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.
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is a common hymn to hear during the season of Lent. As you anticipate singing this well-loved text, take time to find a deeper meaning by studying its history. Read about this hymn by Isaac Watts below to uncover how “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” originally had an additional meaning aligning with the Lord’s Supper.
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.
To mark the first day of Lent, we’re sharing an excerpt from Heaven on Earth in which Arthur Just describes the theological accents in the season of Lent.
Robert J. Powell has composed a well-crafted and accessible organ collection for Lent, Cross of Jesus: Six Preludes for Lent. This book offers settings that are appropriate to the season, such as “Go to Dark Gethsemane,” “Jesus, I Will Ponder Now,” and “Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow.” Each setting offers a series of key and tempo changes. The final setting, “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me,” offers a joyful, majestic ending to an otherwise somber piece.
Lent has started and Easter is quickly approaching! If you’re scrambling to find music selections for your church, don’t worry—there are tons of options available. Browse the list below to discover pieces that will work for the musicians at your church. Explore pieces for organ, handbell, choirs, and instrumentalists (with or without choral accompaniment).
Holy Week is almost upon us! May God use that week to help you reflect on His great love for you, shown in the sacrifice of His Son to earn your salvation. Listen to the pieces below as part of your daily devotions during Holy Week, and encourage your members to use them in the same way. You can also use these pieces if you are still making last-minute additions to your worship music.
As the recently arrived Lent spurs Christians to reflect on their mortality and sinfulness, to give up vices, and to contemplate the suffering of Christ, we begin looking forward with great eagerness to Easter. While Lent may be a beautiful and necessary part of the Church Year, the solemnity of this time can sometimes turn discouraging. This year, I have turned to Paul Gerhardt’s text of “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth” (LSB 438) to seek comfort, assurance, and confidence in the hope of the resurrection.