Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
O Spirit Now We Thank You
A prayer of thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit, who inspired and crafted God’s Word, asking that He “bless its proclamation” and help us rightly understand and apply its truths to our lives.
O Spirit, now we thank You For giving us Your Word. Please bless its proclamation, The truths that we have heard. Indwell us and empow’r us, And cause us to obey; Shine now the light of Scripture On all we do and say.
Great Artist of the Scriptures, In beauty You have made God’s Word to shine in glory That cannot fail or fade. In poetry and proverbs, Through narrative and line; In prophecy and hist’ry, God’s truth in splendor shines.
You, down through many ages, Inspired men to write, Progressively revealing, You brought God’s truth to light. O Spirit, come illumine This truth for us today; And guide us in sound doctrine, The straight and narrow way.
Wield now Your Sword, O Spirit, The quick and living Word, And rend our hearts asunder With truths that we have heard. O search us now and know us, Expose iniquity; Conform us to our Savior, And holy we shall be.
Now supper was ready, the table spread, and all things set on the board. So they sat down, and did eat, when one had given thanks. And the Interpreter did usually entertain those that lodged with him with music at meals; so the minstrels played. There was also one that did sing; and a very fine voice he had.
His song was this:
“The Lord is only my support And He that doth me feed: How can I, then want anything Where of I stand in need?”
Notes and Commentary
At last the pilgrims sit down to a table spread with a fine meal. They have been anticipating this feast since arriving at the Interpreter’s House. Before they can continue the long journey ahead, they need nourishment and strength. The meal they enjoy highlights several important biblical truths.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
O Holy Night
Recorded at Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24, 2012
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth Long lay the world in sin and error pining ‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn Fall on your knees O hear the angel voices O night divine O night when Christ was born O night—O holy night, O night divine!
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5–8).
See Amid the Winter’s Snow
See, amid the winter’s snow, Born for us on earth below, See the tender Lamb appears, Promised from eternal years.
Hail, thou ever blessed morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Lo, within a manger lies He who built the starry skies: He who, throned in height sublime, Sits amid the cherubim.
Say, ye holy shepherds, say, What your joyful news today? Wherefore have ye left your sheep On the lonely mountain steep?
“As we watched at dead of night, Lo! we saw a wondrous light; Angels singing, peace on earth, Told us of the Savior’s birth.”
Sacred Infant, all divine, What a tender love was thine, Thus to come from highest bliss Down to such a world as this!
Teach, O teach us, holy Child, By thy face so meek and mild, Teach us to resemble thee, In thy sweet humility.
Words by Edward Caswell, 1851 Music by Sir John Goss, 1870
Download free arrangements of this Christmas Hymn:
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).
1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, Joy of every longing heart.
2. Joy to those who long to see Thee Day-spring from on high, appear. Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse, Of Thy birth, we long to hear! O’er the hills the angels singing News, glad tidings of a birth; “Go to Him your praises bringing Christ the Lord has come to earth!”
3. Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end. By His life He brings us gladness, Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend. Leaving riches without number, Born within a cattle stall; This the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.
4. Born thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a King, Born to reign in us for ever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all-sufficient merit Raise us to thy glorious throne.
“Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Words by Charles Wesley, 1744 Hymn Tune: HYFRYDOL (8.7.8.7.D.) Music by Rowland Prichard, 1830
Today (July 30, 2021) marks the ten year anniversary of kenpulsmusic.com. In 2011 I launched a website with a small collection of sheet music featuring hymns and songs that I had written. Today the site features over 2000 resources including:
More Music for Classical Guitar, including many of my transcriptions of Christmas music, wedding music, music by Bach, music for flute and guitar, and over 100 hymn tunes
A Music Store on Bandcamp featuring some of my hymns and songs and an album of hymn tune transcriptions entitled Cherished Hymns for Guitar
Charles H. Spurgeon is well known as a great preacher and pastor. He championed the truth of God’s Word and labored to make known the gospel of Jesus Christ. Spurgeon, however, was also a hymn-writer and compiler of hymns. He prepared a collection of hymns for use at the Metropolitan Tabernacle during his ministry. And he composed hymns.
The last hymn written by Spurgeon is included in the second volume of his autobiography, The Full Harvest, reprinted by Banner of Truth in 1973. On pages 426–427 he provides the words to the hymn and the following account:
The hymn was written in the early part of the year 1890, and was inserted in the programme used at the next College Conference. Those who were present, on that occasion, are not likely to forget the thrilling effect produced when five hundred ministers and students joined in singing it to the tune “Nottingham”. At the commencement, all sat and sang; but as they came to the later verses, they spontaneously rose, the time was quickened, and Mr. Manton Smith’s cornet helped to swell the volume of praise expressed by the writer.
The hymn is a glorious expression of praise for God’s grace coming upon a dry and dead sinner, raising him up, and plunging him into the glories of knowing and serving Jesus. The verses form a grand crescendo that reaches its peak in Christ alone.
“I will make the dry lands a spring of living water”
The Drop that Grew into a Torrent A Personal Experience
1. All my soul was dry and dead Till I learned that Jesus bled; Bled and suffered in my place, Bearing sin in matchless grace.
2. Then a drop of Heavenly love Fell upon me from above, And by secret, mystic art Reached the center of my heart.
3. Glad the story I recount, How that drop became a fount, Bubbled up a living well, Made my heart begin to swell.
4. All within my soul was praise, Praise increasing all my days; Praise which could not silent be: Floods were struggling to be free.
5. More and more the waters grew, Open wide the flood-gates flew, Leaping forth in streams of song Flowed my happy life along.
6. Lo! A river clear and sweet Laved my glad, obedient feet! Soon it rose up to my knees, And I praised and prayed with ease.
7. Now my soul in praises swims, Bathes in songs, and psalms and hymns; Plunges down into the deeps, All her powers in worship steeps.
8. Hallelujah! O my Lord! Torrents from my soul are poured! I am carried clean away, Praising, praising all the day.
9. In an ocean of delight, Praising God with all my might, Self is drowned; so let it be: Only Christ remains to me.
The hymn transcriptions in these collections are free downloads (PDF) and can be used for accompanying congregational singing, as well as playing prelude or offertory music. You can also simply play them for your own enjoyment.
Go to the hymn collection and click on the hymn title to view or download the free sheet music.
You are welcome to copy and share these hymns with friends and fellow guitar enthusiasts. Please copy the full page with the website address and the “Used by Permission” notice at the bottom (see Permissions).
This 18th century hymn by Gerhard Tersteegen is a timely reminder that God is the One who rules over heaven and earth. Even in days that seem tumultuous and uncertain, God is at work accomplishing His sovereign purposes. He is the One who holds the king’s heart and “turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). When God humbled the proud king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar glorified God and confessed:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, “What have You done?” (Daniel 4:34–35)
The hymn is a humble prayer addressed to God. It’s not a request that we would simply recognize God’s authority or rightly understand His sovereign right to rule. Rather, it is an entreaty that we would readily and willingly submit to God’s authority and rejoice in His conquest. Today is indeed a season of grace. May our heart’s desire resonant with the words of this hymn:
“Come Thou King of glory, come, Deign to make my heart Thy home.”
The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! (Psalm 110:1–2)
Conquering Prince and Lord of Glory
Conquering Prince and Lord of glory, Majesty enthroned in light; All the heavens are bowed before Thee, Far beyond them spreads Thy might; Shall not I fall at Thy feet, And my heart with rapture beat, Now Thy glory is displayed, Thine ere yet the worlds were made?
As I watch Thee far ascending To the right hand of the throne, See the host before Thee bending, Praising Thee in sweetest tone; Shall not I too at Thy feet Here the angels’ strain repeat, And rejoice that heaven doth ring With the triumph of my King?
Power and Spirit are o’erflowing, On me also be they poured; Every hindrance overthrowing, Make Thy foes Thy footstool, Lord! Yea, let earth’s remotest end To Thy righteous scepter bend, Make Thy way before Thee plain, O’er all hearts and spirits reign.
Lo! Thy presence now is filling All the church in every place; Fill my heart too; make me willing In this season of Thy grace; Come Thou King of glory, come, Deign to make my heart Thy home, There abide and rule alone, As upon Thy heavenly throne!
There are many well-matched hymn tunes and texts in the treasure trove of hymnody. A well-matched tune not only fits the poetic meter of the text, it helps to undergird, emotionally interpret, and express the meaning of the text. Crafting or finding music that aptly conveys and strengthens the message of the lyrics is called text painting. Examples of hymn tunes that beautifully paint the text include:
“Holy, Holy, Holy” by Reginald Heber (1783–1826) Set to the tune NICAEA by John B. Dykes, 1861
This hymn echoes the threefold praise of God’s holiness found in Scripture (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8). It affirms the doctrine: “God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.” The motive of the tune accompanies the words “Holy, Holy, Holy.” It consists of a rising arpeggio of the tonic chord: a major triad made up of a root, 3rd, and 5th. It is a musical illustration of the doctrine of the Trinity: 3 notes, one chord.
“How Firm a Foundation” from John Rippon’s Selection of Hymns, 1787 Set to the tune FOUNDATION from John Funk’s Genuine Church Music, 1832
This hymn affirms the certainty of God’s Word. All that God has said and promised will surely come to pass. The tune conveys firmness by emphasizing the structural tones of the major scale. Most of the melody consists of the three notes of the tonic triad (the most stable chord of the key).
“O Sacred Head Now Wounded,” a Medieval Latin poem ascribed to Bernard Clairvaux (1091–1153) Set to the tune PASSION CHORALE by Hans Leo Hassler, 1601, harmonized by J.S. Bach, 1729
Hassler’s tune in minor with Bach’s harmonization captures well the “grief,” “anguish,” and “sorrow” in the text. Bach concludes with a cadence in the relative major, as the hymn expresses both the suffering of Christ on the cross and God’s grace and love that come to us through Christ’s sacrifice.
“Up from the Grave He Arose” (Low in the Grave He Lay) Set to the tune CHRIST AROSE Words and music by Robert Lowry (1826–1866)
Lowry’s hymn celebrating Christ’s resurrection begins with an 8-measure subdued verse (“Low in the grave He lay”) leading into a 12-measure triumphant chorus with dotted rhythms and expanded range. The chorus opens with an ascending arpeggio on the tonic chord interpreting the words “Up from the grave He arose.”
“Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts, 1719 Set to the tune ANTIOCH by Lowell Mason, 1836, based on music by G.F. Handel, 1742
This familiar Christmas hymn proclaims Christ’s incarnation. The tune begins with a descending major scale conveying the text: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” The melody then ascends, returning to the starting note, reaching up with the words: “Let earth receive her King!”
A lesser-known Christmas hymn, whose tune beautifully portrays the text, is “Who Is This So Weak and Helpless.” This hymn begins with the birth of Christ, then points us to His life, suffering, and death on the cross. The first half of each verse focuses on Christ’s humiliation and asks the perplexing question: “Who is this?” The question is tied to the hymn’s motive that begins with the opening notes of the minor scale, rising a minor third from “a” to “c” (from tonic to mediant). The second half of each verses answers the question posed in the first half. We see Christ’s exaltation in stark contrast to His humiliation: “Who is this?” Answer: “Tis the Lord!” “Tis our God!” The motive also begins the second half of each verse, but the notes are raised a third. Now the notes rise from “c” to “e” (a major third), brightening the motive with uplifting wonder.
It seems improbable that the child who “coldly in a manger laid” is “the Lord of all creation.” It seems astounding that “a Man of Sorrows” is indeed “our God, our glorious Savior.” Yet this is the profound mystery of the incarnation.
Below is the full text of the hymn. As you celebrate this Christmas season look from the manger to the cross and marvel at the wondrous way that God has accomplished our salvation.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Who Is This So Weak and Helpless?
“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not” (John 1:10).
WHO is this so weak and helpless, Child of lowly Hebrew maid, Rudely in a stable sheltered, Coldly in a manger laid? ‘TIS the Lord of all creation, Who this wondrous path hath trod; He is God from everlasting, And to everlasting God.
WHO is this, a Man of Sorrows, Walking sadly life’s hard way, Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping, Over sin and Satan’s sway? ‘TIS our God, our glorious Savior, Who above the starry sky Now for us a place prepareth, Where no tear can dim the eye.
WHO is this? Behold Him shedding Drops of blood upon the ground! Who is this, despised, rejected, Mocked, insulted, beaten, bound? ‘TIS our God, who gifts and graces On His church now poureth down; Who shall smite in holy vengeance All His foes beneath His throne.
WHO is this that hangeth dying While the rude world scoffs and scorns, Numbered with the malefactors, Torn with nails and crowned with thorns? ‘TIS the God who ever liveth ‘Mid the shining ones on high, In the glorious golden city, Reigning everlastingly.
