November 13, 2008 10:38 AM
Thanksgiving hymns
First of all, I have to admit I am prejudiced when it comes to hymns. Praise songs are okay, but to me they seem more based on feelings. Hymns have feelings too ;) - but they are so packed with the tenets of our faith that for me they pack a double whammy.
When I was homeschooling a large crowd, we began each morning with hymns. Since no one played piano, we sang a capella (or as my younger kids always said, Alcapulco). Today, even though I'm at best a mediocre singer,my kids are all sensational. When people ask how they got such good voices, we always tell them we sang hymns each morning. God was gracious in return.
When our church bought new hymnals, we bought ten of the old ones so there would always be plenty to go around (our family now includes 12 children, 2 sons-in-law and 9 grandchldren and is still growing, so maybe we should have bought more). But today, you can find any hymn you want at Cyberhymnal - with a history, associated Bible verse, all lyrics, and the melody plunked out so you can sing along at your computer.
In early November, we begin singing our special Thanksgiving hymns. We all memorized them way back when and through the years they've provided a rich backdrop to Thanksgiving, just as carols do for Christmas. Also an excellent way to add meaning to a celebration with nonbelieving relatives.
Click on each of these for the lyrics and music:
We Plow the Fields and Scatter
I hope you have the time to read and sing these wonderful hymns. Gather your kids around the computer to learn their histories and sing the verses together. Do it every day at least for a while - your kids will love it, and soon you'll hear them humming away as they do their work.
By the way, our family hymn - which we always close with is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. You might want to choose or ask God to help you choose a family hymn - one that's emblematic of how your family began, what you stand for, your vision and utmost prayer.
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Comments
Barbara-
Praying for you and Tripp. I too love Hymns and am not a big fan of praise songs. I love that you included Thanksgiving Hymns in your post. My favorite from your list is, Now Thank We All Our God. My husband and I got married this month 6 years ago and sung that hymn at our wedding. It brings memories every time I sing it. Happy Thanksgiving to y'all!
Posted by: Katherine | November 13, 2008 1:26 PM
This is my first comment, I'm new to your blog and have it bookmarked to check in daily, I love it! I to so appreciate the classic hymns. They are timeless treasures that really can't be compared to today's praise and worship songs (although I do enjoy those here and there too). One of our family's favorite Thanksgiving hymns is, "Thanks to God!" (Storm/Hultman). I like your idea of a family hymn, we'll have to decide on one.
Thank you, Barbara, for your stance for the truth!
Posted by: Chanse | November 13, 2008 3:02 PM
Barbara,
Just finished catching up on all of your posts since mid-October! I haven't been around because I've been avoiding the computer; trying to get my real life under control. Just wanted to toss in my absolute favorite album of hymns: Johnny Cash's My Mother's Hymn Book. This is pretty much the only CD I listen to anymore, I love it that much! It's such a joy to hear my kids singing "Where We'll Never Grow Old," "I'll Fly Away," and "In The Sweet By And By." Even my 1 year old sings along. :)
You can get this great album on Amazon for $6.50 used, BTW.
Posted by: Michelle Potter | November 13, 2008 8:35 PM
Thank you for sharing these songs! I was surprised that they were all familiar to me, having grown up attending a traditional Lutheran church. I rarely hear these anymore since we attend a non-denominational church (with a contemporary service). I think I'll share these with my girls and see if we can pick one for the whole family to sing. A great idea. Thanks again!
Posted by: Jenn | November 13, 2008 8:50 PM
One of my favorite TG traditions when I was growing up was the ecumenical TG Eve service that would rotate among several churches. I always thoroughly enjoyed singing the Thanksgiving hymns. It has almost without exception begun with "Come Ye Thankful People" regardless of whether it was at the Catholic church or the [black] Methodist. And that service is something I miss, not living in that area any more.
Posted by: Katie Gillet | November 14, 2008 1:56 PM
