Children’s Hymns for Holy Week and Easter

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”: From Lent to the Lord’s Supper

 

“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.

Teaching Children about Lent through Music

Teaching students about Lent can seem daunting. As adults, we understand that this season encourages us to sit, reflect, and meditate on Jesus' ministry leading to His death on the cross, but what can this look like for students? Music and liturgy can be helpful ways to invite children to reflect on Christ's sacrifice for them. Use these ideas to help teach children about Lent at school or at home.

Featured Church Music for Lent

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. 


Music of the Month: Go to Dark Gethsemane

Mitchell Eithun provides a plaintive arrangement of the tune GETHSEMANE. Based on the first three stanzas of the hymn, Eithun’s portrayal of the hymn’s narrative includes phrases of the text throughout the score. This level II piece cleverly ends with an unfinished feel, adding to the anticipation of Easter dawn. 

Themes in the Season of Lent

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.

Music of the Month: Cross of Jesus: Six Preludes for 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.

Music of the Month: Three Lenten Chorales for Organ

A set of Lenten chorale preludes based on themes of repentance, Christopher M. Wicks’s settings are composed in variation style and are inspired by Bach’s partitas and the Orgelbüchlein.

Last-Minute Music Selections for Lent and Easter

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). 

Product of the Month: The Tree of Life

The new choral piece “The Tree of Life” depicts the fall of Adam and redemption through Christ, framing both in imagery drawn from the Garden of Eden. The musical arrangement matches the changing tone of the text through the four stanzas—from innocence through shame to redemption and triumph, finally ending with quiet assurance.

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