet, and editor Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819-1881) and was published a collection of Sunday School songs titled The Brilliant.  Holland had a long and varied literary career, and he and his wife were friends and longtime correspondents with the poet Emily Dickinson.  As a result of Holland's multi-faceted presence in American literary life of the mid-1800s, this hymn has a definite historically poetic quality not unlike two other American Christmas hymns from this era, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." Although some of the language in "There's a Song in the Air" seems a bit unusual to us today (i.e. "the beautiful sing" does not refer to physical beauty but rather to the angels praising God, and, in the third verse, to those who realize Christ as Savior) and there is some romantic-era idealism ("every hearth is a-flame" is a longing for the realization of "every knee shall bow" as in Philippians 2:5-11), this hymn is still a lovely way to celebrate the ebullient joy we experience when recalling Christ's birth.  

If this hymn is new to you (and again, it might be!) give a listen to this recording of "There's a Song in the Air" by Dick Anthony's 16 Singing Men.   Then give this hymn a try!  

NoG · There's A Song In The Air.WAV

There's a song in the air!
There's a star in the sky!
There's a mother's deep prayer
and a baby's low cry!
And the star rains its fire
while the beautiful sing,
for the manger of Bethlehem
cradles a King!

There's a tumult of joy
o'er the wonderful birth,
for the virgin's sweet boy
is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire
while the beautiful sing,
for the manger of Bethlehem
cradles a King!

In the light of that star
lie the ages impearled;
and that song from afar
has swept over the world.
Every hearth is aflame,
and the beautiful sing
in the homes of the nations
that Jesus is King!

We rejoice in the light,
and we echo the song
that comes down through the night
from the heavenly throng.
Ay! we shout to the lovely
evangel they bring,
and we greet in his cradle
our Savior and King! 

POSTLUDE

(to help you go forth with joy!)

Jesus, Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child!

(Glory to the Newborn King)

Words and music by Margaret Wells Allison, arranged by Larry Shackley

Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

______________________

Although described often as a traditional spiritual, "Jesus! Oh What a Wonderful Child" (also often titled "Glory to the Newborn King" most likely was composed by Margaret Wells Allison (1921-2008), founder of the Angelic Gospel Singers.  (Here's an article that explores the history of this song in greater detail, and a recording of the Angelic Gospel Singers performing this song). 

The upbeat, joy-filled song tells us that "new life, new hope, new joy He brings."  Along with the angels, we cry out, "Glory, Glory, Glory to the newborn King." Composer and arranger Larry Shackley captures that joy in this gospel-inspired piano arrangement. 

NoG · Jesus! Oh What A Wonderful Child.WAV

Jesus, Jesus
Oh what a wonderful child 

Jesus, Jesus 

So lowly meek and mild 

New life, new hope, new joy He brings 

Won't you listen to the angels sing 

Glory, glory, glory 

To the newborn King

Here's a playlist with all the music featured on today's post!

NoG · Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, December 27, 2020