Center For Church Music Radio Podcast Center For Church Music, Songs and Hymns http://www.songsandhymns.org/graphics/ccm_small_logo.gif Center For Church Music, Songs and Hymns http://www.songsandhymns.org/ topher1kenobe via php/mysql webmaster@songsandhymns.org Center For Church Music Weekly Radio Podcast Every Sunday, around 2:15 CST, a Moody radio station near you may feature our weekly hymn lessons. A 5 minute spot is used to highlight our hymn of the week. Jeanne Wise webmaster@songsandhymns.org http://www.songsandhymns.org/ Every Sunday, around 2:15 CST, a Moody radio station near you may feature our weekly hymn lessons. A 5 minute spot is used to highlight our hymn of the week. en-us 2008 Center For Church Music Wed, 23 July 2008 00:01:00 -0500 720 I Sing the Mighty Power of God, CCM Podcast for 20 Jul, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/i-sing-the-mighty-power-of-god http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/i-sing-the-mighty-power-of-god Our hymn of the week this week is "I Sing the Mighty Power of God." Originally included in a book of children's hymns, this hymn shows that the first lesson that a child, or an adult, can ever learn is that the beauty and majesty of God's creation, takes us to Him, our Creator and our Savior.

Sing this hymn often this week. Let the words speak to your heart, filling you with God's presence. "And everywhere that man can be, Thou, God, art present there."

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]]> Sun, 20 July 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Soldiers of Christ, Arise, CCM Podcast for 13 Jul, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/soldiers-of-christ-arise http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/soldiers-of-christ-arise This week's hymn, "Soldiers of Christ, Arise," reminds us that in the strength of the Lord of Hosts, those that trust in Jesus are more than conquerors.

But it does not tell us to sit back and relax. No. We have to actively fight this battle. We are to leave no place in our lives unguarded, keep our armor bright, wrestle and fight and pray. This is a rallying song of encouragement, because our God is the Victor!

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]]> Sun, 13 July 2008 00:01:00 -0500 America the Beautiful, CCM Podcast for 6 Jul, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/america-the-beautiful http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/america-the-beautiful This week, in honor of the birthday of the United States, we feature two hymns, "America the Beautiful" and "Eternal Father, Strong to Save."

"America the Beautiful," with its strong imagery of purple mountains majesty and fruited plains, returns the glory to the God who created it, made it great and sustains it.

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save" is also known as "The Navy Hymn." Sung at funerals of sailors and Presidents, it is a prayer for deliverance from peril on land and sea.

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]]> Sun, 6 July 2008 00:01:00 -0500 It Is Well with My Soul, CCM Podcast for 29 Jun, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/it-is-well-with-my-soul http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/it-is-well-with-my-soul Today, was your life characterized by "peace, like a river?" Or did "sorrows like sea billows roll?" If you know Christ, if you have given your life to Him, you can say "It is Well, With my Soul."

If you don't know the peace that comes from sins forgiven, if you don't know our beautiful Savior, let us tell you about Him. Knowing Christ

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]]> Sun, 29 June 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise, CCM Podcast for 22 Jun, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/immortal-invisible-god-only-wise http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/immortal-invisible-god-only-wise Our hymn this week, based on I Timothy 1:17, is "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise." God possesses what no one else can, total and absolute power. This is why we must kneel in reverence and awe before this omnipotent and almighty God.

Sing this hymn of praise often this week. Singing hymns lets the Holy Ghost teach you something of God, gives you words of praise to glorify God.

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]]> Sun, 22 June 2008 00:01:00 -0500 The Lord's My Shepherd, CCM Podcast for 15 Jun, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/the-lords-my-shepherd http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/the-lords-my-shepherd Audio File

]]> Sun, 15 June 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, CCM Podcast for 8 Jun, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/praise-my-soul-the-king-of-heaven http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/praise-my-soul-the-king-of-heaven Our hymn this week teaches us to sing praises to our God, "Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven."

Echoing the words of Psalm 103, this hynm calls us to something greater than distracted and half-hearted worship. We're called to praise God with all we have-right down to our soul. The hymn's beautiful words take our eyes off the world and direct them exclusively on God-the One who has "ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven."

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]]> Sun, 8 June 2008 00:01:00 -0500 May the Mind of Christ My Savior, CCM Podcast for 1 Jun, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/may-the-mind-of-christ-my-savior http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/may-the-mind-of-christ-my-savior Our hymn this week is a prayer, a prayer that we may daily be more and more like Jesus. When we sing, "May the Mind of Christ My Savior," we plead that His mind be in us, that all we do and say will be His thoughts and actions, and that we will live so that others, seeing us, will see Christ.

Pray this hymn each day this week. Let your life be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that all you do will be to the praise and glory of our Lord and Savior.

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]]> Sun, 1 June 2008 00:01:00 -0500 God of Our Fathers, CCM Podcast for 25 May, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/god-of-our-fathers http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/god-of-our-fathers On this national holiday, Memorial Day, we take time to worship the God who has given us this country and made it great. Our hymn this week, "God of our Fathers" reminds us that it is He who is our "ever sure defense."

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]]> Sun, 25 May 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Rejoice the Lord Is King, CCM Podcast for 18 May, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/rejoice-the-lord-is-king http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/rejoice-the-lord-is-king Our hymn this week, "Rejoice, the Lord Is King" encourages us to praise God. Why do we sing praises? We sing praises because God is worthy of praise. We praise Him for all He is and all He has done.

Sing this hymn frequently this week. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and let this hymn fill your heart with praise to the living Lord.

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]]> Sun, 18 May 2008 00:01:00 -0500 All For Jesus, CCM Podcast for 11 May, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/all-for-jesus http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/all-for-jesus "All for Jesus, all for Jesus, all my being's ransomed powers, all my thoughts and words and doings, all my days and all my hours." Using the word of our hymn this week, "All for Jesus," we sing of our commitment to the One who has redeemed us by His substitutionary death on the cross for our sins.

Sing this hymn often this week. When we sing hymns of praise, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, to strengthen us and encourage us in our faith.

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]]> Sun, 11 May 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Crown Him with Many Crowns, CCM Podcast for 4 May, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/crown-him-with-many-crowns http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/crown-him-with-many-crowns Our hymn of the week soars with the majesty and power of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. "Crown Him with Many Crowns", based on Matthew 19:12, speaks of the risen, reigning Christ, "...and on his head were many crowns." Our hymn sings of crowns proclaiming him "the Lord of love", "the Lord of peace," and "the Lord of years."

Sing this hymn often this week. Let your heart be filled with the adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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]]> Sun, 4 May 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Come, Christians, Join to Sing, CCM Podcast for 27 Apr, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/come-christians-join-to-sing http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/come-christians-join-to-sing Originally a Sunday School song for children, "Come Christians, Join to Sing" was first entitled, "Come, Children, Join to Sing." However its author changed the hymn's name because he realized everyone loved to sing his hymn. With the praise of "Alleluia" and the jubilant assertion of "Amen," this hymn resounds with praise for Christ our King.

Sing this hymn often this week. Sing it with your family, as even the young ones enjoy singing "Alleluia, Amen." And together, praise our God.

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]]> Sun, 27 April 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Make Me a Captive, Lord, CCM Podcast for 20 Apr, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/make-me-a-captive-lord http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/make-me-a-captive-lord "Make Me a Captive, Lord, and then I shall be free." That doesn't make sense to the world. But when we receive Christ as our Savior, when we surrender ourselves to the Lord, we find that we have freedom from the sins that have held us captive.

Sing this hymn frequently this week. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and let this hymn fill your heart with praise to the living Lord.

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]]> Sun, 20 April 2008 00:01:00 -0500 My Jesus, I Love Thee, CCM Podcast for 13 Apr, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/my-jesus-i-love-thee http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/my-jesus-i-love-thee Our hymn today was written by a teenager: 16 year old William Featherstone. It's possible that he wrote the words as a poem celebrating his conversion to Christ. May the words of this deeply personal hymn be your words of love—and devotion to Jesus.

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]]> Sun, 13 April 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Fairest Lord Jesus, CCM Podcast for 6 Apr, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/fairest-lord-jesus http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/fairest-lord-jesus A beautiful hymn of praise, our hymn of the week "Fairest Lord Jesus," points us to our Beautiful Savior. Fairer than the meadows, the woodlands, the sunshine, the moonlight, than all the starry hosts, Jesus is worthy of all praise and adoration.

Sing this hymn often this week. Singing praise to our Beautiful Savior allows the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His presence and give us His peace. Audio File

]]> Sun, 6 April 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Thine Be the Glory, CCM Podcast for 30 Mar, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/thine-be-the-glory http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/thine-be-the-glory Today we sing a beautiful Easter hymn, Thine Be the Glory. Christ's triumph over death and the grave came at an enormous cost. Our Lord's battle was hard fought, but victory was never in doubt. Jesus is the conquering Son of God.

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]]> Sun, 30 March 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, CCM Podcast for 23 Mar, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/christ-the-lord-is-risen-today http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/christ-the-lord-is-risen-today Can there be a more exhilarating hymn than "Christ the Lord is Risen Today?" St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 15, verse 55 says:

Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?

Right now, sing praise to the risen Christ:

For He is risen, He is risen indeed!

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]]> Sun, 23 March 2008 00:01:00 -0500 All Glory, Laud and Honor, CCM Podcast for 16 Mar, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/all-glory-laud-and-honor http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/all-glory-laud-and-honor Today's hymn is old-actually very old. The words are from the 9th century and look to Christ's triumphal return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, hopeful crowds filled the streets waving palm branches saying: "Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord." As we sing this powerful Palm Sunday hymn, let your voice and your heart sing once again these thrilling words.

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]]> Sun, 16 March 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended, CCM Podcast for 9 Mar, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/ah-holy-jesus-how-hast-thou-offended http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/ah-holy-jesus-how-hast-thou-offended Jesus' death on the cross was horrible.  The sinless Christ was abandoned by God Almighty.  Buy why did He die?  "Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon Thee?  'Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied Thee.  I crucified Thee."  My sins, your sins, put Jesus on the cross.  He paid the price for those sins, that He may give us eternal life!

Sing our hymn of the week, "Ah Holy Jesus, How Has Thou Offended?" often this week.  Meditate on it and know that Jesus died for me and for you.  We deserve death, He gave us life.  We deserve hell, He gave us heaven.  As you sing this hymn, let the power of these words bring you to Christ. For in Christ, our suffering Savior, we find forgiveness, joy, and God's grace. 

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]]> Sun, 9 March 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Hallelujah, What a Savior, CCM Podcast for 2 Mar, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/hallelujah-what-a-savior http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/hallelujah-what-a-savior Expressing the sorrow of the dying Christ, yet at the same time triumphant and glorious, the hymn of the week, "Hallelujah, What a Savior" at once shows the pain and sorrow of that death, and exaltation, as Jesus Christ conquered sin and death.

Sing this hymn often this week. Meditate on it and know the Jesus died for me and for you. We deserve death, He gave us life. We deserve hell, He gave us heaven. As you sing this hymn, let the power of these words bring you to Christ. For in Christ, our suffering Savior, we find forgiveness, joy, and God's grace.

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]]> Sun, 2 March 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Lift High the Cross, CCM Podcast for 24 Feb, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/lift-high-the-cross http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/lift-high-the-cross Regardless of the season, the cross requires continual reflection. It was a place of such gruesome punishment for Jesus. Yet it's also a place of glory--where death and sin were conquered forever. With mixed emotions, we look at the cross and recognize its profound impact on our lives.

Since the crucifixion event was one of such magnitude, it's fitting that we take time to reflect on what happened there. This week's hymn focuses our attention on the cross of Christ. It's a song that celebrates the King, and rejoices in his triumph over death.

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]]> Sun, 24 February 2008 00:01:00 -0500 O Sacred Head, Now Wounded, CCM Podcast for 17 Feb, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/o-sacred-head-now-wounded http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/o-sacred-head-now-wounded In our busy world, it's so easy to be caught up in the cares and concerns of this life. But with the words of this week's hymn, our attention will be pulled back to the thing that matters most: Jesus' sacrificial death. Even on our busiest days, may we never forget to thank him for this act of love.

In the week ahead, consider the words to "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" and remember Jesus' suffering for our redemption.

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]]> Sun, 17 February 2008 00:01:00 -0500 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, CCM Podcast for 10 Feb, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/when-i-survey-the-wondrous-cross http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/when-i-survey-the-wondrous-cross Our hymn of the week this week is a very personal hymn. "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" is written in the first person. I am the one that needs to see my Savior, dying for me, on that cross. I am the one that needs to realize that everything else pales beside that. "My riches gain, I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride."

As we enter the season of Lent, let us take time to survey that wondrous cross. Sing this hymn prayerfully, and allow the Holy Spirit work in your heart to give you understanding of how great the love that Christ Jesus has for you, that He lay down His life for your sins.

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]]> Sun, 10 February 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts, CCM Podcast for 3 Feb, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/jesus-thou-joy-of-loving-hearts http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/jesus-thou-joy-of-loving-hearts What is your "best bliss"? What does this world offer you that means the most to you? Jesus is more than that. We turn unfilled from the world, to Jesus, who is the joy of our loving heart.

Comfort your restless spirit by singing this hymn often this week. Hold on to Jesus. Fill your thirsty soul at this Fount of Life.

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]]> Sun, 3 February 2008 00:01:00 -0500 He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought, CCM Podcast for 27 Jan, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/he-leadeth-me:-o-blessed-thought http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/he-leadeth-me:-o-blessed-thought When he set out to give an exposition on the 23rd Psalm, Joseph Gilmore got no further than "He leadeth me" when he was overwhelmed by the significance and beauty of those words." He later wrote our hymn of the week "He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought."

As you sing this hymn this week, rest in the comfort and joy that your Savior is leading you and that you may be, "Content, whatever lot I see, Since 'tis my God that leadeth me."

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]]> Sun, 27 January 2008 00:01:00 -0500 I Greet Thee Who My Sure Redeemer Art, CCM Podcast for 20 Jan, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/i-greet-thee-who-my-sure-redeemer-art http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/i-greet-thee-who-my-sure-redeemer-art "I Greet Thee Who My Sure Redeemer Art" dates back to the Reformation itself. As we sing this hymn we rejoice in the redemption that comes only through Jesus Christ. We sing of His attributes we learn of Him. He is the King of mercy and of grace, He is the life by which alone we live, He has the true and perfect gentleness.

Sing this hymn often this week to let the Holy Spirit work in you, to let you fully understand Jesus' redemptive work on the cross for you.

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]]> Sun, 20 January 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, CCM Podcast for 13 Jan, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/guide-me-o-thou-great-jehovah http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/guide-me-o-thou-great-jehovah Our hymn this week, "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah", prays for God's great guidance and strength. Using the model of God's care for the Israelites through out the Old Testament, the powerful imagery of our hymn describes God's care for all of His own. His children are fed with the bread of heaven. They find comfort in the crystal fountain from which His healing streams flow. God leads His people with the fire and cloudy pillar, and finally, even to the very moment of death, God guides them safely through the verge of Jordan and safe on Canaan's side.

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]]> Sun, 13 January 2008 00:01:00 -0500 O God, Our Help In Ages Past, CCM Podcast for 6 Jan, 2008 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/o-god-our-help-in-ages-past http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/o-god-our-help-in-ages-past This week's hymn speaks of our unchanging and faithful God, "Our God, Our Help in Ages Past." Based on Psalm 90, this hymn tells of God's help in the past, protection for today, hope for tomorrow, and a home for all eternity.

Sing this hymn often this week and this year. Let this be your prayer, "O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be Thou our Guide while life shall last, and our eternal home."

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]]> Sun, 6 January 2008 00:01:00 -0500 Angels We Have Heard on High, CCM Podcast for 30 Dec, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/angels-we-have-heard-on-high http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/angels-we-have-heard-on-high When Christ came to Bethlehem on that dark night 2000 year ago, only the shepherds were still at work. The social strata in Bethlehem had little room for the menial labor of shepherds. Yet the angels appeared to them. "Fear not," the angels said, yet, how could they not be afraid at such a sight. But as the angels told their great news, their fear turned to incredible joy. Christ their Savior had been born.

We sing with the angels, "Glory to God in the Highest."

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]]> Sun, 30 December 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Silent Night, CCM Podcast for 23 Dec, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/silent-night http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/silent-night The best loved Christmas Carol has to be the beautiful hymn, "Silent Night." Its poignant melody and simple words quietly tell the story of the birth of our Savior.

We pray God's blessing on you and yours this Christmas season.

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]]> Sun, 23 December 2007 00:01:00 -0500 O Come All Ye Faithful, CCM Podcast for 16 Dec, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/o-come-all-ye-faithful http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/o-come-all-ye-faithful This week we feature one of the most beautiful Christmas Carols ever written, "O Come, All Ye Faithful." While the first stanza is based on the familiar Christmas story of worshiping the Babe in Bethlehem, the rest of the stanzas describe the nature of this Infant King, "God of God, Light of Light...begotten not created."

As you sing and meditate on this beautiful Christmas hymn, we pray that the wonder, awe and adoration of Jesus Christ will be a reality in your life.

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]]> Sun, 16 December 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, CCM Podcast for 9 Dec, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/let-all-mortal-flesh-keep-silence http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/let-all-mortal-flesh-keep-silence Our hymn this week is from the time when the Church was still young. With its haunting melody and lofty language, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" calls for all to keep silence. Silence is hard to find in these days of hustle and bustle. But in the silence we can find the awe and wonder of God's great Gift to all of mankind.

Seek silence. Silence to meditate on the divine, virgin-born Son of God, silence to meditate on the message of the angels and the wisemen. Silence to find our Savior.

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]]> Sun, 9 December 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come, CCM Podcast for 2 Dec, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/joy-to-the-world!-the-lord-is-come http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/joy-to-the-world!-the-lord-is-come Isaac Watts wrote "Joy to the World" not as a Christmas hymn, but as part of his effort to Christianize the Psalms. As he reflected on Psalm 98, he was inspired to write these words which are more about Christ's second coming than His first one."

As we begin this Advent season, a time of meditation and reflection on the incarnation of the Christ Child, let this hymn rekindle in you awe and adoration of the King of Kings.

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]]> Sun, 2 December 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Now Thank We All Our God, CCM Podcast for 25 Nov, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/now-thank-we-all-our-god http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/now-thank-we-all-our-god "Now Thank We All Our God" comes from the time of the Thirty Year War, when life was filled with violence, plagues and famine. Yet Martin Rinkart knew that the Lord was to be praised and wrote this beautiful hymn of Thanksgiving.

May our hearts be filled with thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior, "...Who wondrous things hast done, in Whom this world rejoices."

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]]> Sun, 25 November 2007 00:01:00 -0500 O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, CCM Podcast for 4 Nov, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/o-the-deep-deep-love-of-jesus http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/o-the-deep-deep-love-of-jesus Oh, the love of Jesus. As the river flows to the ocean, may our hearts seek the love of Jesus. A love that is vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Let the love of Jesus surround you, as you sing this beautiful hymn.

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]]> Sun, 4 November 2007 00:01:00 -0500 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, CCM Podcast for 28 Oct, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/a-mighty-fortress-is-our-god http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/a-mighty-fortress-is-our-god "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear." Psalm 46:1-2a. Our hymn this week reminds us that, no matter how great the struggle, no matter how cruel our enemy, we can be victorious, because the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ stands with us.

Sing this hymn often this week. Rejoice in the fortress of our great God. "His Kingdom is forever."

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]]> Sun, 28 October 2007 00:01:00 -0500 And Can It Be, CCM Podcast for 30 Sep, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/and-can-it-be http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/and-can-it-be This week we sing of God's incredible mercy and grace. Charles Wesley wrote of the wonder of Jesus - the immortal God - dying for our sins, that we can be free from condemnation, and can claim life eternal, through His precious blood.

If you don't know the peace that comes from sins forgiven, if you don't know our beautiful Savior, let us tell you about Him. Knowing Christ

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]]> Sun, 30 September 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Holy, Holy, Holy, CCM Podcast for 16 Sep, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/holy-holy-holy http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/holy-holy-holy Our hymn this week is "Holy, Holy, Holy." God is defined by holiness. And holiness defines the life of all God's saints. "Be holy, for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16 We are to imitate God's holiness. But as a sinful man, I cannot be holy except for the grace of God through Jesus Christ and by the continual working of the Holy Spirit.

Sing this hymn often this week, for when you do, God's divine grace will sustain you in a life filled with the holiness of God.

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]]> Sun, 16 September 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Abide with Me, Fast Falls the Eventide, CCM Podcast for 9 Sep, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/abide-with-me-fast-falls-the-eventide http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/abide-with-me-fast-falls-the-eventide The words to our hymn of the week, "Abide With Me," is based on Luke 24:29, the story of the two disciples met by Jesus on the road to Emmaus, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent."

As you meditate on the words of this beautiful and thoughtful hymn, you can know that you are not alone, even in your darkest and most disappointing times. For Christ is with you. He is the help of the helpless. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Even at death's door, you can sing with triumph, "Where is death's sting? Where grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me."

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]]> Sun, 9 September 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Be Thou My Vision, CCM Podcast for 26 Aug, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/be-thou-my-vision http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/be-thou-my-vision A hymn that has only become popular in the last 50 years or so, our hymn this week actually dates back to the 8th century. "Be Thou My Vision" was translated from an Irish poem originating from a time of passion for Christ and for missionary outreach.

Sing this hymn often this week. When you sing it, the Holy Spirit can work in you and fill your heart, that you may claim Jesus Christ as "first in my heart, High King of Heaven,
my treasure Thou art."

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]]> Sun, 26 August 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, CCM Podcast for 19 Aug, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/savior-like-a-shepherd-lead-us http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/savior-like-a-shepherd-lead-us The peaceful, bucolic hymn "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" is our hymn for this week.

The role of a shepherd is a difficult one. Sheep need much attention and much guidance. We too often find ourselves as sheep, going the wrong way, getting in trouble. We desperately need Jesus to be our Shepherd. He will seek us and guard and keep us, with the "grace to cleanse and power to free."

Sing this hymn often this week, that your mind may be set on the One who has bought us with His blood.

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]]> Sun, 19 August 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, CCM Podcast for 12 Aug, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing Our hymn of the week this week is the beloved hymn, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." This hymn asks God, the one who provides all blessings, to teach us how to praise Him. "Tune my heart to sing Thy grace" and in response, we "praise the Mount, I'm fixed upon it, Mount of God's redeeming love."

I hope you will sing this hymn often this week. When we sing this hymn, we are called to a life of faithfulness to God, our Redeemer. Let the Holy Spirit work in your heart that you may be understand that: "Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God,
He to rescue me from danger,
interposed His precious blood."

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]]> Sun, 12 August 2007 00:01:00 -0500 This Is My Father's World, CCM Podcast for 29 Jul, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/this-is-my-fathers-world http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/this-is-my-fathers-world "This is My Father's World, and to my listening ears, all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres." Our hymn this week was written by Maltbie Davenport Babcock, who spent much time in the beauty of nature, announcing he was going out to see "My Father's world." It would seem, then, that this is a hymn about the glory of creation, but rather, it is a profound hymn of praise to the Creator. All nature points to our Creator, Savior God, who "will be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one."

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]]> Sun, 29 July 2007 00:01:00 -0500 The Church's One Foundation, CCM Podcast for 17 Jun, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/the-churchs-one-foundation http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/the-churchs-one-foundation Written at a time when the Church was torn with heresy, our hymn of the week, "The Church's One Foundation," gives a strong statement of the basis of our faith, Jesus Christ. As a building is only as strong as its foundation, so our faith is strong because of the sure foundation of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Sing this hymn often this week. Let the Holy Spirit strengthen and encourage you in your daily walk with the Lord.

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]]> Sun, 17 June 2007 00:01:00 -0500 Alleluia, Sing to Jesus, CCM Podcast for 3 Jun, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/alleluia-sing-to-jesus http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/alleluia-sing-to-jesus Overflowing with the goodness of God's grace, our hymn this week is "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus." "His the triumph, His the victory alone." "Jesus, out of every nation, has redeemed us by His blood."

Sing this hymn often this week. For when we sing hymns of praise, we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, to strengthen us and encourage us.

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]]> Sun, 3 June 2007 00:01:00 -0500 We Come O Christ To You, CCM Podcast for 6 May, 2007 http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/we-come-o-christ-to-you http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/we-come-o-christ-to-you Our hymn this week is "We Come, O Christ, to You." This beautiful hymn is our response to Jesus, who boldly states "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) First acknowledging Jesus Christ as true God and true man, the hymn proclaims Him to be the Way to God (v.2 the living Truth (v. 3), and true Life, (v. 4), then ends in a verse of praise and commitment.

Sing this hymn frequently this week. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and let this hymn fill your heart with praise to the living Lord.

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