We have arrived at one of the most frequently requested hymns on my list for this year.   I don’t suppose that the reason for this is a great mystery – it is a hymn so familiar, with words that bring real comfort and assurance. Written in 1923 by Thomas O. Chisholm, it tells of God’s faithfulness throughout a lifetime. These are words that speak to the magnitude of the Divine. I love that it unapologetically requires me to consider something greater than myself.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

There were quite a few stories and comments accompanying the requests for this one. A number of people mentioned that this had been sung at a funeral of someone close to them. Some shared that certain words brought…

I suppose I should have started this year of song by defining what a hymn is. The word hymn comes from the Greek word hymnos which means a song of praise. This is a fairly common definition, but many also add that a hymn is a song of joy, thanksgiving, adoration and prayer. While most of us probably associate hymns with the Christian church, it would be difficult for one religious group to claim them entirely. The ancient Egyptians had hymns, as did the ancient Greeks (the Homeric Hymns), the Hindu tradition (the Vedas) and of course, we can’t forget the Psalms of Judaism. I’m sure there are many others – past and present.   There is something quite basic about using words and music to express our deepest emotions.

This understanding of the diversity and history of hymnody brings us to today’s selection. September 21^st is the UN International Day…