A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-FOURTH IN A SERIES)

When do Christians give thanks?

Initial answers would likely include mealtimes, happy times and moments of success. It’s relatively easy to express appreciation to God when something pleasant is at hand or in hand. But what about those times when things seem to get out of hand, when a serious hardship lingers, when uncommon difficulties become common? Could such times ever be filled with thanksgiving?

The inspired apostle left no room for doubt. In his first letter to the Thessalonians he directed the people of God to give thanks “in everything.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) Since all things are under the direct control of a Lord Who loves us and wants only the best for us, it is fitting to thank Him not only during times of peace and pleasure, but also during turmoil and trouble. We are assured that the Lord “is righteous in all His ways.” (Psalm 145:17) He always has reasons for doing what He does and for allowing what He allows. Christians throughout the ages, therefore, have been led by the Spirit to express gratitude also during uncommonly difficult times—Christians such as Martin Rinckart (1586-1649).Read More »TLH 36; LSB 895 “Now Thank We All Our God”

A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-Third IN A SERIES)

SOLA Gratia

Although there was some congregational singing before Martin Luther’s time, there is no disagreement that during the Reformation in Germany, the laity were transformed into the “singing church.” New hymnals were published as fast as printers could set up their Gutenberg presses. New hymn texts were written at a rapid pace as the treasure of the Gospel, God’s grace in Christ Jesus, was revealed to those who had long been in darkness.Read More »TLH 377, LSB 555 “Salvation unto Us Has Come”