Hymns, Hymnody, Translations and a few assorted
Exegetical and Historical Thoughts thrown in
Exegetical and Historical Thoughts thrown in
Congregation Anniversary; original text; original tune; Catechetical A few years ago, I was commissioned by a congregation to write a new hymn for their upcoming congregation anniversary celebration. It happened that I knew both the pastor and the organist. The congregation (St. John Lutheran Church, Kimball, Nebraska) in 2016 was observing their 100th anniversary. Their theme text was 1 Jn. 3:23 - "And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment." Receiving this commission was an honor. It humbled me at the time (and still does). I wrote both text and tune (ST. JOHN'S KIMBALL), as well as an organ prelude and some instrumental descants. The hymn text and tune are listed below (if you want the organ prelude or instrumental parts, email me). (In the text, I apparently wrote 10 verses and have listed only 8 with the music. I do not remember why I did this). “Abide in Christ’s Love” (1 Jn. 3:23) Commissioned Hymn for St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kimball, NE's 100 year anniversary Robert Mayes, Jan. 2, 2016 1. Abide in Christ’s love, for Christ is your friend. God’s grace He bestows, and blessings He sends. What more can you wish than your Father’s high favor, Who, by Jesus’ sacrifice, loves you forever? 2. Abide in Christ’s love, though Satan deceives, With sweet-sounding snares, half-truths that he weaves. False doctrine destroys the souls trapped in its errors. But Jesus’ true teaching saves all from its terrors. 3. Abide in Christ’s love, though fallen you are, And powerless, guilty, rejected and scarred. In love for all sinners, God’s Son lived among us To take all sins on Him, and all that did wrong us. 4. Abide in Christ’s love, that for you was won By cross-beam and spikes, and injuries done. The innocent Savior took up all trespasses. He made satisfaction, and death o’er us passes. 5. Abide in Christ’s love, for with it comes bliss. Christ’s love is the foretaste of heaven’s blessedness. Contentment pours out to all hearts that believe Him And deep satisfaction for hearts who receive Him. 6. Abide in Christ’s love! This Word is proclaimed In all eras past, and ones to be named. A gathering is drawn to hear this proclamation: Christ’s love to all people, each time, every nation. 7. Abide in Christ’s love, a love you possess By baptismal tide that cures all distress. The washing of water with Word once poured out Brings grace daily to you, so faith may not doubt. 8. Abide in Christ’s love! This stream-Sacrament Makes you God’s dear child, through faith innocent. A new Father claims you, the Spirit is given, Plunged into Christ’s body, you are heirs of heaven. 9. Abide in Christ’s love until your last day, That trusting in Him, you will hear Him say, “O good, faithful servant, receive and inherit, God’s kingdom of glory, won by My full merit.” 10. All glory to God the Father we bring, For His high regard in Christ, we now sing. All glory to Jesus, God’s Son, our blest Savior, And to Holy Spirit, be praise now and ever. Text: Copyright © January 26, 2016, Robert Mayes. All rights reserved. Tune: ST. JOHN'S KIMBALL - Copyright © January 26, 2016, Robert Mayes. All rights reserved. 10 10 12 12
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AuthorRev. Robert J. H. Mayes is a justified sinner through faith in Christ. He is a husband, father, an LCMS pastor, musician, and has a strong interest in Lutheranism, Christ-centered Scriptural exegesis and the hymns of the Church. In his spare time, he likes to watch the Kansas City Chiefs. Archives
May 2022
CategoriesImportant Links- - LCMS website - Nebraska dist. - CPH - Issues, Etc. - Lutheran Public Radio - PRDL (Post Reformation Digital Library) Other Hymn sites - What you need to know about hymns - Public domain Lutheran hymns - Mark Preus - Matthew Carver - Walther's Hymnal (ed. Carver) - Stephen Starke - Starke hymns vol. 1 & vol. 2 - Alan Kornacki Jr. - Kathryn Ann Hill - Robin Fish, Jr. - Kurt E. Reinhardt - Center for Church Music (Concordia Chicago) |