A Hymn of Hope in Changing Times: John MacDuff’s “Christ is Coming” (Unveiling Hymns Using CWM RHONDDA)

The name Adventist was born out of the belief that Christ is coming soon, literally. Hence, it is not really a surprise when Seventh-day Adventists sing hymns that feature just that. However, this belief is not privy to Adventists alone. Many other denominations believed it and sang it. And in the case of Presbyterian minister,…

When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder

In the early 18th century, a trend burgeoned along the lines of American music and music education.  When the early settlers fled to the New World for religious freedom, they also brought along with them the practice of singing hymns and psalms in their worship services. Unfortunately, as a distinct body of folk American music…

Lo! He Comes: A Hymn That Took Nine Years to Revise

This hymn was really interesting to write about in that its words spanned nine years of revision by three (maybe four) different ministers who are all connected to each other. The general happenstance was this though — that after a conversion experience, this hymn was borne. Interestingly, the first one who originated this hymn was…

Face to Face With Christ My Savior

A missionary couple, Mr. and Mrs. Porteous, were led to a lonely mountain spot by their Chinese executioners. The angry band hated that these missionaries were preaching the gospel. Pushing them to the ground, one very angry man took out his long sharp knife to kill them, only awaiting for the leader’s order to kill. Expecting…

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Charles Wesley could not have been more on point when he wrote about the “long expected Jesus.” Adam and Eve looked forward to His coming when they first heard the promise. Every son that was born brought hope to parents that this could be the Messiah. From the days of Enoch, patriarch and prophets recalled…

This is the Threefold Truth

My first introduction to this hymn was in the Philippines. The music coordinators of the Adventist university church where I regularly attended chose it as the regular hymn of response to close the service, right before the postlude. It seemed like an appropriate choice for a hymn for it outlines what Seventh-day Adventists and other…

SDAH 221: Rejoice, The Lord Is King

Text 1Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore!Rejoice, give thanks, and sing and triumph evermoreLift up your heart, lift up your voice!Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! 2Jesus, the Savior, reigns, The God of truth and love;When He had purged our stains, He took His seat aboveLift up your heart, lift up your…

SDAH 220: When He Comes

Text 1When He comes,When He comes,We shall see the Lord in glory when He comes!As I read the gospel story,We shall see the Lord in glory,We shall see the Lord in glory when He comes! Refrain:With the alleluias ringing to the sky,With the alleluias ringing to the sky!As I read the gospel in glory,We shall…

SDAH 219: When Jesus Comes In Glory

Text 1When Jesus comes in glory,As Lord and King of kings,O what a wondrous storyThe blessed Bible brings:His face will shine like the sunlight,His head be white as snow,His eyes like flaming firelight,His feet like brass aglow. 2His voice like rushing watersWill reach with mighty soundInto the deepest quartersOf all creation round;And at this wondrous…

SDAH 218: When He Cometh

Text 1When He cometh, when He comethTo make up His jewels,All His jewels, precious jewels,His loved and His own. RefrainLike the stars of the morning,His brightness adorning,They shall shine in their beauty,Bright gems for His crown. 2He will gather, He will gatherThe gems for His kingdom;All the pure ones, all the bright ones,His loved and…