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Every Christmas tradition has an origin story, as do longtime favorite Christmas hymns. You may be surprised to discover what inspired three of your favorite holiday hymns: “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” “God Loves Me Dearly,” and “O Sing of Christ.” One of these hymns has roots in a folk song, another is tied to a rescue home for youth, and the third departs a bit from the typical themes of a Christmas hymn. Read on for more details about these holiday favorites from Eternal Anthems: The Story Behind Your Favorite Hymns!

Celebrate the coming of the Magi and the Epiphany season by joining in fellowship through music. As you prepare for the season, consider adding these pieces to your repertoire for your Sunday services. 

This Advent hymn is among the few that can be definitively attributed to the “father of Latin hymnody” himself, Ambrose of Milan. Listen to this beloved hymn and then check out its rich history. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! The Christmas season is approaching, and these wonderful settings are a perfect addition to your plans. Take a look at the variety below and browse hundreds of other options with the CPH Music Subscription.

 “Thy Strong Word” is a Reformation Day favorite for many churches. Composed for a special purpose, the lyrics were based on the Concordia Seminary motto, “Light from above.” Read on for the full story behind this hymn, which is recorded in Eternal Anthems: The Story Behind Your Favorite Hymns.

Advent is a season of preparation and repentance as we anticipate the coming of our Lord and Savior. Help your congregation prepare with these five Advent settings for choral, organ, and handbell groups.

 Reformation Day brings about well-loved favorites in the Lutheran Church with multiple settings for musicians to choose from. Read on to see our top five downloadable Reformation Day settings for choir, organ, and handbells from the CPH Music Subscription.

Easter is fast approaching, and every musician knows how important the beautiful organ, piano, handbells, and choral singers are on that Sunday morning. Hearing the resurrection bells in a sanctuary filled with Christ’s presence and victory fills people with joy. Here are five downloadable sheet music pieces to use during the Easter season at your church.

If you’re looking for some special music to incorporate into your repertoire this season, here are some of our recently added Lenten selections to check out. 

This blog post has been adapted from an article that appears in Lutheranism 101: Third Edition. Read the first part of the article here.