Bringing a new appreciation for the great hymns of the Christian faith by telling the stories behind the hymns. Hosted by Steve Webb.
Today we learn about the classic “Rock Of Ages”. There’s a surprising twist at the end of today’s narrative. Music The London Fox Singers “Rock Of Ages” (mp3) from “Hymn styles – Down-Home Gospel” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More On This Album Instrumental music was Jim Fidler’s “Lillian, A Portrait In Sound”. Rock…
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Our carol today is “What Child Is This.” This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. What words of triumph and joy! Despite the melancholic melody, this song is a song of celebration of the birth of the King…
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The origins of this plaintive carol date to medieval times. In the 800s, a series of Latin hymns were sung each day during Christmas Vespers from December 17 to 23. To hear how John Mason Neale came to write this hymn, and how it is related to the Latin hymns, listen to the show. Karmyn…
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Today, we’re going to hear the story behind the beautiful Christmas carol, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Written in 1849 by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a Unitarian minister, this was the second of two “twin” carols. (Listen to the show for more.) Lyrics “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” It came upon the midnight clear,…
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An amazing and surprising story lies behind this great hymn, which was written in 1858. Artists on today’s show: The Eden Symphony Orchestra “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” (mp3) from “How Great Thou Art – 50 Orchestral Hymns” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More On This Album The London Fox Singers “Stand Up,…
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William Cowper is one of God’s gracious gifts to those suffering from depression. Like the Psalmist who cried, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?”, Cowper shows us that our emotional struggles often give us heightened sensitivity to the heart of God and to the needs of others. Listen to the show for more…
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The story of Fisk University, and how American music history was forever changed by a fund raising tour, continues with this episode of HymnStories. Lyrics: “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home; Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home. I looked over Jordan, And…
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This old “Negro Spiritual” shares a very important place in American music history with another very well-known song that will be the subject of Lifespring! HymnStories number thirty-seven. Fisk University of Nashville, Tennessee, is part of the story as well. Lyrics: “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen” Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Nobody knows…
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Written by the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden”, Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, this hymn was born out of a personal tragedy. Listen for the story behind the hymn. Day By Day Lyrics: Karolina Sandell-Berg Music: Oskar Ahnfelt Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find, to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s…
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(We did this hymn back on Episode 5, but we did not have the lyrics being sung. This episode includes Karmyn Tyler singing this beautiful hymn.) “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, popularized by George Beverly Shea and the Billy Graham Crusade choirs. Thomas O. Chisholm William M. Runyan Arrangement: Heidi Henninger Great is Thy faithfulness, O…
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