Concordia Publishing House

As you assembled in silence in a church by candlelight or with your family before turning in for the night, you may have prayed the office of Compline. This evening office is reflective and focuses on preparing your soul for the night. Read the following adaptation from the Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Services to discover the rich history of the office of Compline.

You may have heard someone in your church referred to as a cantor (sometimes spelled “kantor”). You probably know that a cantor works with church music, but what makes a cantor distinct from an organist or director of church music? Carl Schalk provides insight into what a cantor is historically in church tradition and what it means for us today. The following has been adapted from The Cantor in the Lutheran Tradition. 

When you hear the word doxology, what comes to your mind? For many, it’s a familiar tune and the words:

Pentecost hymns have been passed down for generations. Many of them have intricate and interesting histories to them, including that of “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord” found in Lutheran Service Book as hymn 497. Read this excerpt from Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Hymns and Eternal Anthems: The Story Behind Your Favorite Hymns, Volume 1 to learn about one of Martin Luther’s Pentecost hymns and its origins. 

Dr. John A. Behnke is a frequent handbell clinician, festival director, and organ recitalist. He enjoys composing and arranging, and he has 450+ handbell, choral, and organ compositions in print with nineteen different publishers in the United States, Germany, and Taiwan. Behnke’s relationship with Concordia Publishing House started in 1994, and he has since composed more than 200 of those pieces with CPH. In honor of his 70th birthday, we asked John to share some words of wisdom and key lessons he has learned throughout his career.

Easter hymns are beautiful celebrations of the victory Jesus won on the cross and in His glorious resurrection for our salvation. Alleluia! They are filled with bright notes and triumphant musical lines to bring all His people together in rejoicing. There are many beloved Easter hymns that are yearly staples in the worship service. Read about three favorites and their hymn histories below to rejoice with generations of Christians before you who sang these same words.

Johann Sebastian Bach is a well-known name throughout the world. Whether you are a music fanatic or not, chances are you have been touched by Bach’s music without even knowing it.

There are many ways to teach children about Jesus, and music has been proven to be one way that is beneficial. Through the repetition of music, both in the melody and in the words themselves, children can easily pick up important theological themes and Bible stories. This makes for easy learning of complex topics students can build on as they grow older. Either at home or at school, consider these children’s hymns as an opportunity to guide children in worship during this sacred season of Holy Week and Easter.