Sunday, January 9, 2011

Baptism of Our Lord: He Would a New Life Give Us

The Sunday after January 6th is designated for the celebration of the Baptism of Our Lord and marks the start of a focus on the work of Christ on earth. Miracles are a common theme during the Epiphany Season, as well as other significant events in the earthly life of Jesus, culminating in His Transfiguration.

Martin Luther's hymn about this event is Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam. Common English titles include Lutheran Service Book's "To Jordan Came the Christ our Lord" (#406) and Cyber Hymnal's "To Jordan came our Lord the Christ" (see it here). The German text can be found here.

We also have JS Bach's Canata #7 based on this text and tune.

The Cyber Hymnal translation is below. There is a translation misstep in here, but that would be a topic for another post, or perhaps the comment section!

~~~~~


Buxtehude: BuxWV 180, Chorale Prelude
Gerard van Reenen, Cornet and Organ

~~~

Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam
Nach seines Vaters Willen,
Von Sanct Johann’s die Taufe nahm,
Sein Werk und Amt zu ’ rfüllen.
Da wollt’ er stiften uns ein Bad,
Zu waschen uns von Sünden,
Ersäufen auch den bittern Tod
Durch sein selbst Blut und Wunden,
Es galt ein neues Leben.


To Jordan came our Lord the Christ,
To do God’s pleasure willing,
And there was by Saint John baptized,
All righteousness fulfilling;
There did He consecrate a bath
To wash away transgression,
And quench the bitterness of death
By His own blood and passion;
He would a new life give us.


JS Bach: Cantata #7, Part I

~~~

So hört und merket alle wohl,
Was Gott heisst selbst die Taufe,
Und was ein Christen glauben soll,
Zu meiden Ketzer Haufen:
Gott spricht und will, das Wasser sei
Doch nicht allein schlecht Wasser,
Sein heilig’s Wort ist auch dabei
Mit reichem Geist ohn’ Massen,
Der ist allhie der Täufer.


So hear ye all, and well perceive
What God doth call baptism,
And what a Christian should believe
Who error shuns and schism:
That we should water use, the Lord
Declareth it His pleasure;
Not simple water, but the Word
And Spirit without measure;
He is the true Baptizer.


JS Bach: Cantata #7, Part II

~~~

Solch’s hat er uns beweiset klar,
Mit Bildern und mit Worten,
Des Vaters Stimm man offenbar
Daselbst am Jordan hörte.
Er sprach: das ist mein lieber Sohn,
An dem ich hab’ Gefallen,
Den will ich euch befohlen han,
Dass ihr ihn höret alle
Und folget seinen Lehren.


To show us this, He hath His Word
With signs and symbols given;
On Jordan’s banks was plainly heard
The Father’s voice from Heaven:
“This is My well-beloved Son,
In whom My soul delighteth;
Hear Him.” Yea, hear Him every one
Whom He Himself inviteth,
Hear and obey His teaching.


JS Bach: Cantata #7, Part III

~~~

Auch Gottes Sohn hie selber steht
In seiner zarten Menschheit,
Der heilig’ Geist hernieder fährt
In Taubenbild verkleidet;
Dass wir nicht sollen zweifeln d’ran,
Wenn wir getaufet werden,
All’ drei Person getaufet han,
Damit bei uns auf Erden
Zu wohnen sich ergeben.


In tender manhood Jesus straight
To holy Jordan wendeth;
The Holy Ghost from Heaven’s gate
In dovelike shape descendeth;
That thus the truth be not denied,
Nor should our faith e’er waver,
That the Three Persons all preside,
At baptism’s holy laver,
And dwell with the believer.


JS Bach: BWV 685 Chorale Prelude
from Clavier-Übung III

~~~

Sein’ Jünger heisst der Herre Christ:
Geht hin all’ Welt zu lehren,
Dass sie verlor’n in Sünden ist,
Sich soll zur Busse kehren;
Wer glaubet und sich taufen lässt,
Soll dadurch selig werden,
Ein neugeborner Mensch er heisst,
Der nicht mehr konne sterben,
Das Himmelreich soll erben.


Thus Jesus His disciples sent:
Go teach ye every nation,
That lost in sin they must repent;
And flee from condemnation:
He that believes and is baptized,
Obtains a mighty blessing;
A new-born man, no more he dies,
Eternal life possessing,
A joyful heir of Heaven.


Michael Praetorius: Cantata
Musica Fiata
La Capella Ducale
Roland Wilson, Conductor

~~~

Wer nicht glaubt dieser grossen G’nad,
Der bleibt in seinen Sünden,
Und ist verdammt zum ew’gen Tod
Tief in der Höllen Grunde,
Nichts hilst sein’ eigen’ Heiligkeit,
All’ sein Thun ist verloren.
Die Erbsünd’ macht’s zur Nichtigkeit,
Darin er ist geboren,
Vermag ihm selbst nichts helfen.


Who in this mercy hath not faith,
Nor aught therein discerneth,
Is yet in sin, condemned to death,
And fire that ever burneth;
His holiness avails him not,
Nor aught which he is doing;
His inborn sin brings all to naught,
And maketh sure his ruin;
Himself he cannot succor.


J Pachelbel: Chorale Prelude

~~~

Das Aug’ allein das Wasser seiht,
Wie Menschen Wasser giessen,
Der Glaub’ im Geist die Kraft versteht
Des Blutes Jesu Christi,
Und ist für ihm ein’ rothe Fluth
Von Christus Blut gefärbet,
Die allen Schaden heilen thut
Von Adam her geerbet,
Auch von uns selbst begangen.


The eye of sense alone is dim,
And nothing sees but water;
Faith sees Christ Jesus, and in Him
The Lamb ordained for slaughter;
She sees the cleansing fountain red
With the dear blood of Jesus,
Which from the sins inherited
From fallen Adam frees us,
And from our own misdoings.


JS Bach: BWV 684, Chorale Prelude
Hans-Andre Stamm, Organist

~~~~~

This hymn was featured last year at this time. Seven different videos are featured on seven different posts, starting with this one and progressing through the next 6 posts.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

The Epiphany of Our Lord: The Light in Judah Shining

The "Queen of the Chorales" is Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, or "How Lovely Shines the Morning Star." Both the original German text and the English versification are taken from The Cyber Hymnal. Other translations can be found at The Lutheran Hymnal #343 and Lutheran Service Book #395.

~~~~~


Setting by Johann Ludwig Krebs

~~~

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Voll Gnad und Wahrheit von dem Herrn,
Die süße Wurzel Jesse!
Du Sohn Davids aus Jakobs Stamm,
Mein König und mein Bräutigam,
Hast mir mein Herz besessen,
Lieblich, freundlich,
Schön und herrlich, groß und ehrlich,
Reich von Gaben,
Hoch und sehr prächtig erhaben!


How lovely shines the Morning Star!
The nations see and hail afar
The light in Judah shining.
Thou David’s Son of Jacob’s race,
My Bridegroom and my King of Grace,
For Thee my heart is pining.
Lowly, holy, great and glorious,
Thou victorious Prince of graces,
Filling all the heav’nly places.


Settings by JS Bach and Sigfrid Karg-Elert

~~~

Ei meine Perl’, du werte Kron,
Wahr’ Gottes und Mariens Sohn,
Ein hochgeborner König!
Mein Herz heißt dich ein Himmelsblum;
Dein süßes Evangelium
Ist lauter Milch und Honig.
Ei mein Blümlein,
Hosianna! Himmlisch Manna,
Das wir essen,
Deiner kann ich nicht vergessen!


O highest joy by mortals won,
True Son of God and Mary’s Son,
Thou highborn King of ages!
Thou art my heart’s most beauteous Flower,
And Thy blest Gospel’s saving power
My raptured soul engages.
Thou mine, I Thine; sing hosanna!
Heav’nly manna tasting, eating,
Whilst Thy love in songs repeating.


Description not available

~~~

Geuß sehr tief in das Herz hinein,
Du leuchtend Kleinod, edler Stein,
Mit deiner Liebe Flamme,
Daß ich, o Herr, ein Gliedmaß bleib
An deinem auserwählten Leib,
Ein Zweig an deinem Stamme.
Nach dir wallt mir,
Mei Gemüte,
Ewig Güte, bis es findet
Dich, des Liebe mich entzündet.


Now richly to my waiting heart,
O Thou, my God, deign to impart
The grace of love undying.
In Thy blest body let me be,
E’en as the branch is in the tree,
Thy life my life supplying.
Sighing, crying, for the savor
Of Thy favor; resting never
Till I rest in Thee forever.


Setting by JS Bach
St. James Cappella Magna
St. Ignatius in Rome

~~~

Von Gott kommt mir ein Freudenschein,
Wenn du mich mit den Augen dein
Gar freundlich tust anblicken.
O Herr Jesu, mein trautes Gut,
Dein Wort, dein Geist, dein Leib und Blut
Mich innerlich erquicken.
Nimm mich freundlich
In dein Arme, Herr erbarme
Dich in Gnaden;
Auf dein Wort komm ich geladen.


A pledge of peace from God I see
When Thy pure eyes are turned to me
To show me Thy good pleasure.
Jesus, Thy Spirit and Thy Word,
Thy body and Thy blood afford
My soul its dearest treasure.
Keep me kindly in Thy favor,
O my Savior! Thou wilt cheer me;
Thy Word calls me to draw near Thee.


A Family sings stanza 4
Von Gott Kommt...

~~~

Herr Gott Vater, mein starker Held,
Du hast mich ewig vor der Welt
In deinem Sohn geliebet.
Dein Sohn hat mich ihm selbst vertraut,
Er ist mein Schatz, ich seine Braut,
Drum mich auch nichts betrübet.
Eia, eia,
Himmlisch Leben wird er geben
Mir dort oben!
Ewig soll mein Herz ihn loben.


Thou, mighty Father, in Thy Son
Didst love me ere Thou hadst begun
This ancient world’s foundation.
Thy Son hath made a friend of me,
And when in spirit Him I see,
I joy in tribulation!
What bliss is this! He that liveth
To me giveth life forever;
Nothing me from Him can sever.


Setting by Michael Praetorius
Musica Fiata
La Capella Ducale
Roland Wilson, Director

~~~

Zwingt die Saiten in Cythara
Und laßt die süße Musika
Ganz freudenreich erschallen,
Daß ich möge mit Jesulein,
Dem wunderschönen Bräutgam mein,
In steter Liebe wallen!
Singet, springet,
Jubilieret, triumphieret,
Dankt dem Herren;
Groß ist der König der Ehren!


Lift up the voice and strike the string,
Let all glad sounds of music ring
In God’s high praises blended.
Christ will be with me all the way,
Today, tomorrow, every day,
Till traveling days be ended.
Sing out, ring out, triumph glorious,
O victorious, chosen nation;
Praise the God of your salvation.


Setting by Dietrich Buxtehude
Piet Kee, Organist
Schnitger organ of St. Laurenskerk (Alkmaar)

~~~

Wie bin ich doch so herzlich froh,
Daß mein Schatz ist das A und O.
Der Anfang und das Ende.
Er wird mich doch zu seinem Preis
Aufnehmen in das Paradeis;
Des klopf ich in die Hände.
Amen, Amen,
Komm, du schöne Freudenkrone,
Bleib nicht lange,
Deiner wart’ ich mit Verlangen


Oh, joy to know that Thou, my Friend,
Art Lord, Beginning without end,
The First and Last, eternal!
And Thou at length—O glorious grace!—
Wilt take me to that holy place,
The home of joys supernal.
Amen, Amen! Come and meet me!
Quickly greet me! With deep yearning
Lord, I look for Thy returning.


Setting by JS Bach
Wiener Sangerknaben
Chorus Viennensis

~~~~~

Don't forget to check out Lutheran Time Out's broadcast of this hymn. You can listen to it here and check out the text and tune from The Lutheran Hymnal here. Each Thursday Lutheran Time Out posts a Scripture reading, hymn, and a reading from a commentary. New posts go up shortly at around 12:15 pm ET.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas: GO, TELL IT!

Yesterday's post ended with the ancient hymn "Of the Father's Love Begotten" combined with the South African Freedom Song Thula sizwe. You can hear the full work at the end of yesterday's post, but here is an excerpt of the work.


Sean Ivory and Paul Caldwell: Hope for Resolution
[Of the Father's Love Begotten
with Thula sizwe,
a South African Freedom Song]
Georgetown University Concert Choir

~~~~~

If you've followed this blog for awhile you probably know that I serve an urban congregation in Chicago. One carol that is an absolute must this time of year is "Go, Tell It on the Mountain."

The tune plus text of the refrain comes from the African-American tradition, while the text of the stanzas comes from an African-American educator named John Wesley Work, Jr. Work taught Latin and Greek at Fisk University and eventually chaired the department. He is possibly the first African-American to gather spirituals and publish them.

There is a variation going on with the refrain. Most editions end the refrain with "...that Jesus Christ is born." Some editions end the refrain with, "...that Jesus Christ was born." The latter usage kind of leaves Jesus back in the manger. The former usage brings Jesus to the present, and opens the door to a discussion of how Jesus comes to us today. All that said, my favorite arrangement is the final video below, and they are using the latter with an alternate text and counter-melody for the stanzas. The video appears to be at the close of a Christmas Vespers service.

~~~~~


The Blind Boys of Alabama

~~~

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.


Kurt Franklin: Go Tell It on the Mountain
The Second Bethlehem B.C. Mass Choir
Krystal Johnson, Lead Vocalist

~~~

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.


The shepherds feared and trembled,
When lo! above the earth,
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed the Savior’s birth.


This a wonderful arrangement
Both the composer and the group are unknown

~~~


Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.


Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessèd Christmas morn.

~~~


The Ambassadors of Harmony Double Quartet
First Baptist Church, St. Charles, Missouri

~~~

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.



"Go Tell it on the Mountain" with "Mary Had a Little Baby"
Arrangement by Bruce Thompson
The Choir of Jane M. Smith Memorial Church

~~~~~

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas: This is He whom Seers in Old Time

A few years back I attended Music of the Baroque's "Holiday" concert. It featured music from the Renaissance and earlier. These early Christian texts were far more focused on the incarnation, "the Word Became flesh," than they were on the story of a baby in a manger.

Corde natus ex parentis, or "Of the Father's Love Begotten" was written in the 5th century by Au­rel­i­us Pru­den­ti­us. Rather than focusing on the historical account, Prudentius gives us details on the means and purpose and background of the Messiah's coming.

Since there are more verses than are found in most hymnals, the English and Latin texts are taken from the original Cyber Hymnal, now found at www.hymntime.com. The English text has the addition of "evermore and evermore" at the end of each stanza, so the Latin phrase, "saeculorum saeculis" has been added below.

If you listen to just one of these settings, take the last one, which combines the ancient chant with a modern South African freedom song.

~~~~~


Fred Gramann: Change Ring Prelude on Divinum Mysterium
Back Bay Ringers

~~~

Corde natus ex parentis
Ante mundi exordium
A et O cognominatus,
Ipse fons et clausula
Omnium quae sunt, fuerunt,
Quaeque post futura sunt,
Saeculorum saeculis.


Of the Father’s love begotten,
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore!


Paul Wohlgemuth: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Baylor University Combined Choirs

~~~

Ipse iussit et creata,
Dixit ipse et facta sunt,
Terra, caelum, fossa ponti,
Trina rerum machina,
Quaeque in his vigent sub alto
Solis et lunae globo,
Saeculorum saeculis.


At His Word the worlds were framèd;
He commanded; it was done:
Heaven and earth and depths of ocean
in their threefold order one;
All that grows beneath the shining
Of the moon and burning sun,
Evermore and evermore!


Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Musaic

~~~

Corporis formam caduci,
Membra morti obnoxia
Induit, ne gens periret
Primoplasti ex germine,
Merserat quem lex profundo
Noxialis tartaro,
Saeculorum saeculis.


He is found in human fashion,
Death and sorrow here to know,
That the race of Adam’s children
Doomed by law to endless woe,
May not henceforth die and perish
In the dreadful gulf below
Evermore and evermore!


"BrotherAlphonsusMary" sings without accompaniment

~~~

O beatus ortus ille,
Virgo cum puerpera
Edidit nostram salutem,
Feta Sancto Spiritu,
Et puer redemptor orbis
Os sacratum protulit,
Saeculorum saeculis.


O that birth forever blessèd,
When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bare the Savior of our race;
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face,
Evermore and evermore!


Wilbur Held: Divinum Mysterium
"Heavyvoxes"

~~~

Psallat altitudo caeli,
Psallite omnes angeli,
Quidquid est virtutis usquam
Psallat in laudem Dei,
Nulla linguarum silescat,
Vox et omnis consonet,
Saeculorum saeculis.


This is He whom seers in old time
Chanted of with one accord;
Whom the voices of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word;
Now He shines, the long expected,
Let creation praise its Lord,
Evermore and evermore!


Justin Merritt: Corde Natus ex Parentis
Arizona State Symphonic Choir

~~~

Ecce, quem vates vetustis
Concinebant saeculis,
Quem prophetarum fideles
Paginae spoponderant,
Emicat promissus olim;
Cuncta conlaudent eum,
Saeculorum saeculis.


O ye heights of heaven adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him,
And extol our God and King!
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert sing,
Evermore and evermore!


Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
The Sons of Orpheus

~~~

Macte iudex mortuorum,
Macte rex viventium,
Dexter in Parentis arce
Qui cluis virtutibus,
Omnium venturus inde
Iustus ultor criminum,
Saeculorum saeculis.


Righteous judge of souls departed,
Righteous King of them that live,
On the Father’s throne exalted
None in might with Thee may strive;
Who at last in vengeance coming
Sinners from Thy face shalt drive,
Evermore and evermore!


Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Santa Barbara High School Madrigals

~~~

Te senes et te iuventus,
Parvulorum te chorus,
Turba matrum, virginumque,
Simplices puellulae,
Voce concordes pudicis
Perstrepant concentibus,
Saeculorum saeculis.


Thee let old men, thee let young men,
Thee let boys in chorus sing;
Matrons, virgins, little maidens,
With glad voices answering:
Let their guileless songs re-echo,
And the heart its music bring,
Evermore and evermore!


Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Cool Springs Symphony

~~~

Tibi, Christe, sit cum Patre
Hagioque Pneumate
Hymnus, decus, laus perennis,
Gratiarum actio,
Honor, virtus, victoria,
Regnum aeternaliter,
Saeculorum saeculis.


Christ, to Thee with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving,
And unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory,
Evermore and evermore!


Sean Ivory and Paul Caldwell: Hope for Resolution
[Of the Father's Love Begotten
with Thula sizwe,
a South African Freedom Song]
Lutheran Youth Choir of North America

~~~~~

Monday, January 3, 2011

On the Tenth Day of Christmas: We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth

The Hymn of the Day for Christmas Day is LSB 382, "We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth." Not your typical Christmas carol, the text comes from Martin Luther and the tune from a publication in Erfurt in 1524.

Many carols come from the folk tradition. They often confuse the star with the shepherds or the angels with the wise men. They place the birth of Jesus in snow-covered Bethlehem. BTW, the 5-day forecast for Bethlehem shows highs in the mid 60's and lows in the mid 40's. It is possible for Bethlehem to get snow (rare-but possible) but Scripture does not tell us this.

Once in awhile, a carol comes along that is chock full of theology. Luther does not disappoint on this front! Below is the translation that is in public domain. Check out Lutheran Service Book #382 for an alternate translation.

The recordings that include the lyrics are in German. It should be noted that the final phrase in the German isn't "Hallelujah" but Kyrieleis. Short for the Greek phrase, Kyrie eleison, the meaning is "Lord, have mercy." This changes the tone of the hymn. The proper translation is placed in brackets after each verse.


Georg Böhm: Choral Partita, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Simone Stella, organist

~~~

O Jesu Christ, all praise to Thee,
Who art pleased a Man to be;
The virgin’s womb Thou dost not scorn,
And angels shout to see Thee born.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


Dietrich Buxtehude: BuxWV 188, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Christoph Claus, organist

~~~

The eternal Father’s only Son
Takes a manger for His throne;
The everlasting fount of good,
Assumes our mortal flesh and blood.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


Michael Praetorius: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Performers are not known

~~~

The first of all in earth or skies
Now in Mary’s bosom lies;
To be a little child He deigns,
Who all things by Himself sustains.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


Various Composers: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Giovanni Vianini, organist

~~~

The eternal Light to us descends,
And to earth its brightness lends;
Purely it shines upon our night,
To make us children of the light.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


JS Bach: BWV 91, Nr. 6, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Recital das Classes de Canto Coral 2009/II
do curso de Música da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

~~~

The only Son, true God confessed,
Comes to His own world a guest;
And through this vale of tears our Guide,
Doth in His Heaven our home provide.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


Melchior Schärer (circa 1600): Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Der Singkreis Zell am See
Rainer Straub conducting

~~~

In poorest guise to us He came,
Taking all our sin and shame,
That, as His heirs in Heaven above,
We may with angels share His love.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


JS Bach: BWV 248(?) Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Der Bachchor Siegen mit Bachorchester Siegen
Ulrich Stötzel

~~~

His love to show, surpassing thought!
He this wondrous work hath wrought;
Then let us all unite to raise
Our song of glad unceasing praise.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


JS Bach: BWV 604, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Tien-Ming PAN, Organist

~~~~~

Sunday, January 2, 2011

On the Ninth Day of Christmas: Be Near Me, Lord Jesus


Philharmonia Orchestra, UK

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lays down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky look down where he lay;
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.


St. John's College Choir

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes;
I love Thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And say by my side until morning is nigh.


King's College Choir

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.


Anthony Deaton, guitar

Saturday, January 1, 2011

On the Eighth Day of Christmas: How Sweet the Name!

The Eighth Day of a boy's life in ancient Jewish life was marked by his circumcision and naming. The Church celebrates this event in Jesus life on January 1 (eight days after she celebrates His birth).

"How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" was written by John Newton. You might know him as the man who wrote Amazing Grace. Lutheran Service Book and its predecessor hymnals pair this text with the tune "Saint Peter." A quick youtube search reveals other tunes have been paired to this text throughout the years.


Tune: St. Peter

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.


Tune: St. Peter

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.


Tune: St. Peter

Dear Name, the Rock on which I build,
My Shield and Hiding Place,
My never failing treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace!


Tune: Shape Note Melody

By Thee my prayers acceptance gain,
Although with sin defiled;
Satan accuses me in vain,
And I am owned a child.


Tune: Edelweiss
[Yes, that "Edelweiss"]

Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
O Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.


Tune: St. Peter

Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.


Tune: Shape Note Melody

Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath,
And may the music of Thy Name
Refresh my soul in death!


Tune: St. Peter