Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, April 4, 2021 (Easter Sunday)

 
He is Risen, Indeed!

Hear the good news:

Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 

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Happy Easter! May the scripture and music shared here help you to worship Christ, our resurrected and victorious Savior!

PRELUDE
to help you prepare your heart to worship

Thine Be the Glory

Words by Edmund Budry, translated by Richard Birch Hoyle, Music by George Frideric Handel, arranged for solo piano by James Koerts

Hebrews 2:9
But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

1 Peter 1:20-21

He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Thine be the glory, risen, conqu'ring Son:
endless is the vict'ry thou o’er death hast won;
angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.

Refrain:
Thine be the glory, risen, conqu'ring Son;
endless is the vict'ry thou o’er death hast won.

Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom;
let the church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing,
for her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting. [Refrain]

No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life;
life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife;
make us more than conqu'rors, thro' thy deathless love:
bring us safe thro' Jordan to thy home above. [Refrain]

HMNS/SONGS FOR ANYWHERE WORSHIP

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Words by Charles Wesley, EASTER HYMN tune (from Lyra Davidica, 1708)

1 Corinthians 15:50-56
I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Low In The Grave He Lay (Up from the Grave He Arose)

Words and music by Robert Lowry

John 20:1-18

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

 

Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain:
Up from the grave he arose;
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior,
vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

[Refrain]

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! 

[Refrain]

He Lives! (I Serve a Risen Savior)

Words by Homer Rodeheaver, Music by Alfred H. Ackley

Luke 24:1-8

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words,  and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.

Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

CCLI Song # 17597

Alfred Henry Ackley
© Words: 1933 Homer A. Rodeheaver. Renewed 1961 Curb Word Music (Admin. by WC Music Corp.)
Music: 1933 Homer A. Rodeheaver. Renewed 1961 Curb Word Music (Admin. by WC Music Corp.)

For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com

CCLI License # 419384

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He's always near

Refrain
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart

In all the world around me I see His loving care
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair
I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast
The day of His appearing will come at last

Refrain

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find
None other is so loving, so good and kind

Refrain

Because He Lives

Words by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Music by Bill Gaither 

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

CCLI Song # 16880

Gloria Gaither | William J. Gaither

• © 1971 Hanna Street Music (Admin. by Gaither Copyright Management)

For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com

CCLI License # 419384

God sent His Son
They called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives

And then one day
I'll cross that river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then as death gives way to vict'ry
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know he lives

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives

POSTLUDE
to send you forth with joy!

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

Words and Music by Robert Lowry.  Arrangement for solo piano by James Koerts

Ephesians 1:3-10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Hebrews 9:11-14
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

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:
O 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]

In Remembrance: Scripture Readings and Songs for Good Friday

 (This post was originally shared on Good Friday, 2020). 

Pause. Reflect. Meditate. Remember.

Here is a simple alternation of song, Scripture and historic art that tells the story of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior on the cross on our behalf.  May this time of reflection and commemoration help you to draw nearer to Jesus Christ as you contemplate His amazing love for you. 

Some of this music may be familiar to you, and some songs may be new to you.  Even if you don't know a particular song well, you can read and meditate on the words while the music plays.

You can also read the extended account of Christ's Passion in the four gospels: Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 13-21 (information on the differences between the four Biblical accounts can be found here).

Many thanks to Dr. Larry Birch for assisting with this post. 

PRELUDE

to help you prepare to worship

Christ Washing The Disciples' Feet (Jan Lievens, ca. 1630-35). Public domain

Ah, Holy Jesus

Words by Johann Heermann, translated by Robert Bridges. Music by Johann Crüger, arranged for solo piano by Gilbert Martin.

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended,
That we to judge thee have in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by thine own rejected,
O most afflicted!

Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone thee!
'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee;
I crucified thee."

Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered.
For our atonement, while we nothing heeded,
God interceded.

For me, kind Jesus, was thy incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and thy life's oblation;
Thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion,
For my salvation.

Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee,
I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee,
Think on thy pity and thy love unswerving,
Not my deserving.

SCRIPTURE READINGS AND SONGS

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Words by Elizabeth Clephane, Music by Frederick C. Maker

Beneath the cross of Jesus

I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty Rock
within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat
and the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me:
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess,
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than
the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by,
to know no gain nor loss;
my sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.

Prophecy: Isaiah 53:1-3

Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Gospel: Matthew 26:19-30

The disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” . . . Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

"The Last Supper" (German or South Netherlandish, ca. 1500-1530) Public domain

Go to Dark Gethsemane

Words by James Montgomery, music by Richard Redhead

Go to dark Gethsemane,
You who feel the tempter's pow'r;
Your Redeemer's conflict see;
Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

Follow to the judgment hall;
View the Lord of life arraigned;
O the worm-wood and the gall!
O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suff'ring, shame, or loss;
Learn of Him to bear the cross.

Calv'ry's mournful mountain climb
There' adoring at His feet,
Mark the miracle of time,
God's own sacrifice complete:
"It is finished!" Hear the cry;
Learn of Jesus Christ to die.

Prophecy: Psalm 22: 1-2, 11

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

Gospel: Matthew 26: 36-46

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

The Agony in the Garden (Raphael, ca. 1504). Public domain

Man of Sorrows! What a name

Words and music by Phillip P. Bliss

Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
in my place condemned he stood,
sealed my pardon with his blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Guilty, helpless, lost were we;
blameless Lamb of God was he,
sacrificed to set us free:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

He was lifted up to die;
"It is finished" was his cry;
now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

When he comes, our glorious King,
all his ransomed home to bring,
then anew this song we'll sing:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Prophecy: Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

Gospel: Matthew 26:57-68; 27:11-14

Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. . . . The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. . . . Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer?” . . . But Jesus remained silent.

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,” they answered.

Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.

Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

Christ with Pilate (Dominique Papety, ca. 1835-1849). Public domain

Christ Presented to the People (Rembrandt van Rijn, 1655). Public domain

Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed 

Words by Isaac Watts, Music by Hugh Wilson, arranged by Robert Smith

Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
and did my Sovereign die!
Would he devote that sacred head
for sinners such as I?

Was it for crimes that I have done,
he groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide,
and shut its glories in,
when God, the mighty maker, died
for his own creature's sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
while his dear cross appears;
dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
and melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of tears can ne'er repay
the debt of love I owe.
Here, Lord, I give myself away;
'tis all that I can do.

Prophecy: Psalm 22:14-18 

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me.
My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.
All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.

Gospel: Matthew 27:27-42

Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.  They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him:THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself!

Christ Carrying the Cross. (Sebastiano del Piombo, ca. 1515/1517)

Crucifixion (Anonymous Italian, 1541). Public domain

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Words by Isaac Watts, "Hamburg" hymn tune based on Gregorian chant, arranged by Lowell Mason

 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 through 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?

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.

Gospel: Matthew 27:45-54

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. . . . When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

The Crucifixion (Pedro Orrente, ca. 1625-30). Public domain

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

Words: Paul Gerhardt (translated from original 12th C. Latin), English translation by James W. Alexander.  Music: Hans Leo Hassler, arranged by Johann Sebastian Bach

 O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down;
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory,
what bliss 'til now was thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call thee mine.

What thou, my Lord, hast suffered
was all for sinners' gain:
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place;
look on me with thy favor,
vouchsafe to me thy grace.

What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest Friend,
for this, thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
O make me thine forever;
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love to thee.

Gospel: Matthew 27:57-60

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

The Burial of Christ (Annibale Carracci, 1595). Public domain

Were You There?

Traditional African-American spiritual

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

POSTLUDE

(A final moment for quiet reflection)

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

Words and Music by Stuart Townend.  Arranged for solo piano by Mark Hayes

How deep the Father’s love for us,

How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.

Music for Anywhere Worship: March 28, 2021 (Palm Sunday)

Today we will commemorate Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem by singing songs and reading scripture (from all four gospels) that recall that event. 

PRELUDE

(to help you prepare to worship)

The Palms ("Les Rameaux")

Words and music by Jean-Baptiste Faure, translated by Theodore T. Barker. 

John 12:12-19

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

“Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey's colt!”

His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

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French operatic baritone and composer Jean-Baptiste Faure (1830-1914) was best known for his long tenure on the stages of European opera houses, particularly the Paris Opera.  He also shared his expertise with voice students as a teacher at the Paris Conservatory and as the author of several books about vocal technique.  Faure also enjoyed composing and created several important sacred vocal works including "Crucifixus" in 1873 and "Les Rameaux" (The Palms) in 1864.  The latter was recorded by famed Italian tenor Enrico Caruso in 1913, a year before Faure's death at the dawn of WWI. "The Palms" depicts Christ's entry into Jerusalem and explains how Jesus came to "wipe our tears away" and  to "bring us salvation," and how his sacrifice and resurrection grants believers "their freedom...from degradation."  

On a personal note, "The Palms" was always played with great nobility as an organ prelude (or postlude) each Palm Sunday morning at the church I grew up attending. The gifted organist who shared this lovely music with our congregation, Janet Kaizer, became my church music mentor and teacher. She was a brilliant pianist, organist, and educator who generously and patiently trained me to become a church keyboardist.  I think of her so often with tremendous gratitude, but especially remember her each year on Palm Sunday, as I reflect on the annual blessing of her glorious rendition of "The Palms." A few years ago I was able to find a solo piano version of this work and am pleased to share it here today on Notes of Glory, in loving memory of my dear teacher and friend, Janet Kaizer. 

GloryNotes · The Palms.WAV

O'er all the way green palms and blossoms gay
Are strewn this day in festive preparation,
Where Jesus comes, to wipe our tears away,
E'en now the throng to welcome Him prepare.

Refrain:
Join all and sing His name declare,
Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation,
Hosanna! Praised be the Lord!
Bless Him, who cometh to bring us salvation!

His word goes forth, and people by its might
Once more their freedom gain from degradation,
Humanity doth give to each his right,
While those in darkness find restored the light. [Refrain]

Sing and rejoice, O blest Jerusalem,
Of all thy sons sing the emancipation,
Thro’ boundless love, the Christ of Bethlehem
Brings faith the hope to thee forevermore. [Refrain]

HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING ANYWHERE

(transposed to easily singable keys!)

All Glory, Laud and Honor

Words by Theodulf of Orléans, translated by John Mason Neale.  Music by Melchior Teschner

Luke 19:28-38

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

1 Timothy 1:17

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 5:11-12

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!”

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Dating from c. 820, "All Glory, Laud and Honor" is another historic Christian hymn that still sounds fresh and dynamic each Palm Sunday when it makes an appearance in church services around the world.  This text of this magnificent hymn of praise was written by Theodulf, Bishop of Orléans (c. 750/60-821) who was a writer, poet, and prominent theologian in the court of Charlemagne. Theodulf was also a reformer who encouraged the building of many public schools, but fell out of favor with Charlemagne's son Louis, was accused of treason, and was imprisoned in Angers, France. The bright, joyful hymn "All Glory, Laud and Honor" (originally "Gloria, laus et honor" in Latin) came out of this dark period in Theodulf's life: he wrote it while impisoned. 

Theodulph's Latin hymn (originally 39 verses long!) was translated to Middle English by friar, poet, and scholar William Herebert.  The first line in that version read: "Wele, herying and worshipe be to Christ that dere ous boughte,/ To wham gradden 'Osanna' children clene of thoughte."  In 1851 renowned British translator John Mason Neale (1818-1866) created a modern English version which was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861.  The tune that is most associated with "All Glory, Laud and Honor" was composed in 1613 by German cantor, composer and theologian Melchior Teschner (1584-1635).  If this hymn is new to you, here's a recording from the King's College, Cambridge 2013 Easter service that will help you become familiar with the melody so that you can sing it yourself. 

GloryNotes · All Glory, Laud And Honor 2021.WAV

All glory, laud, and honor
to you, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David's royal Son,
now in the Lord's name coming,
the King and Blessed One.

The company of angels
is praising you on high;
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before you went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we present.

To you before your passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to you, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.
As you received their praises,
accept the prayers we bring,
for you delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Words by Jenette Threlfall, "Ellacombe" hymn tune (Gesangbuch der Herzogl, Hofkapelle, Würtemberg)

Matthew 19:13-15

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away

Matthew 21:1-11
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”  And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

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English writer and poet Jennette Threlfall (1821-1880) dealt with challenging circumstances throughout her life: she was orphaned at a young age, and became an invalid after two traumatic accidents.  According to John Julian in the Dictionary of Hymnology (1907), "she bore her long slow sufferings brightly, and to the end retained a gentle, loving, sympathetic heart, and always a pleasant word and smile, forgetful of herself. Throughout she was a great reader, and at 'idle moments' threw off with ease her sacred poems and hymns." In 1873 a collection of her sacred and secular poems was published titled Sunshine and Shadow, which contained the poem "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna." In the book's preface, Threlfall stated, "the title of this volume has been chosen to illustrate the varied character of its contents. Some of the pieces have been written especially for children, others for those upon whom life's shadows have fallen. The author's wish for all is that they may possess that Sunshine which brings no shadow with it."  In "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" Threlfall depicts the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem and urges us to "ever praise him with heart and life and voice."

"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" was first paired with the majestic German tune "Ellacombe" in the 1898 edition of the Scottish Church Hymnary.  If  this hymn is new to you, here's a recording featuring the Harry Simeone Chorale (with brass orchestra) that will help you to get a feel for the melody before giving this traditional Palm Sunday song a try with your own "set of pipes!"

GloryNotes · Hosanna, Loud Hosanna 2021.WAV

Hosanna, loud hosanna
the little children sang;
through pillared court and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them,
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.

"Hosanna in the highest!"
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice. 

Ride On! Ride On in Majesty

Jerusalem, Israel. Photo by Benjamin Grull

Words by Henry Hart Milman. "Winchester New" hymn tune, edited by William Havergal

Mark 11:1-11
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

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While "All Glory, Laud and Honor" and "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" are well-known Palm Sunday hymns, there is another hymn worth exploring which used to be a regular feature of  many Palm Sunday services. "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty," still included in many hymnals, was composed in 1820 by British historian, poet and dramatist Henry Hart Milman (1791-1866). Milman had a brilliant academic career: he graduated from Eton College and Oxford University and later was appointed professor of poetry at Oxford. He also served as Rector of St Margaret's, Westminster, and Canon of Westminster, and in 1849 he became Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London (Milman also wrote a history of St. Paul's Cathedral, and was buried there).

In 1827, English bishop and hymn writer Reginald Heber (1783-1826) included Milman's "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty" in his book Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Church Service of the Year. (Heber wrote the hymns  "Holy, Holy, Holy" "Brightest and Best" and many others).  By 1897, according to the Dictionary of Hymnology, "Ride On!" was the most widely sung Palm Sunday hymn in the English language. 

Carol A. Doran, in the The Hymnal 1982 Companion (as cited on Hymnology Archive) describes how Heny Milman expresses both the joy of the triumphant entry while also foreshadowing the events to come in the lyrics for "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty."

The sense that Jesus is riding into Jerusalem to face His last and most terrible ordeal is very strong: and our foreknowledge of what is going to happen gives a powerful and complex significance to the event itself. Milman exploits this brilliantly, especially in the third verse, where the angels, unable to alter the course of events, look on in wonder and sorrow.

"Ride On!" has been sung with many different tunes. Today we'll be singing it with "Winchester New," a melody that first appeared in a German hymnal in 1690. William Henry Havergal (1793-1870) (father of  hymnwriter Frances Havergal, who authored "Take My Life and Let it Be") further arranged the melody into its current form, which appeared in his collection Old Church Psalmody in 1847. 

If this hymn is new to you (and it very likely may be!), you may enjoy this recording/video showing the congregation and brass ensemble of St. Mary-Le-Tower Church in Ipswich, England singing "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!"  Listen if you'd like, then come on back here and give this classic hymn a try!

GloryNotes · Ride On, Ride On In Majesty.WAV

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hark! all the tribes hosanna cry;
O Savior meek, pursue your road
with palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die:
O Christ, your triumphs now begin
o'er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The winged squadrons of the sky
look down with sad and wond'ring eyes
to see th'approaching sacrifice.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Your last and fiercest strife is nigh;
the Father on his sapphire throne
expects his own anointed Son.

 Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
bow your meek head to mortal pain,
then take, O God, your pow'r and reign.

POSTLUDE

(to send you forth in joy!)

Along the King's Highway

Piano solo by Lani Smith

The title of this short piano work invites the listener to imagine the road to Jerusalem, and the music, set in a minor key, conveys a strong sense of purpose and rhythmic vitality but also has depth and complexity.  Feel free to read any of the four gospel accounts of Christ's entry into Jerusalem, shared above, as you listen to "Along the King's Highway." 

GloryNotes · Along The King's Highway.WAV

Here is a playlist featuring all the music from today's post.

GloryNotes · Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, March 28, 2021 (Palm Sunday)