by Christie Fitch
I recently found The Evangelical Hymnal, an antique hymnal published in 1917, at a local thrift store. In the Introduction, the editor wrote “Every user of the book will observe, to the unalloyed delight of his heart, the great care that has been taken to exclude from this book all tunes of a light and unchurchly character, and to incorporate only those that can aid in restoring and establishing the true depth and dignity, refinement and fervency of the singing of the children of God.”
Before Thanksgiving, a handful of Restoration musicians recorded a few Advent songs to share with the congregation. As we continue to weather COVID-tide and many of us are spending the majority if not all of our time at home, we pray that these songs will be a gift to you and your households. Please sing along at home, in the car, or wherever you find yourself listening.
Although we all love singing the classic “Jingle Bells” or “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”, may these songs, just like the hymnal editor in 1917 said, restore and establish the singing of the children of God.
Words: 12th century Latin antiphon,
Tune: VENI IMMANUEL, French 15th century chant,
Public Domain
Words: Charles Wesley, 1744,
Tune: Rowland H. Prichard, 1830, HYFRYDOL,
Public Domain
Words: Georg Weissel, 1642
Tune: TRURO, Anonymous, 1789,
Public Domain
Recorded live, November 23, from the sanctuary of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN.
SPECIAL THANKS:
To Phil Miller for the use of his recording equipment, to Mt. Zion’s generous congregation in their sharing of their space, and to Restoration’s musicians for their time and talents.
MUSICIANS:
Chris Dugan: Acoustic Guitar
Christie Fitch: Piano, Voice
Kirk Livesay: Lap Steel, Mandolin, Voice
Phil Miller: Bass, Mixing and Mastering
John Moline: Violin
Emily Ralph: Percussion
Cover art is a woodcut by Albrecht Altdorfer entitled "The Annunciation" (c. 1513). Public Domain.
