A hymn study is a great way to learn about the hymns we may sing in church. While many churches today do not include traditional hymns in their weekly worship, there are many things we can learn and experience about faith, God’s love, church history, and how to live as Christians through these hymns.
A hymn study usually includes sheet music, biographical information on the author and the history of the hymn. It will also include copywork of the different stanzas of the hymn, which helps children to learn the words of the hymn, as well as, work on penmanship. Other activities which may help children learn a hymn may also be included.
5 Reasons We Should Study Hymns
- Hymns help lay a foundation of our theology.
- Hymns can bring us comfort in times of anxiety, hurt or fear.
- Teaching hymns to children helps them worship in their own special way.
- Hymns can help us build a deeper relationship with God.
- Singing hymns together create a connection to those are worshiping along side of us.
Hymns help lay a foundation of our theology.
For hundreds of years, hymns have been written to share the foundations of the Christian faith. Many people did not have access to any kind of written word, nor the ability to read it. Chants, psalters, and hymns were taught to people as a way to teach the basic tenets of their theology. Even though we now have unlimited access to all kinds of information, hymns can continue to lay that foundational groundwork.
Hymns can bring us comfort in times of anxiety, hurt or fear.
When hymns become embedded in our minds and hearts, they can be a comfort to us when life tries to get us down. When we are struggling, the words of the hymns we have learned will enter our minds allowing us to sing praises, make pleas, or just rest in promises. They can bring joy in the midst sorrow and peace in the midst of chaos.
Teaching hymns to children helps them worship in their own special way.
Before children can even read, they are taught songs to help them learn to count, learn their colors, and even learn their ABC’s. At church, they are taught simple songs like “Jesus Loves Me”, but they are also capable of learning hymns. These hymns help children establish their own way of worshiping God as they sing with those around them. As they learn the words to the hymns, they will also be learning those foundations of faith they can build on as they continue to grow.
Hymns can help us build a deeper relationship with God.
Our relationship with God continues to grow deeper the more time we spend with Him. We know we can do this through reading scripture, praying, and singing. However, hymns bring us into God’s presence in a special way. They provide a connection that allows are hearts to sing even when we are not conscious of the effort.
Singing hymns together create a connection to those are worshiping along side of us.
Hymns provide a common language shared by all generations. When we are able to worship together, we feel we are joined together in a bond that is strengthened by faith. This bond allows us to grow and learn together.
Why an Advent Hymn Study?
Our hymns can be beautiful expressions of not only our faith, but also our faith stories. What better time to learn more about these expressions of faith than Christmas?!
I have created a hymn study for the beautiful Christmas hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” written by Phillips Brooks in 1869. Mr. Brooks was a pastor, and later Bishop, in the Episcopal church. He had the privilege of experiencing Christmas Eve in Bethlehem while traveling through Europe and the East.
I decided to make this hymn study into a family devotional which you can use throughout the Advent season. I pray this study will be a blessing to both you and your family as we prepare for the coming of our Savior.
To receive your free O Little Town of Bethlehem Advent Hymn Study ebook, sign up here.
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