Hymns for Him

Our Sunday morning church service was an old-fashioned hymn sing.  We sang several traditional Christmas hymns.  Each one was introduced with a brief history of its origin.  It was fascinating to see how these mainstays of our holiday season came to be.  It is a powerful testament the way God used bankers, businessman, and commoners to pen some of the most well-known words used to praise His Son.  His ways are not our ways.

Our music was led by my own Uncle Dan- a pianist, music professor, composer, and doctor of his art (visiting from Houston).  It is such a treat to hear him play and a blessing to worship together.  They also took requests from the congregation to add some of our favorite hymns to the program.

It was a beautiful thing to be able to offer our hearts in praise through music.  The perfect addition to the Christmas celebration. As I thought about all the hymns and which ones stand out as favorites.  It's hard to choose.  I have to say, aside from all the traditional standards, this newer one stands out for me this year. Though usually sung at Easter, it's ideal for Christmas, too. We sang it during Advent at our home church.  As I read the words I can feel the crescendo rising in praise as it reaches the end.  I pray these words ring loud true in your heart this year, too...

Hear the heart of heaven beating, 

"Jesus Saves. Jesus saves."
And the hush of mercy breathing, 

"Jesus Saves. Jesus saves."
Hear the host of angels sing, 

"Glory to the Newborn King."
And the sounding joy repeating, "Jesus saves."


See the humblest hearts adore Him. 

"Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
And the wisest bow before Him. 

"Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
See the sky alive with praise, melting darkness in its place
There is life forevermore, 

"Jesus saves. Jesus saves."


He will live our sorrow sharing, 

"Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
He will die our burden bearing, 

"Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
"It is done!" will shout the cross, 

Christ has paid redemption's cost! 

While the empty tomb's declaring, 

"Jesus saves."


Freedom's calling, chains are falling, 

hope is dawning bright and true.
Day is breaking, night is quaking, 

God is making all things new.
"Jesus saves."


Oh to grace, how great a debtor! 

"Jesus saves. Jesus saves."
All the saints who shout together. 

"I know that Jesus saves."
Rising us so vast and strong lifting up salvation's song,
The redeemed will sing forever, the redeemed will sing forever, the redeemed will sing forever, 

"Jesus saves."

"Jesus saves."