Singing through the Hymnal: week 34

Verse: Psalm 95:1-2

Hymn: Come, Christians, Join to Sing  - I usually sing this much quicker than this recording

   

    We are still on our theme of praise. This is my two year old's favorite hymn at the moment. He can't sing all the words, but I can ask for "Alleluia," or as he says: "ah-wey-wu-yah." This is a great hymn for really little people, because they can easily fill in the repeated words at the end of each phrase. I have found that words like "voice" and "rejoice" are words that are easily said and the children love. If you want to couple this song with another of the same theme, try: Come People of the Risen King (Getty). It has a lot of the same rhymes and themes. We sang this earlier this year, so it would be a good week to review!

   Keep singing! Only about 8 more weeks until we do Advent!

                                                                  Fun Facts

Text: Christian H. Bateman (1813-1889)

• he wrote many hymns that crossed denominational lines
• In 1853, he wrote "Come, Children, Join to sing" as a Sunday school song and published it in a children's hymnal, The Sacred Song Book. Over time (and because of popularity), the words were changed to Come, Christians, Join to Sing.
• One of the most beloved texts for children

Tune: Traditional Spanish Melody, arr. David Evans, 1927 MADRID

• MADRID is a traditional Spanish melody
• David Evans (an Oxford scholar, music professor, and organist) arranged it in the form we sing today

Resource Corner

A new book is out, and it is FANTASTIC! If you are looking for early Christmas gifts or just wanting to get a book for your children, this is a great one! It is great for my 9 month old to listen to, as well as my 2, 4, and 5 year old. It is not your typical ABC book - it doesn't just use one Biblical word, it uses a story. Kevin DeYoung has masterfully told the entire story of the Gospel from beginning to end using A-Z. It is the big picture! Make sure you pick up a copy (or two!).  Here is the link.

Remember to order you copy of the hymnal we are singing through if you still need a hymnal!

    Things to think about ...

• Make sure you encourage your children to sing enthusiastically! You are inviting the people you are singing with to sing loud praise to God! 
• Go through the words and list all the things that you are joyful about that God is: Guide, Friend, etc. 
• Define "condescend" - this is a great springboard for the Gospel. Not only did Jesus come to earth, but He reached into our lives to save us, and listens to our prayers from the throne of Grace. God has gone to great lengths to dwell with His people. Alleluia!!!
• The last stanza reminds us that this earth (beautiful, but broken) is not the end, but our worship will continue in heaven forever and ever and ever!