Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:
Now May the God of Peace A prayer for sanctification in the fight against sin
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Lord, I desire Your will My heart yearns to obey Though daily I am faced with sin Enticing me away
So, help me rise each day Battle and war with sin I long to see You face to face And final vict’ry win
Lord, You have so designed This fight with sin in me That as I struggle, watch and pray I learn humility
So, help me to obey Holiness to pursue Deepen repentance when I fail Strengthen my faith in You
I rest within the hope Your Spirit dwells in me Completing that which was begun So holy I may be
Now may the God of Peace Sanctify me wholly And keep me blameless ‘til the day Christ comes in victory
Life is filled with many perplexing realities. It seems all too brief. It is tainted by sin. It is marred with suffering. Along with joy, there is sorrow. Contentment is ever being challenged with longing.
We know that God is good and always does good. He created both time and space as a canvas to display His glory. He made the heavens and the earth and declared them to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31). He crafted the world with beauty and wonder.
Yet, as we look at the world around us, we see trials and troubles. We experience sorrow and pain. We know that God is not the author of sin, but why would He allow sin and suffering to enter His “very good” creation? How could the presence of evil (and its final defeat) possibly bring about, in God’s design and purpose, the fullness of His glory and our greatest good?
This hymn wrestles with such questions and points toward a vital truth. This world is not all there is. This life is fleeting. We were made for much more. We were made for glory.
Listen and download a recording of “Made for Glory” from Bandcamp:
Made for Glory
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
We journey through this life As pilgrims here on earth; Some live for years, some weeks or days, Some never see their birth. But when our journey ends, Our moments, days, or years Will all seem like a vapor when God wipes away our tears.
How short the time we have, How briefly we exist. Compared to all eternity, This life’s a fleeting mist. For glory we were made An everlasting soul, Not just the time this life affords With bodies that grow old.
Why is our time so short And stained with sin and strife? How could a loving God allow Such suff’ring in this life? In kindness God keeps short Our sorrows in this place, Yet through our pain and suffering We come to know His grace
As time moves quickly on, We must not waste a day, But bring our broken, sinful lives To Christ without delay. In Him each day find rest, Refreshment for the soul. For through His suff’ring we are healed, Forgiven, and made whole.
Though heartaches overwhelm And fill our souls with grief, Remember we are sojourners, Our journey will be brief. In glory one day soon We will look back and say: Our faithful God has brought us home, Our tears He’s wiped away
Yes, one day we will be In glory and can say: Our faithful God, He’s brought us home, Our tears He’s wiped away.
“Lord, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.” (Psalm 39:4–5)
Behold, O Lord, My Days
1. Behold, O Lord, my days are made A handbreadth as their span. Before the noon, my flow’r must fade, The end of ev’ry man.
2. So teach me Lord, to know my end And know that I am frail. To heav’n let all my thoughts ascend And let not earth prevail.
3. What love of earth can keep me here? I hope in You alone. When will You open glory’s gates And call me to Your throne?
4. A stranger in this land am I, A pilgrim far from rest. O be not silent to my cry, My yearning soul’s request.
5. Though I’m exiled from glory’s land, I dwell with glory’s King. My God is ever near at hand; He wakes my voice to sing.
“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:
Then Christiana began to talk of their journey, and to inquire after the way. So he fed them, and washed their feet; and set them in the way of his steps, according as he had dealt with her husband before.
So I saw in my dream that they walked on in their way, and had the weather very comfortable to them.
Then Christiana began to sing, saying:
“Blest be the day that I began A pilgrim for to be; And blessed also be that man That thereto moved me.
‘Tis true, ‘twas long ere I began To seek to live forever: But now I run fast as I can; ‘Tis better late, than never.
Our tears to joy, our fears to faith, Are turned, as we see: Thus our beginning (as one saith) Shows what our end will be.”
Notes and Commentary
As Christiana sets out again with her children and Mercy on their journey to the Celestial City, Christiana’s heart is full of joy. At the Gate, they have been well fed, refreshed, and shown the right path to take. Now they walk in favorable weather.
Christiana expresses her joy with singing. Music is a fitting way to declare our delight in God and make known His manifest kindnesses.
“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
Often in this life we face circumstances that make no sense. Difficulties arise that we don’t expect. Trials come our way that overwhelm our thoughts. Friendships, jobs, ministries, vocations—in which we’ve invested our time and efforts—can vanish. In such times, we need to remember to trust God and acknowledge Him. Though we don’t understand why we must walk through such troubles, we can look to God and know He will guide us. God’s Word tells us:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5–6)
God is sovereign and wise. He understands all things and directs all things according to His will. Though we may not understand, we are exhorted to rest our faith in Him (trust in the Lord) and give Him praise (acknowledge Him). Though we may not see the pathway ahead, we are urged to trust Him completely (with all your heart) and praise Him always—in times of sorrow and pain as well as in times of joy (in all your ways).
God is accomplishing and completing His perfect plan. He is at work in ways that are beyond our thoughts and far above our prayers.
“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)
The following song is a reminder to trust God and give Him praise, even when life doesn’t make sense. We cannot comprehend all He is doing in us and around us. We often don’t know what to think, what to say, and how to pray. But our God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” His ways are sure. His Word is true. We need only watch with eyes of faith. Behold! His perfect plan will indeed unfold.
Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:
He Does All Things Well
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20–21).
God is faithful, God is near. He’ll not leave you, So do not fear.
All around you, Everyday, He is working, So watch and pray.
With eyes of faith, Look around, behold. His perfect plan Will indeed unfold. Far beyond our thoughts, More than we can tell, Far above our prayers, He does all things well.
God is sovereign, God is wise. Don’t be downcast, Just lift your eyes.
All that happens Serves His will, Even hard things, So trust Him still.
With eyes of faith, Look around, behold. His perfect plan Will indeed unfold. Far beyond our thoughts, More than we can tell, Far above our prayers, He does all things well.
When the changes comes, He knows what is best. When you’re beaten down, He will give you rest.
When you’re tossed and turned, He’ll steadfast remain. When the wound is deep, He will heal your pain.
When the door is closed, He will show the way. When the path grows dark, He shines bright as day.
With eyes of faith, Look around, behold. His perfect plan Will indeed unfold. Far beyond our thoughts, More than we can tell, Far above our prayers, He does all things well.
Yes, wait and see What the Lord will do. His ways are sure And His Word is true. Far beyond our thoughts, More than we can tell, Far above our prayers, He does all things well.
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.
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night, On an instrument of ten strings, On the lute, And on the harp, With harmonious sound.” (Psalm 92:1–3)
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” And it is good to share and celebrate thanksgiving with music. If you play classical guitar, here are a few hymns for you to enjoy:
For the Beauty of the Earth We Gather Together Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Now Thank We All Our God Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
You can download free sheet music for these hymns (and more) here:
You are welcome to copy and share these hymns with friends and fellow guitarists. You can use them for accompanying congregational singing, playing prelude or offertory music, or simply playing for your own enjoyment. Please copy the full page with the website address and the “Used by Permission” notice at the bottom (see Permissions).
One of my favorite combinations of musical instruments is flute and classical guitar. I especially enjoy music for flute and guitar since my daughter plays the flute. She and I often play music together. Many of the duets we play are pieces I have arranged or transcribed.
I have added to my website a few of these transcriptions and arrangements. They include music from the Baroque (Telemann and Vivaldi), folk music, and a setting for Christmas of “Cantique de Noel” (O Holy Night).
You can download any or all of the sheet music for free:
