Amid all the holiday bustle, this week's reader's question helps put our focus on the reason for the Christmas season.
What is your favorite hymn?
Psalm 96:1 says, "Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth." With an abundance of contemporary Christian music being produced these days, we now have more beautiful songs than ever to sing to the Lord, but no matter how many new lyrics come along, I will always love traditional hymns.
Songs like "Amazing Grace," "It is Well with My Soul," and "How Great Thou Art" make me all teary-eyed and goose-bumpy for God. One hymn in particular has been my favorite since adolescence: "Because He Lives" by Bill and Gloria Gaither. I am hooked from the first verse:
"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!"
The chorus alone helps me get through whatever trials life throws my way.
"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!"
By now, this poignant hymn has grabbed my heart, and it gives another squeeze during the second verse. I often sang it while rocking my own babes.
"How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He lives!"
By the final verse, I'm breaking out the tissues:
"And then one day, I'll cross the 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!"
From birth to death and everything in between, this hymn reminds us we can endure it all "Because He Lives." No wonder it's my favorite!
Now it's YOUR turn. What hymn stirs your heart and soul? Help us sing to the Lord today by sharing your answer in the comment section below.
That's like picking your favorite child.
ReplyDeletePrecious Lord Take My Hand, Amazing Grace, Grace Greater Than Our Sin,Just As I Am,I could go on all day. Love the old hymns.
Wilma Metcalf
What a perfect comparison, Wilma. Thanks for making me smile! Perhaps compiling a list of our top 100 favorites would be a bit easier, huh?
ReplyDeleteI particularly love Elvis's version of "Precious Lord Take My Hand," and "Just As I Am" definitely makes my list of top favorites, too! Thanks for sharing some of your favorites with us.
In the Garden and Amazing Grace are my favorites but I truly love to sing them all.
ReplyDeleteBarb, thanks so much for stopping by. "In the Garden" is another great one! I love the traditional "Amazing Grace," too. I also love Chris Tomlin's contemporary version "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)." Thinking of all these hymns puts me in the mood for a good old-fashioned gospel sing. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed "How Great Thou Art" as sung by George Beverly Shea.
ReplyDeleteKaye Whitney
kayewhitney@bellsouth.net
Kaye, what a classic! I love Elvis's version, too. Definitely one of the best hymns of all times! Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDelete"All the Way My Savior Leads Me" is the one I turn to in times of trouble. It asks, "Can I doubt his tender mercy, who through life has been my guide?" and assures me with, "for I know whate'er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well." And then finally, "this my song, through endless ages, Jesus led me all the way!"
ReplyDeleteI love the classics like: Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross etc. They all touch my heart.
ReplyDeleteBless you and yours,
Wendy
Terrie, what powerful lyrics! I stand convicted because too often, I have tried to lead instead of follow, tried to handle situations my way--failing miserably, of course. Thanks for reminding me of this wonderful hymn!
ReplyDeleteWendy, looks like "Amazing Grace" has the most mentions so far. "The Old Rugged Cross" is a favorite of someone near and dear to my heart--another song that tops my list. Don't you just love belting out the chorus?
"So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown!"