1. Be still my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief of pain.
Leave to they God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still my, soul: they best, they heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
The hymn for this Saturday is "Be Still My Soul." It was written in 1752 by Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel. As you can probably tell by the name the hymn was originally in German, titled "Stille meine Wille, dein Jesus hilft seigen." According to this website, of the 29 hymns she wrote, this is the only one that is translated into English and remains in common use. Maybe I should dust off my German and try the rest? It would be an interesting project.
2. Be still, my soul: they God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
They hope, the confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know \
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
The tune is "Finlandia Hymn." This hymn is a section of a patriotic poem written by Jean Sibelius, who later decided the hymn would be a good stand alone piece. The tune is still a national song of Finland, though the actual anthem is Maamme. It's okay though, Wales uses the tune for A Prayer for Wales, which is their national anthem. The tune is used for at least six Christian hymns, so it may pop-up again before year's end.
3. Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His Heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and they fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
By this point, I've listened to this hymn five times today. That may be a little excessive, but the more I listen to it the more I like it. We live in a world that always wants to amp things up. Our news is sensational (not in the good sense), our commercials are constant, and everything has to be awesome or bacon or both. It even infiltrates our worship. I remember worshiping in church where I was pretty sure the guitar solo was something I heard before. A friend pointed out it was from "Have A Cigar" by Pink Floyd. Worship is really hard when thinking about how "Wish You Were Here" compares to "Dark Side of the Moon." Worship doesn't need to be turned up using the golden age of rock and roll; doing so obscures who Christ is and what He's done for us.
4. Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
One thing "Be still my Soul" does well is build each verse. I need comfort from the Lord. When I look elsewhere, I find it sorely lacking. I love that Katharina begins the hymn with reminding the singer that the Lord is on their side. That is why we can be still. That is why we need not be anxious. Here in verse four, I really enjoy the contrast of being still because the hour is hastening. We are moving closer and closer to the Lord each passing day. We are progressing to the moment in which "disappointment, grief, and fear are gone. Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored." I really look forward to that day.
5. Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy works and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
My late grandmother had Scripture for every occasion (It's a good practice). One of her favorites was "Be still and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). The verse continues, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This hymn captures that verse well. The fifth verse calls for the earth to exalt the Lord. This is why we should be still. We know that the Lord will reign eternally and bring peace. Now this heavenly reign may cause us to kneel in tears or jump with joy or dance in celebration, but to our souls it brings us peace and stills the turbulence that life brings to our hearts. Our brokenness will be corrected in eternal glory. Praise the Lord.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
A Different Tradition
The Lord Whom the seraphs fear to look at,
The same you behold in bread and wine on the altar.
The lightning clothed hosts are burned if they see Him in His brilliance.
Yet the contemptible dust partakes of Him with confidence.
The Son's Mysteries are fire among the heavenly beings,
Isaiah bears witness with us to have seen them.
These Mysteries which were in the Divinity's bosom,
Are distributed to Adam's children on the altar.
The altar is fashioned like the cherubim's chariot,
And is surrounded by the heavenly hosts.
On the altar is laid the Body of God's Son,
And Adam's children carry it solemnly on their hands.
Instead of a man clad in linen, stands the (priest),
And distributes alms (the Eucharist) among the needy.
If envy existed among the angels,
The cherubim would have envied men.
Where Zion set up the Cross to crucify the Son,
There grew up the tree that gave birth to the Lamb.
Where nails were driven in the Son's hands,
There Isaac's hands were bound for an offering.
Welcome, priest, who carries the Mysteries of his Lord,
And with his right hand distributes life to men.
Welcome, priest, who carries a pure censer,
And with its fragrance makes the world sweet and pleasant.
Welcome, priest, whom the Holy Spirit did raise up,
And on his tongue bears the keys to the house of God.
Welcome, priest, who binds man in the depth below,
And the Lord binds him in heaven on high. Halleluiah.
Welcome, priest, who unbinds men on earth,
And the Lord unbinds him in the highest. Kyrie eleison.
Praise be to the Lord. His mercy upon you and absolution for me.
And good commemoration to Mor Jacob the malphono.
I’ve decided that every Friday I’m going to do a hymn from a different church tradition. I love my own church tradition, but heaven is not going to be solely composed of Calvinist Presbyterians. Since believers come from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue, I might as well get to know my brethren. Today I’m listening to the Syrian Orthodox hymn “Haw Nurone.” I don’t really have history on the hymn itself, so let’s talk about the Syrian Church. They trace their liturgy to St. James. Not the Apostle, but to Jesus brother, the guy who wrote the letter that follows Hebrews (Actually, it could be the Apostle, I found conflicting information … either way, there is no church liturgy that is older). There are some gaps in there, but the claim can’t really be disproven. Also very prominent in their liturgical tradition? St. Basil and St. John Chrysostom. If you’re the kind of person who thinks Christianity is found outside the confines of church, then St. Basil is your guy. He lived in the wilderness. He did some wonderful work on the Trinity. Founded communal monasticism. He also went to church, because that is how the Lord arranged worship. So, go to church, you’ll be closer to the Lord. St. John Chrysostom is considered the best preacher ever. I remember reading one of his sermons, it concluded, roughly, “It is time to go because the day is ending.” When the sun sets, it’s time for the sermon to end. It’s a good rule of thumb. Threeish fun facts: #1 The Syrian Orthodox Church holds that the denomination was founded by St. Peter in Antioch. After St. Peter left, Evodios and Ignatius presided of the Patriarchy. #2 Nearly every Syrian Orthodox Patriarch since 1293 were named Ignatius. #3 Current leader of Syrian Orthodox Church is Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I. And he has a Facebook page!
My favorite line in this hymn is “If envy existed among the angels/ the cherubim would have envied men.” It reminds me of 1 Pet. 1:12 in which Peter writes, “in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” In grace, we have a love that causes angels to be curious. I grow uncomfortably comfortable with my grace. I treat it like a pair of jeans that have been broken in. It’s good for all occasions. In my sin, I forget how amazing grace can be, yet grace is an aspect of God’s awesome love at which we should marvel. I have done everything possible to offend the Lord, but He still loves me. This grace, while free to us, is purchased for us by our Savior. The next few lines of this beautiful hymn describes that purchase, “When Zion set up the Cross to crucify the Son/ There grew up the tree that gave birth to the Lamb/ Where nails were driven in the Son’s hands / There Isaac’s hands were bound for an offering.” I think these verses are incredible in their beauty and simplicity of presenting what was done for the Christian. It is good to remind oneself of the Cross daily. We have a Savior whose love is greater than our sins. Here is a link to the hymn. It isn't in English, but if people who don't know Italian can enjoy Puccini, I can enjoy listening to my brothers worship our Savior. Praise the Lord.
The same you behold in bread and wine on the altar.
The lightning clothed hosts are burned if they see Him in His brilliance.
Yet the contemptible dust partakes of Him with confidence.
The Son's Mysteries are fire among the heavenly beings,
Isaiah bears witness with us to have seen them.
These Mysteries which were in the Divinity's bosom,
Are distributed to Adam's children on the altar.
The altar is fashioned like the cherubim's chariot,
And is surrounded by the heavenly hosts.
On the altar is laid the Body of God's Son,
And Adam's children carry it solemnly on their hands.
Instead of a man clad in linen, stands the (priest),
And distributes alms (the Eucharist) among the needy.
If envy existed among the angels,
The cherubim would have envied men.
Where Zion set up the Cross to crucify the Son,
There grew up the tree that gave birth to the Lamb.
Where nails were driven in the Son's hands,
There Isaac's hands were bound for an offering.
Welcome, priest, who carries the Mysteries of his Lord,
And with his right hand distributes life to men.
Welcome, priest, who carries a pure censer,
And with its fragrance makes the world sweet and pleasant.
Welcome, priest, whom the Holy Spirit did raise up,
And on his tongue bears the keys to the house of God.
Welcome, priest, who binds man in the depth below,
And the Lord binds him in heaven on high. Halleluiah.
Welcome, priest, who unbinds men on earth,
And the Lord unbinds him in the highest. Kyrie eleison.
Praise be to the Lord. His mercy upon you and absolution for me.
And good commemoration to Mor Jacob the malphono.
I’ve decided that every Friday I’m going to do a hymn from a different church tradition. I love my own church tradition, but heaven is not going to be solely composed of Calvinist Presbyterians. Since believers come from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue, I might as well get to know my brethren. Today I’m listening to the Syrian Orthodox hymn “Haw Nurone.” I don’t really have history on the hymn itself, so let’s talk about the Syrian Church. They trace their liturgy to St. James. Not the Apostle, but to Jesus brother, the guy who wrote the letter that follows Hebrews (Actually, it could be the Apostle, I found conflicting information … either way, there is no church liturgy that is older). There are some gaps in there, but the claim can’t really be disproven. Also very prominent in their liturgical tradition? St. Basil and St. John Chrysostom. If you’re the kind of person who thinks Christianity is found outside the confines of church, then St. Basil is your guy. He lived in the wilderness. He did some wonderful work on the Trinity. Founded communal monasticism. He also went to church, because that is how the Lord arranged worship. So, go to church, you’ll be closer to the Lord. St. John Chrysostom is considered the best preacher ever. I remember reading one of his sermons, it concluded, roughly, “It is time to go because the day is ending.” When the sun sets, it’s time for the sermon to end. It’s a good rule of thumb. Threeish fun facts: #1 The Syrian Orthodox Church holds that the denomination was founded by St. Peter in Antioch. After St. Peter left, Evodios and Ignatius presided of the Patriarchy. #2 Nearly every Syrian Orthodox Patriarch since 1293 were named Ignatius. #3 Current leader of Syrian Orthodox Church is Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I. And he has a Facebook page!
My favorite line in this hymn is “If envy existed among the angels/ the cherubim would have envied men.” It reminds me of 1 Pet. 1:12 in which Peter writes, “in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” In grace, we have a love that causes angels to be curious. I grow uncomfortably comfortable with my grace. I treat it like a pair of jeans that have been broken in. It’s good for all occasions. In my sin, I forget how amazing grace can be, yet grace is an aspect of God’s awesome love at which we should marvel. I have done everything possible to offend the Lord, but He still loves me. This grace, while free to us, is purchased for us by our Savior. The next few lines of this beautiful hymn describes that purchase, “When Zion set up the Cross to crucify the Son/ There grew up the tree that gave birth to the Lamb/ Where nails were driven in the Son’s hands / There Isaac’s hands were bound for an offering.” I think these verses are incredible in their beauty and simplicity of presenting what was done for the Christian. It is good to remind oneself of the Cross daily. We have a Savior whose love is greater than our sins. Here is a link to the hymn. It isn't in English, but if people who don't know Italian can enjoy Puccini, I can enjoy listening to my brothers worship our Savior. Praise the Lord.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
He is Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, Holy, Holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, Holy, Holy, all the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, Holy, Holy, though the darkness hide thee,
Thought the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy Name, in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, Holy, Holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
The lyrics of this hymn were written by Reginald Herber. Herber was a clergymen and became the Bishop of Calcutta. Herber admired John Newton and William Cowper, and, since he already had a reputation as a poet, decided to write his own hymns which were slightly frowned upon by the bigwigs of the Anglican Church at the time. I admire his audacity here. Herber is cleary drawing from the worship of the angels in Scipture (Isa. 6:3, Rev. 4:8). But angels are dangerous and shouldn't be messed with. Still, any hymn that begins and ends with proclaiming God has a good thing going for it.
The tune itself is called Nicaea and is penned by John Bacchus Dykes. The name is a reference to the council of Nicaea in 325 (and again in 381) where Christian bishops and priests from all over the world provided some clarification of the Trinity. Creeds are incredibly important. Every church has a creed, even ones that say, "No Creed but Christ" (That being a creed in of itself). The Nicaean Creed is one of the most important if not the most important creeds in church history, especially if you want to understand the Trinity. That's all I'm going to say right now on creeds. Check out this book for a good read on Christian creeds.
I've always like this hymn. Holiness is an attribute of God that I've always felt was beyond my understanding. I know personal holiness is a process and is good and teological, but man, I always get overwhelmed thinking about God's holiness. I love the action of the saints in this hymn. They sing early in the morning because that is the most important aspect of the day. Like breakfast but greater. They cast down their golden crowns because what are wordly goods next to the holiness of God? This is something I need to remember. I'm not a rich man, and there are days when I think if I had money all of my troubles will be solved. Yet if golden crowns are found meaningless next to God's holiness, what is paper with a man's face on it? I really think Herber captures the appropriate response to God's holiness. We cast away the things that no longer have meaning and join with all of God's works praising His Holy Name. Here is a congregation and choir singing this wonderful hymn.
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, Holy, Holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, Holy, Holy, all the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, Holy, Holy, though the darkness hide thee,
Thought the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy Name, in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, Holy, Holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
The lyrics of this hymn were written by Reginald Herber. Herber was a clergymen and became the Bishop of Calcutta. Herber admired John Newton and William Cowper, and, since he already had a reputation as a poet, decided to write his own hymns which were slightly frowned upon by the bigwigs of the Anglican Church at the time. I admire his audacity here. Herber is cleary drawing from the worship of the angels in Scipture (Isa. 6:3, Rev. 4:8). But angels are dangerous and shouldn't be messed with. Still, any hymn that begins and ends with proclaiming God has a good thing going for it.
The tune itself is called Nicaea and is penned by John Bacchus Dykes. The name is a reference to the council of Nicaea in 325 (and again in 381) where Christian bishops and priests from all over the world provided some clarification of the Trinity. Creeds are incredibly important. Every church has a creed, even ones that say, "No Creed but Christ" (That being a creed in of itself). The Nicaean Creed is one of the most important if not the most important creeds in church history, especially if you want to understand the Trinity. That's all I'm going to say right now on creeds. Check out this book for a good read on Christian creeds.
I've always like this hymn. Holiness is an attribute of God that I've always felt was beyond my understanding. I know personal holiness is a process and is good and teological, but man, I always get overwhelmed thinking about God's holiness. I love the action of the saints in this hymn. They sing early in the morning because that is the most important aspect of the day. Like breakfast but greater. They cast down their golden crowns because what are wordly goods next to the holiness of God? This is something I need to remember. I'm not a rich man, and there are days when I think if I had money all of my troubles will be solved. Yet if golden crowns are found meaningless next to God's holiness, what is paper with a man's face on it? I really think Herber captures the appropriate response to God's holiness. We cast away the things that no longer have meaning and join with all of God's works praising His Holy Name. Here is a congregation and choir singing this wonderful hymn.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Praise God
As 2013 shuffled to a finished, I reflected on the year that was. 2013 was not a year I would call "good." I won't dive into specifics, but I did notice that for every moment that wrenched my soul there was someone there to help me, a church there supporting me, or a family there to love me. As rough as the year was, the Lord never left me alone.
So, I decided for a New Year's resolution I would sing God's praise. At least, sing it more often than I've done in the past. To accomplish this resolution, I thought a hymn each day would be great, no repeats. And, with my brother's encouragement, I decided to blog a hymn a day. I've never blogged before, and I doubt it will be overly interesting. The main benefit of me blogging this is it will keep me accountable. That's good enough for me, so let's do this.
So, I decided for a New Year's resolution I would sing God's praise. At least, sing it more often than I've done in the past. To accomplish this resolution, I thought a hymn each day would be great, no repeats. And, with my brother's encouragement, I decided to blog a hymn a day. I've never blogged before, and I doubt it will be overly interesting. The main benefit of me blogging this is it will keep me accountable. That's good enough for me, so let's do this.
The First hymn is the Doxology. My late grandmother would often use the Doxology as a means of saying grace before dinner. She would look at me and say, "Nathan, would you heist us a note?" This Christmas, my Aunt told me that I was usually a little too high pitched for her ... Great. The lyrics were penned by Thomas Ken in 1674 (Fun Fact #1: This Anglican Clergy man drew the ire of William of Orange by insisting a lady of high birth and a relative of the prince keep her keep her promise of marriage. Clergymen have some nerve). The lyrics we sing are the combined final verses of two longer hymns called "Awake my soul, and with the sun" and "Glory to thee God, this night." The tune itself is called "The Old 100th." The tune has quite the history, starting with the Genevan Psalter with lyrics based off of Psalm 134. However, the "100th" (I assume) comes from it place in Anglo-Genevan Psalter (1561). The 100th hymn of the hymnal is called "All People That on Earth do Dwell." (Fun Fact #2: Played at Queen Elizabeth II coronation).
I personally like the Doxology because it is a simple, straight forward praising of the Triune God. It is a call for all of creation to sing praise to the Creator. There is no elaborate emotionalism, no fancy metaphors, just straight worship. We are His creation and He deserves our praise. Some things don't need to be gussied up. Here is a link of some brothers singing the Doxology. It reminds me of singing in the kitchen, holding hands with my family, singing the praise of our Father who is in heaven.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)