Five centuries of Lutheran hymnals
History winnows the hymns we sing, with half of the hymns from the first Lutheran hymnal still being sung today. Of all the hymns that are printed in hymnals, some…
What if it’s true . . . that God wants your broken heart
I had never thought about it this way until I heard him say it. “Imagine how smoothly our school year would go if our classrooms were filled with 25 Pharisees.”…
The gospel in song
Luther’s first congregational hymn puts the gospel right where it belongs: in the mouths of God’s people. Not everyone rejoiced when Luther’s first congregational hymn “Dear Christians, One and All,…
Favorite Christmas hymns
Singing and listening to Christmas carols throughout the month of December is a highlight for many Lutherans. We asked you, our readers, to tell us your favorite carols as well…
Hymn focuses on Jesus’ words from the cross
As part of its Lenten issue, Forward in Christ is featuring a new original Lenten hymn from Christian Worship: Hymnal. This hymn, called “The Seven Words,” highlights each of the…
The Seven Words
Their nails were freshly driven, their hatred clearly shown, when, “Let them be forgiven,” was heard at heaven’s throne. Your enemies, O Jesus, you loved beyond degree, a love so…
Introducing the new hymnal
While St. John, Burlington, Wis., has not yet bought the newly released Christian Worship: Hymnal for its sanctuary, it already has started to introduce its members to it. In November…
Digital resources: Hymnal tools for the modern world
In a digital age, Lutherans can embrace new tools for worship. Much of the work of making a hymnal has remained the same over the years. You need a team…
A daily walk with our Shepherd
Parents enjoy tucking their children into bed when they are little. Children love to be tucked in—most of the time. A bedtime routine comes with the tucking in. When my…