The other day we got five hymns entered into our Christmas Carol Contest; yesterday and this morning, none. That’ll teach me to use ’em up all at once.
So I offer this to get the ball rolling: Gesu Bambino, sung by Luciano Pavarotti backed up by the Petits Chanteurs de Mont-Royal boys’ choir.
My mother used to play this hymn on the record player as she did her housework. If she were still alive, she’d be 95 this month. This one’s for you, Ma.
Tennessee Ernie Ford–what a voice he had–sings Lord, I’m Coming Home.
This classic hymn, O God Our Help in Ages Past–words by Isaac Watts (him again!), first published back in 1719–gets a racing version sometime in the 1990s, by, I think, the Maranatha Promise Keepers.
No, I haven’t visited any news sites yet, or turned on the radio: been doing a lot of praying, though.
O Lord Our God, go out before us and tread down your enemies!
That’s the title of an album of 18th-century hymns and worship songs performed by Maddy Prior with The Carnival Band. It’s also words for us to live by, in this turbulent and evil age. Sing lustily and with good courage! And may Almighty God go before us and tread down His enemies.
And this, of course, is the John Bunyan hymn, one of my favorites–To Be a Pilgrim/He Who Would True Valor See.