Messiah!

When I was growing up we attended a church with a large music program, and I first sang in a choir as a young child. Our minister of music frequently had us sing the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah during December. The adult choir was at the front of the church behind the ministers, while […]

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“Coventry Carol”

The Coventry Carol  is a song that was unfamiliar to me until I read a novel by Helen MacInnes in which she used it at a critical moment in her story. I have yet to hear it sung in a church or in concert here in the United States. The carol is both lullaby and […]

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“Hallelujah!”

Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.” Revelation 19:6 – – – For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He […]

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“O Come All Ye Faithful”

I have always loved to sing O Come All Ye Faithful on Christmas morning.  The last verse bursts into a crescendo of joy as it calls us to worship and adore Jesus Christ the Lord. “Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given! Word of the Father, Now […]

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“Carol of the Bells”

Bells have been used for centuries to mark events of significance. Carol of the Bells was composed by the Ukrainian composer, Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych, and is frequently performed by handbell choirs. These handbell ringers in Taipei are unique, however; their entrance and processional as they ring out the notes enhances and expresses the joyous melody. […]

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“Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”

In many churches I’ve attended it is a tradition to close the Christmas Eve service by singing “Silent Night”.  This carol was written and first sung in Oberndorf, Austria. Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in Heavenly peace! sleep […]

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Journey to Bethlehem

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son…. Galatians 4:4a – God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son… Hebrews 1:1-2 – God spoke through the prophet Malachi […]

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“For Unto Us A Child Is Born…”

The wonder and glory of the birth of Jesus resound Isaiah’s words are sung in this chorus from Handel’s Messiah. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, […]

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“Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendour”

– For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 – The lyrics of “Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendour” were written in China by Frank Houghton, an Englishman.  […]

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