One of the richest legacies of the Christian faith is its vast treasury of hymns proclaiming God’s glory and grace. As someone who didn’t grow up in a hymn-singing church or family, I only recently discovered the beauty of hymns. And I have been captivated by their biblical truths and comforting melodies. So I was thrilled to find Our Hymns, Our Heritage: A Student Guide to Songs of the Church by David and Barbara Leeman.
This book guides students of all ages to learn 120 of the greatest hymns of the faith, both ancient and contemporary. The book has four sections. The first section, The Church Year, highlights hymns written for particular periods of the church calendar, such as Christmas, Easter, and Epiphany. The second, God Is, features hymns that teach about various attributes of God, like His faithfulness, love, and sovereignty. Section three, We Respond, offers hymns of thanksgiving, praise, and petition. And the last section, Spiritual, includes Negro spirituals and Black gospel songs.
Each hymn features a brief biography of the author, details about the writing and composition, a corresponding Scripture, a devotional section titled As you sing this hymn, and its sheet music.
The authors chose hymns rich in theology and gospel-centered, making them suitable for an audience of all ages. They also incorporate African American gospel songs, which is a neat addition for people new to this genre.
While this guide primarily targets younger audiences, I found it also enriching for adults. It provides the opportunity to discover unfamiliar hymns and gives greater insight into the meaning of the songs we sing. I particularly appreciated how the book helps us reflect on the theological truths in each song. And the fact that it also includes modern hymns is a bonus.
One standout feature is the inclusion of a Spotify playlist by Moody Publishers. This allows readers to listen and learn the hymns, especially those with unfamiliar tunes. The book’s website also offers piano accompaniments and melodies for purchase, making this resource even more accessible for those who want to sing along.
Overall, Our Hymns, Our Heritage is an excellent resource for learning and appreciating the great hymns of the church. Whether you are a parent teaching your children hymns or an adult seeking to enrich your knowledge of timeless songs, this book will be a valuable tool. I highly recommend it!
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