This is a genuine Edison Amberol wax cylinder, played on an archaic machine called an Amberola. The hymn is All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name, sung by the Metropolitan Quartet…possibly a hundred years ago.
It’s gently snowing outside this morning, a pure white blanket drawn over the mudscape, not enough to cause a problem: rejoice in God’s handiwork. And let us rejoice in our fellowship in Jesus Christ.
This is a hymn that I’ve always loved, sung to a melody I’ve never heard before. You know I like my hymns done simply, but sometimes a full orchestra is best.
Jesus’ remark, “The Son of Man hath not where to lay his head,” hits home with me, and I feel uncomfortable with a lot of ostentation when it comes to worship. But Christ is also King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and entitled to all glory: it is His right. And it is our glory to render to him, joyfully, what is due.
I’m supposed to vacuum here today, elbow permitting. Wish me luck.
When I was 11 years old, my folks sent me to the YMCA camp in Blairstown, NJ, for two weeks in the summer. It upset me at first, but I soon got the hang of it.
On Sundays the camp had outdoor chapel service. The chapel was on a hilltop overlooking one of the most gorgeous views of rolling green hills and farmers’ fields you ever saw. I’ll never forget it. And the counselors’ choir sang this great old hymn, All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name. It’s been one of my favorite hymns ever since: hard for me to hear it sung without my eyes getting teary.
The hills, the fields, the cloudless blue sky of that day, and the music, are all the gifts of God.
Enjoy them and give thanks.