Everything

The year 1916 was full of tumultuous wars, particularly World War I. A lot of uncertainty and fear was in the air. Yet, it was against this backdrop that Henry de Fluiter’s hymn, “Hail Him the King of Glory” was set. From the title alone, we see that the hymn writer’s main descriptor for God…

In a recent blog post, I wrote about the hymn, “The Lord Is Coming,” I had a glimpse into the life of the writer Mary A. Steward. I was impressed and interested in the little I learned about her that I decided to write a separate post about her. Mary was born to early Advent…

It was the belief about the second coming of Christ that the Seventh-day Advent movement was formed. Hence, it is not a surprise that this is one of the main themes in our worship and theology. This particular hymn was sung during those early formative years of Adventism. For the Adventist to sing this after…

“Music,” said Tschaikovsky, “is the most beautiful of all heaven’s gifts to humanity, a candle in the darkness, it calms, enlightens and stills our souls.” Music is a science and an art, and as such its contribution to our enjoyment and refinement may be immeasurably increased by our study and development of its intricacies. The…

The term “offertory” may seem obvious that it comes from the word offering and the act that something is being offered. This terminology often pops up in church liturgy, particularly in the Seventh-day Adventist church, when (mostly monetary) offerings are collected. Tracing its roots though, we would find that the offertory in the worship service…

In the early Advent movement, the hymns on the subject of the coming of the Lord, sung with intense earnestness and solemnity had a wonderful effect on the hearers. James White, one of the great leaders in the great second Advent Movement of 1844, was very musical, a powerful and an excellent singer. And there…

As an organist I’m always expected to prepare at least three musical selections every Sabbath. These selections are often named in the church bulletin as prelude, an offertory, and a postlude. To some this might be an easy task, but a great deal of thought comes with choosing just what to play. These three genres…

Happy new year everyone! I thought I would share my morning playlist with you today. This is a “highly curated” playlist that I religiously play right after my personal devotions. It’s just seven songs, 26 minutes and 25 seconds long. Long enough for me to take a brisk walk (about 3,000 plus steps) and breathe…

Across the world, a remarkable group of church musicians lead about 25 million people in song at worship every Sabbath. These musicians are called music ministers, music coordinators, organists, pianists, soloists, song leaders, choir directors, instrumental ensemble directors and a variety of other names. Sometimes they have no title and just volunteer their talents and…

Foremost among those who were called to lead the church from the darkness of popery into the light of a purer faith, stood Martin Luther. Zealous, ardent, and devoted, knowing no fear but the fear of God, and acknowledging no foundation for religious faith but the Holy Scriptures, Luther was the man for the time;…

One of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s most popular sonnets is “How Do I Love Thee” where she lists the depth of her love for her husband through hyperbole, or exaggeration. Joachim Neander wrote “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” in the same vein by listing the reasons why we should praise God. However, instead of using…

The year was 1670. The Pietist movement was sweeping fast across the Protestant areas of Germany. Many sermons placed an emphasis on personal religion. And at St. Martin’s church in Bremen, it was no different. Using 1 Peter 1 as a basis of his sermon, the preacher gave a powerful call to a real spiritual rebirth,…