There’s  a rich history to all of the hymns in Lutheran Service Book. This history easily lends itself to beautiful devotional materials that blend seamlessly into the Church Year. Read these excerpts from five different hymns spanning the entire Church Year from Lutheran Service Book: Devotional Edition to see how this fantastic book can bring you deep, meaningful devotions. 

 Come Now with Praises: Introductions and Final Stanzas includes seven sets on a wide variety of hymns. This collection features dynamic and practical introductions and final stanzas to invigorate your hymn playing. Several sets are loud and rousing, such as “For All the Saints” and “The Day of Resurrection,” while others are graceful and light, such as “The Day Thou Gavest.” Some of the tunes are ones that are not treated as often, such as LLANGLOFFAN and REPTON. The final stanzas are exciting, with just the right balance between independent writing and congregational support. 

Let your whole being rejoice to God together with the congregation using this grand and triumphant setting of Psalm 16, “Therefore My Heart Is Glad”. Here the entire psalm is through-composed, interspersed with a congregational antiphon, set for organ with brass quartet and timpani. The text is carefully treated throughout as the piece propels to a breathtaking end. This psalm is appointed for Easter Day, Holy Saturday, and several Sundays after Pentecost. 

February 1, 2025, marked the 75^th anniversary of Concordia Publishing House’s Music department. That’s three-quarters of a century dedicated to publishing organ, choral, and handbell settings. Almost a lifetime of bringing you hymnals and music books to enhance your personal playing or congregational offerings. In celebration of these 75 years, we wanted to share some fun facts and questions. Put your knowledge to the test and see how much you know below.

As you go about your daily life, you likely see many Christian symbols in architecture, on books, in hymnals, and especially decorating sanctuaries. We've covered why they're a pivotal part of worship already, but what about the symbols for saints and apostles? What makes them different from the other symbols? Why do we depict them separately? How can you determine who each one represents? Read more below from A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols to find out. 

We sing what we love. We love what we know. And much of what we know and love we learned in childhood. This is especially true of hymns and songs that are impressed on our minds and hearts early and stay with us throughout our lives. It is imperative, therefore, that we give our children the very best hymns and songs of the church.  Learn how you can use One and All Rejoice for every season of the Church Year.

You would never guess that the source of this tune was not chant after hearing this piece. The pushing and pulling tension of chant complements this text in a way never before heard, making for passionate and moving song. This arrangement of “Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted: A Lenten Plainsong” is flexible for unison, SA choirs, or solo use and would be appropriate for Lent and especially Good Friday. 

Christian symbols are seen throughout history in sanctuaries, books, hymnals, and even architecture. They’re a pivotal part of the faith. Yet, throughout the years, many of their histories and meanings have become muddy. Rediscover what each of the symbols means and why they’re so important with this excerpt from A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols below, starting with how different denominations use symbols.

Christmas music offers the opportunity for musicians to share moments of both sparkling exuberance and gentle peace. From the quiet preservice music to joyful hymns, Christmas piano arrangements provide a meaningful way to glorify God through music and create a worshipful atmosphere reflecting the wonder of Christ’s birth. Here are the top four Christmas arrangements to add to your repertoire this Christmas season.