Bringing a new appreciation for the great hymns of the Christian faith by telling the stories behind the hymns. Hosted by Steve Webb.
Take Two Revisiting the story behind “Jesus Loves Me”, perhaps the best known children’s hymn of all time. The reason we’re doing this is that, when I did it in HymnStories #2, I didn’t have a version of the music with the lyrics that was cleared for play in a podcast. Now that more music…
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Away In A Manger Was written in 1887, and is commonly known as “Luther’s Cradle Hymn.” But did the great German Reformer, Martin Luther, really write the words? Did he sing them by the cradle of his little son, Hans? Listen to the show for a possible answer. This hymn is beautifully performed by David…
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Bouncing back- that’s a quality to be cultivated, because life is full of struggles. How do we become resilient? Unsinkable? Joyful amid the blows and burdens of life? This hymn tells us: A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away; He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, He…
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Jesus, I Come 1887 One of the best histories of the gospel song era is George Stebbins’ autobiography, Reminiscences and Gospel Hymn Stories. Stebbins was born in the mid-1880s in New York and showed early musical prowess. At age twenty-three, he moved to Chicago where he worked in churches and became acquainted with some of…
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Jesus must have been a bird watcher, because we see Him refer to birds many times in scripture. Listen to the show for the story of how this encouraging hymn was inspired. Our hymn is performed beautifully by Natalie Nicole Gilbert. His Eye Is On The Sparrow Lyrics: Civilla D. Martin Music: Charles H. Gabriel…
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Dottie Rambo went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2008. This episode of Lifespring! HymnStories is dedicated to the memory of one of this generation’s most prolific writers of Christian music.
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Written during the darkest hour of the American Civil War, this hymn is based on the twenty-third Psalm. Listen to the show for the author’s own account of its writing. Music on the show: The London Fox Singers “He Leadeth Me” (mp3) from “Hymn styles – Praise Ensemble” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More…
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Troubles within the church inspired this stirring hymn. Listen to the show for the whole story, and a great rendition of the song. Today’s Music Worship Service Resources James Morrison “The Church’s One Foundation” (mp3) from “James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume Two” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at eMusic Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Napster Buy…
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Fanny Crosby was one of the most prolific hymn writers the church has seen. This song is part of one of the most gratifying experiences of her life. Listen to the show to hear the story. Rescue The Perishing Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby Music: William H. Doane Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch…
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This wonderful song has been an inspiration for generations. Even the author of the lyrics found comfort years after writing the song. Music: OneVoice “I Need Thee Every Hour” (mp3) from “A Cappella Hymns” (IMI) Buy at Rhapsody More On This Album David Berchtold…”Serenity” I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR Lyrics by Annie S. Hawks (1835-1918)…
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