Hymns for the Christian Life: Hymns on Ecclesiology
It is relatively easy to find hymns to sing during the two beloved times of the Christian calendar: Lent and Advent. I have written many posts on hymns for these…
Jesu Juva and Soli Deo Gloria: J.S. Bach’s Bookends to his Masterful Compositions
The name Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) surely rings a bell with most of us. Even if you never studied music professionally, I would venture to guess that you are aware…
Beyond Style: Why Young and Old Need Historic Hymns
Over the past few weeks, as I have read from - and listened to - my normal pool of both living and dead theologians, I have noticed a common denominator:…
The Pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and…Beauty? Suggested Reading on Arts and the Christian Life
When someone mentions “the arts,” what do you think of? I believe a typical picture includes an “anything goes” attitude, whether in the artist’s lifestyle or in the art’s production…
A Woman’s Prayer
God make my life a little light, a little flower, a little song, a little staff, and a little hymn...Matilda edwards Matilda Edwards (1836-1919) wrote a beautiful little poem titled,…
Recommended Reading in Worship History
As I am preparing for comprehensive exams, I am constantly reading. Some of these books are new to me, and some I am re-reading books from previous seminars. In an…
The First Hymn of Christmas
One of the reasons I love Christmas is because I get to sing some of my favorite hymns. The triumphant "Joy to the World," where we praise Jesus’ coming to…
Christina Rossetti’s Carols of Christmas
When people ask what my favorite hymn or Christmas carol is, I tend to chuckle and say it depends on the day! There are many wonderful hymns and it is…
Worshiping as a Family during Advent
See amid the winter's snowborn for us on earth below,see the tender Lamb appears,promised from eternal years.Edward Caswall, 1858 I am incredibly thankful that God gives us the season of…
Charismatic Worship in Evangelical Churches
As I have visited in person a handful of evangelical churches in the past couple of years, and watched many more online, I have become deeply concerned about the future…