Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11)

It is one of the most famous carols; a herald proclaiming the coming of Christmas. But how old is this carol, and where does it come from? The First Noel’s origins are humble, not unlike the story it tells.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

These 25 words, known to many around the world today as “The Doxology,” comprise what is likely the single best-known verse of all Christian hymnology and poetry.

On the surface, these lyrics are surprisingly modest and memorable. Few of us remember first hearing them, and few recall straining to learn them. Yet, as simple and accessible as these four lines are, Christians have been singing them now for more than three centuries.

Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ… (2 Corinthians 2:14)

This hymn from the early eighth century is one of the oldest expressions found in most hymnals. Its origin is rooted in the liturgy of the Greek Orthodox Church. It was written by one of the famous monks of that church, John of Damascus (c. 676-c. 780).

The celebration of Easter has always been a spectacle of ecclesiastical pomp in the Greek Orthodox Church. Even today, as a vital part of the ceremony, the worshipers bury a cross under the high altar on Good Friday and dramatically resurrect it with shouts of “Christos egerthe” (“Christ is risen”) on Easter Sunday. With this announcement begins the time of joyous celebration. Torches are lit, bells and trumpets peel, and salvos of cannons fill the air. The following account describes such a scene:

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most high. (Psalm 92:1)

"Come, Ye Thankful People" is considered to be one of the most well-known and frequently sung harvest-thanksgiving hymns in all of hymnody. It was written for the English harvest festivals, a movable feast varying with the harvest time in the various villages. Its author, Henry "Dean" Alford, is generally regarded as one of the most gifted Christian leaders of the nineteenth century, distinguishing himself as a theologian, scholar, writer, poet, artist, and musician.

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30) 

Upon hearing this well-known hymn of thanksgiving and praise, one would never realize that it was forged during tragic times. From some of the most severe human hardships imaginable during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) came this stately hymn, often called the national “Te Deum” of Germany, having been sung on many occasions of national rejoicing. Germany is a home of Protestant church music, and no hymn, with the exception of Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” has been used more widely in German churches than this hymn.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. (1 John 3:2, 3)

In his book, Written Because, the composer, Grant C. Tullar, tells about the rather unusual circumstances that prompted the writing of this hymn:

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)

This favorite gospel hymn has long been cited as a choice example of a balanced biblical view of a believer’s faith in Christ and the resultant good works that should then be evident. We begin with implicit trust in His finished redemptive work and then spend our lives seeking to obey Him and to fulfil His revealed will in our daily living.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18)

This eighth-century (anonymous) Irish hymn text expresses, in the quaint Celtic style, the ageless need of man to have a heavenly vision and to experience God’s care and personal presence throughout this earthly pilgrimage. The author’s high regard for God is evident in the various titles ascribed Him: Vision, Lord, Best Thought, Wisdom, Word, Great Father, High King, Inheritance, Treasure, Sun, Ruler, and Heart.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY... (Galatians 5:22)

This hymn is generally considered by hymnologists to be one of the most joyous expressions of hymn lyrics in the English language.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)

Gospel music as an important form of Christian hymnody had its beginning in the latter half of the nineteenth century and is associated with such well-known names as Moody, Sankey, Bliss and Frances Jane Crosby.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty. (Psalm 104:1)

In all human life, there is a consciousness of a supreme power. Even the most primitive savage is a religious being as he attempts to fulfill his duties to the invisible powers he senses about him. Since the beginning of time, music has always had a unique association with man’s worship experiences.

When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. (Matthew 27:29-30)

The text of this deeply moving hymn is thought to have its roots in twelfth-century monastic life. It is taken from a lengthy, medieval poem (Rhythmica Oratio) in seven parts, with each part addressing various members of Christ’s body as He suffered on the cross: His feet, knees, hands, side, breast, heart, and face. This specific hymn text is from the seventh portion of the poem.

I have loved you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

This hymn is generally considered one of the best-loved hymns written during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The writing of this thoughtful and artistically constructed text is even more remarkable when it is remembered that it was authored by one who was totally blind and who describes the writing as the “fruit of much mental suffering.”

This hymn, considered one of the grandest in the whole realm of English hymnody, is a paraphrase of Psalm 90, a psalm of Moses:

Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.

It is more than a metrical version of this Psalm; it is a grand commentary on the whole subject of time, which is the theme of the Psalm.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Horatio Spafford was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home, a wife, four daughters and a son. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures. At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son from pneumonia. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.

But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. (John 6:68)

Ruth Caye Jones, known as “Mother Jones,” reportedly found inspiration to write “In Times Like These” during the fearful days at the height of World War II when she was moved by reading the words of 2 Timothy 3:1: This know also that in the last days perilous times will come. As she read those words, inspiration for the song came, and she jotted both music and lyrics down on a small notepad she had in her apron pocket.

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. (John 20:18)

Austin Miles (1868-1946) was a pharmacist turned hymn writer and church music director. He was also an amateur photographer. One day in March, 1912, while in his dark room waiting for film to develop, Miles had a profound spiritual experience in which he saw an incredible vision of Mary Magdalene visiting the empty tomb. He saw her leave the tomb and walk into a garden where she met the Master and heard Him speak her name.

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. (Psalm 145:3)

The hymn How Great Thou Art traveled a long road before it ended up a favorite edition to English hymnals. The beloved song dates all the way back to 1885, when Swedish pastor Carl Gustav Boberg was caught in a thunderstorm. It was a thunderstorm that, according to legend, struck fear into the heart of Martin Luther and extracted from him a vow to become a monk. Pastor Boberg, on the other hand, was filled with awe at the grandeur of the storm, the rainbow, and the brilliant light and bird songs that followed the storm.

“Alleluia, He is Risen!” Alleluia, He is Risen Indeed!”

If you and I had been living during the early Christian era, this undoubtedly would have been our greeting to one another, as believers, on Easter Sunday. For the past century, however, many churches have celebrated this triumphant day and have been inspired anew, with the singing of this beloved Easter hymn, written and composed by Robert Lowry in 1874.

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel! (John 12:13)

This traditional Palm Sunday processional hymn was written around 820 A.D. by Bishop Theodolph of Orleans, France, while he was imprisoned at the monastery of Angers. Theodolph was well-known in his day as a poet, pastor, and beloved bishop. He was also a close friend of Charlemagne, the emperor who tried to revive the Roman Empire in the eighth century.

All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power. (Psalm 145:10-11)

This inspiring expression of praise found in nearly every hymnal was originally written in 1225 by one of the most interesting figures in all of church history. Giovanni Bernardone, better known as Saint Francis of Assisi, was a mystic, medieval monk who spent his lifetime as an itinerant evangelist, preaching and helping the poor people of Italy.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)

The great reformer, Martin Luther, is often recognized as one of the most significant and prolific hymn writers to have ever lived. Among his voluminous works, Luther wrote some 36 hymns. Of these hymns, “A Mighty Fortress” is by far the most well-known and frequently sung.