|
December 2002 Table of Contents
Petite Praisers
Hymns Can Be Fun
By Pam Andrews
Psalms 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
Ephesians 5:19-20 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to
God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:16-17Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I have many wonderful memories from my childhood. There were those fun family times. There were also those wondrous times with friends. One favorite memory I hold dear is Sunday nights at Grace Methodist Church. It was on Sunday nights that our song director would get out that Cokesbury Hymnal and take requests from the audience. We would sing one hymn after another. My personal favorite was "The Church in the Wildwood." I still love that hymn. Often I would see my dad crumple up paper and give it to the pastor. I did not realize he was giving the pastor a check. I thought he was giving our pastor song requests. One Sunday night as we left the church, I wrote on a piece of paper "The Church in the Wildwood." I folded it and put it in my hand. I then shook hands with the pastor and left the paper in his hand. Next Sunday night, we sang every verse to "The Church in the Wildwood" and each verse was dedicated to me by our pastor. I still love to sing the "Come, come, come…" What's great about this experience as a child is that these hymns have stayed in my heart. The afternoon I came out of breast cancer surgery, my personal request was for my family to sing "Amazing Grace" around my bedside. It meant so much to me.
There is a hymn for every season. Hymns are based on scripture. I think that is why they speak to our hearts so strongly. There are hymns of praise, thanksgiving and love. There are hymns that help us remember Jesus. There are hymns to help us through sadness and heartache. Hymns are a vital part of our Christian heritage and should never be lost. How sad it would be if our children did not know of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson, all of our founding fathers. What a tragedy to never share with them this marvelous history. Likewise, it is just as tragic to never share hymns and the stories of these wonderful hymn writers with our children. Children should build their musical lives on the rocks of the past being open to new and creative worship ideas of the future.
"The Kids Hymns Project" is a new work the Lord has given us that unites the past with the present. This work takes the hymns of old and sets them in a contemporary Christian style of today. The hymns have a praise and worship spirit which I know Fanny Crosby would love. The tunes and the words are the same…just the style has changed. Steven V. Taylor, the producer of this fine children's work, is one of the finest writers and producers of our time. He has a handle on the past and has a tremendous vision for the future. I love his work.
Also included in this product is a hymn story for each hymn. You will love this time of sharing stories of old with your children while they love to sing the "cool" styles of today. There is also a resource kit with a simple lesson plan for each song and a video to help with movement. If you loved "On With the Beat," you will love "The Kid's Hymns Project."
Why should we still sing hymns? Hymns plant the seed of Jesus in the hearts of children. Hymns are a great way to praise and worship God. Hymns can lead us to Christ. Hymns help children grow musically and spiritually. Often, when hymns are taught to children in Sunday school or children's choir, it is a wonderful experience when the children recognize hymns sung in worship and, in fact, sing along. The children achieve an appreciation for their Christian musical past and will pass on these hymns to their children someday blended with the new praise and worship choruses of today.
Hymns can also have a daily impact as well. My life, just as yours, has its ups and downs. Like you, I have my good days and bad days. I can honestly say that one of the best ways to lift my spirit is through His music. Give this same soul-lifting music to your children. Give them the gift of "Amazing Grace" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." You will change their lives. You will empower them for the future. You will change their world.
God bless YOU and thanks for all you do for our Lord with children. Thanks for supporting my work in the Lord and praying for me. As I walk each day with Jesus, I love the job of singing His song. He is awesome!
Living for Jesus!
Pam Andrews
Back to Top
|
