Name That Hymn #1

Let's start with an easy one.

Not the first, second, or last verse...

* * *

Here's a hint

I THINK I'M HAVING A BRAINSTORM

When I was a young woman, fresh out of college, my husband and I and our best friends -- we were all alumni of the college choir -- used to play games with the church hymnal. One of the games was to read out the middle verses of a hymn and see who could name the hymn first. Because through all the years of going to church how many times have you heard the songleader say "first, second, and last"... 

So here's my idea. Let's play the hymn game here. I'll post the lyrics to the verses that are NOT first, second, or last. And you can guess the hymn. 

You never know, we might run across some mighty good things we've never noticed before.

God Is Love

 

1

Come, let us all unite to sing,

  God is love.

Let heav’n and earth their praises bring;

  God is love.

Let ev’ry soul from sin awake,

Each in his heart sweet music make,

And sing with us, for Jesus’ sake, for

God is love!

2

Oh, tell to earth's remotest bound,

God is love;

In Christ we have redemption found,

God is love;

His blood has washed our sins away,

His Spirit turned our night to day,

And now we can rejoice to say that

God is love!

3

How happy is our portion here!

  God is love.

His promises our spirits cheer;

  God is love.

He is our sun and shield by day,

Our help, our hope, our strength, and stay,

He will be with us all the way: our

  God is love!

4

In glory we shall sing again,

  God is love.

Yes, this shall be our lofty strain,

  God is love.

While endless ages roll along,

In concert with the heav’nly throng,

This shall be still our sweetest song, that

  God is love!

 

Lyrics:Howard Kingsbury

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM67XFmS6hE

Church in the Wildwood

 
1 

There's a church in the valley by the wildwood,

No lovelier spot in the dale;

No place is so dear to my childhood

As the little brown church in the vale.

Refrain:

Come to the church in the wildwood,

Oh, come to the church in the vale;

No spot is so dear to my childhood

As the little brown church in the vale.

2 

Oh, come to the church in the wildwood,

To the trees where the wild flowers bloom;

Where the parting hymn will be chanted,

We will weep by the side of the tomb. [Refrain]

3 

How sweet on a clear Sunday morning,

To list to the clear ringing bell;

Its tones so sweetly are calling,

Oh, come to the church in the vale. [Refrain]

4 

From the church in the valley by the wildwood,

When day fades away into night,

I would fain from this spot of my childhood

Wing my way to the mansions of light. [Refrain]

 

Author: William S. Pitts

The lyrics I've posted are different from the ones in the sheet music pictured. I like them both, so I'm leaving it this way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io6vlgHg4Ps

Here's a rendition that we just watched on TV a few days ago...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLrAvNAQafE

 

 

Christ We Do All Adore Thee

 

Christ, we do all adore thee,

and we do praise thee forever.

Christ, we do all adore thee,

and we do praise thee forever,

for on the holy cross

hast thou the world from sin redeemed.

Christ, we do all adore thee,

and we do praise thee forever...

Christ, we do all adore thee.

 

Translator and Adapter: Theodore Baker (1899)

Composer: Theodore DuBois

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UL34VODN1Y

One of the best things about this beautiful tune is the part that you don't sing -- the pause before the last line. (When sung without the organ, that moment of reflective silence is powerful.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Yrsew-ULjM

If you would like to learn a little more about the composer (Theodore DuBois) and this piece of music (Seven Last Words of Christ), here is an interesting article:

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/12-april/books-arts/music/music-review-the-seven-last-words-of-our-saviour-from-the-cross-th%C3%A9odore-dubois

Christ for the World We Sing

 

1 

Christ for the world we sing;

the world to Christ we bring

with loving zeal:

the poor and them that mourn,

the faint and overborne,

sin-sick and sorrow-worn,

for Christ doth heal.

2 

Christ for the world we sing;

the world to Christ we bring

with fervent pray'r:

the wayward and the lost,

by restless passions tossed,

redeemed at countless cost

from dark despair.

3 

Christ for the world we sing;

the world to Christ we bring

with one accord:

with us the work to share,

with us reproach to dare,

with us the cross to bear,

for Christ our Lord.

4 

Christ for the world we sing;

the world to Christ we bring

with joyful song:

the newborn souls whose days,

reclaimed from error's ways,

inspired with hope and praise,

to Christ belong.

 

Author: Samuel Wolcott

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK38WWFCsjg

(Extra points if you can say the next phrase of the scripture...)

Camping in Canaan Land

1

I have left the land of bondage with its earthly treasures

I've journeyed to a place where there is love on every hand

I've exchanged the land of heartaches for a land of pleasure

I'm camping, I'm camping, in Canaan's happy land

2

Out of Egypt I have traveled, thru the darkness dreary,

Far over hills and valleys and across the desert sands;

But I've landed safe at home where I shall not grow weary, 

I'm camping, I'm camping, in Canaan's happy land

3

Yes, I've reached the land of promise with its scenes of glory,

My journey ended in a place so lovely and so grand;

I've been led by Jesus to this blessed land of story,

I'm camping, I'm camping, in Canaan's happy land

CHORUS

Every day I'm camping (camping) in the land of Canaan (Canaan)

And in rapture I survey its wondrous beauty grand (oh, glory)

Glory, hallelujah (I have) found the land of promise

(And I'm) camping, I'm camping, in Canaan's happy land

I'm camping, I'm camping, in Canaan's happy land

E. M. Bartlett

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FSXUVe8GZY

Four guys singing around one mic -- just like the old radio shows...

Christ Arose

 It's just not Easter until we've sung this old favorite... (sometimes affectionately known as "Low in the gravy lay...)

1 

Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,

waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

2 

Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior,

vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord! [Refrain]

3 

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! [Refrain]

Refrain:

Up from the grave he arose;

with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;

he arose a victor from the dark domain,

and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Author: Robert Lowry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtxSWcfH9hk

Breathe On Me, Breath of God

1 

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

fill me with life anew,

that I may love the way you love,

and do what you would do.

2 

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

until my heart is pure,

until my will is one with yours,

to do and to endure.

3 

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

so shall I never die,

but live with you the perfect life

for all eternity.

 

Author: Edwin Hatch (1878)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB9NyecMS7s

Bringing In the Sheaves

 

1

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,

Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;

Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Refrain:

Bringing in the sheaves,

Bringing in the sheaves,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves;

Bringing in the sheaves,

Bringing in the sheaves,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

2

Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,

Fearing neither clouds nor winter's chilling breeze;

By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. [Refrain]

3

Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,

Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;

When our weeping's over, He will bid us welcome,

We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. [Refrain]

Author: Knowles Shaw (1874)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbM5HkG2FWk

 

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will. return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves.

~Psalm 126:5-6

I've Just Seen Jesus

Okay, one more Easter "big production" song...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaE8Gdh_TnQ

We knew he was dead

It is finished, he said

We had watched as his life ebbed away

Then we all stood around

Till the guards took him down

Joseph begged for his body that day

It was late afternoon

When we got to the tomb

Wrapped his body and sealed up the grave

So I know how you feel

His death was so real

But please listen and hear what I say

I've just seen Jesus

I tell you he's alive

I've just seen Jesus

Our precious Lord alive

And I knew, he really saw me too

As if till now, I'd never lived

All that I'd done before

Won't matter anymore

I've just seen Jesus

And I'll never be the same again

It was his voice she first heard

Those kind gentle words

Asking what was her reason for tears

And I sobbed in despair

My Lord is not there

He said, child! it is I, I am here!

I've just seen Jesus

I tell you he's alive

I've just seen Jesus

Our precious lord alive

And I knew, he really saw me too

As if till now, I'd never lived

All that I'd done before

Won't matter anymore

I've just seen Jesus

I've just seen Jesus

I've just seen Jesus

All that I'd done before

Won't matter anymore

I've just seen Jesus

And I'll never be the same again

I've just seen Jesus!

Songwriters: Danny Daniels / Gloria Gaither / William J. Gaither

Easter Song

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing

That we can be born again

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing

Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone

Said He has risen, just as He said

Quickly now, go tell His disciples

That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world

He has risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing

That you can be healed right now

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing

Christ, He will reveal it now

The angels, they all surround us

And they are ministering Jesus's power

Quickly now, reach out and receive it

For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world

He has risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone

Said He has risen, just as He said

Quickly now, reach out and receive it

That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world

He has risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

Songwriters: Anne Ward Herring

I often have trouble finding a video that I really like for a particular song. Today, though, I found so many good performances of this song -- apparently there's no bad way to perform this song! Go to YouTube and search "Easter Song" and sample a few...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UJ3pCthfwg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl0qhkgYoRY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0GEZXIgBCc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbcryQFqWp0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtuHzBB4abk

This is a must-listen for Easter

 Bill & Gloria Gaither - He's Alive [Live] ft. David Phelps, Gaither Vocal Band

Shall I Crucify My Savior?

1

Shall I crucify my Savior,

When for me He bore such loss?

Shall I put to shame my Savior?

Can I nail Him to the cross?

2

Are temptations so alluring?

Do earth's pleasures so enthrall

That I cannot love my Savior

Well enough to leave them all?

3

'Twas my sins that crucified Him:

Shall they crucify Him yet?

Blackest day of nameless anguish,

Can my thankless soul forget?

4

O the kindly hands of Jesus,

Pouring blessings on all men,

Bleeding, nail-scarred hands of Jesus!

Can I nail them once again?

CHORUS

Shall I crucify my Savior?

Crucify my Lord again?

Once, O once I crucified Him:

Shall I crucify again?

Mrs. Frank A. Breck

This is a beautiful arrangement for male quartet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W8xV-6tiZo

The Solemn Feast

1

That dreadful night before His death, 

The Lamb for sinners slain, 

Did, almost with His dying breath, 

This solemn feast ordain.

2

To keep the feast, Lord, we have met, 

And to remember Thee. 

Help each redeemed one to repeat, 

“For me He died, for me.”

3

Thy suff’rings, Lord, each sacred sign 

To our remembrance brings; 

We eat the bread and drink the wine, 

But think on nobler things.

Lyricist: Joseph Hart

Composer: L. O. Sanderson

The L. O. Sanderson arrangement, pictured above, as it appears in our Church of Christ hymnals, has an obligato descant above the four traditional parts. (Which, in my opinion, does not improve upon the basic melody and harmony.) 

Here are two videos of this simple hymn. The first is a traditional rendering, rather bland. The second is a more countrified version (but I actually like it better) which also contains an extra verse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJjVGG4Gj0I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ9YLvlpgQ4

Stand Still

The Father has a plan. Though it's hard to see it now

You feel you're walking all alone. But He is there no doubt

When the storm around you rages, And you're tossed to and fro

When you're f aced with life's decisions, Not sure which way to go

Stand still and let God move

Standing still is hard to do

When you feel you have reached the end

He'll make a way for you

Stand still and let God move

When the enemy surrounds you, And the walls are closing in

When the tide is swiftly rising, And you wonder where He's been

Friend, there never was a moment, That His arms weren't reaching out

You can rest assured and be secure, God is moving right now

Stand still and let God move

Standing still is hard to do

When you feel you have reached the end

He'll make a way for you

Stand still and let God move

The answer will come, But only in His time

Stand still and let God move

Songwriters: Rebecca Bowman / Sonya Melissa Isaacs / David Glenn Marshall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcB_oNeSMmU

Wouldn't it just be great if you could watch a video (or do anything else) without ALWAYS being bombarded with ads?

Beyond This Land of Parting

 

1 

Beyond this land of parting, losing, and leaving,

Far beyond the losses, darkening this,

And far beyond the taking and the bereaving,

Lies the summer-land of bliss.

Refrain:

Land beyond, so fair and bright!

Land beyond, where is no night!

Summer-land, God is its light,

O happy summer-land of bliss!

2 

Beyond this land of toiling, sowing, and reaping,

Far beyond the shadows, darkening this,

And far beyond the sighing, moaning, and weeping,

Lies the summer-land of bliss. [Refrain]

3 

Beyond this land of sinning, fainting, and falling,

Far beyond the doubtings, darkening this,

And far beyond the griefs and dangers befalling,

Lies the summer-land of bliss. [Refrain]

4 

Beyond this land of waiting, seeking, and sighing,

Far beyond the sorrows, darkening this,

And far beyond the pain, and sickness, and dying,

Lies the summer-land of bliss. [Refrain]

 

Mary Bridges Canady Slade 1826-1882.

This video is my favorite rendering of this grand old hymn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJi29eX4fso

Beyond the Sunset

1

Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,

When with our Savior heav'n is begun.

Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning:

Beyond the sunset, when day is done.

2

Beyond the sunset no clouds will gather,

No storms will threaten, no fears annoy:

O day of gladness, O day unending,

Beyond the sunset, eternal joy!

3

Beyond the sunset a hand will guide me

To God, the Father, whom I adore;

His glorious presence, His words of welcome,

Will be my portion on that fair shore.

4

Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,

With our dear loved ones who've gone before;

In that fair homeland we'll know no parting,

Beyond the sunset forever more!

 

Virgil P. Brock / Blanche Kerr Brock

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URRQ1sm7jKA

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

1 

Beneath the cross of Jesus

I fain would take my stand,

the shadow of a mighty Rock

within a weary land;

a home within the wilderness,

a rest upon the way,

from the burning of the noontide heat

and the burden of the day.

2 

Upon the cross of Jesus

mine eye at times can see

the very dying form of One

who suffered there for me:

and from my stricken heart with tears

two wonders I confess,

the wonders of redeeming love

and my unworthiness.

3 

I take, O cross, thy shadow

for my abiding place:

I ask no other sunshine than

the sunshine of his face;

content to let the world go by,

to know no gain nor loss;

my sinful self my only shame,

my glory all the cross.

 

Author: Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1868)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT8xUMlUnHI