For those who grieve...

A hymn with words by Peter Jonsson Aschan, 1726-1813

"O let your soul now be filled with gladness

Your heart redeemed, rejoice indeed!

O may the thought banish all your sadness

that in his blood you have been freed,

that God's unfailing love is yours,

that you the only Son were given,

that by his death he has opened heaven,

that you are ransomed as you are.

If you seem empty of any feeling,

rejoice - you are his ransomed bride!

If those you cherish seem not to love you,

and dark assails from every side,

still yours the promise, come what may,

in loss and triumph, in laughter, crying,

in want and riches, in living, dying,

that you are purchased as you are.

It is a good every good transcending

that Christ has died for you and me!

It is a gladness that has no ending

therein God's wondrous love to see!

Praise be to you, O spotless Lamb,

who through the desert my soul are leading

to that fair city of joy exceeding,

for which you bought me as I am."

It says this in our Covenant Hymnal, a Worshipbook, about singing in the Covenant Churches in days gone by. These words were penned by C.M. Youngquist, 1851-1901:

"Singing was prominent in the services of the early Covenanters. The whole congregation would join in the unaffected and beautiful songs which were willingly led by brothers and sisters who had the gift. At the conclusion of the sermon it seemed as if the singing would not end. A verse, or perhaps only a refrain, would be repeated again and again until the words were impressed upon our minds and 'joy stood high on the ceiling!' "

Singing is and has been and probably will always be a vital part of the Sunday worship time at Gateway and most churches, I suspect. It's a time when we attempt to offer up praise to God in music...like it has always been done. The songs and hymns change over time as does the music but our desire to glorify God does not change. He is always worthy of our attempts at praising him and in that knowledge, of recognizing his greatness, we sing. We sing songs that would help us praise Him.

Tonight, as I reflect upon the day, the weekend and the weeks past, I cannot help but sing the above hymn with a joyful and thankful heart. Yes, knowing Christ has redeemed my heart gives me great reason to rejoice.....indeed!!!