SKU: A0.719731

As years come and go, one increasingly recalls memories of earlier times. One of the most vivid and cherished memories I have while growing up is of Sunday mornings, going to church, sitting in the same pew each week with my grandmother, hearing and singing the beautiful hymns of our faith, and then returning home to the aroma of beef slowly roasting in the oven. My father directed the church choir, my mother and older brothers sang in the choir, so the wonderful music of our faith was instilled in me from an early age. This medley, and others in the series, are arrangements of many of my favorite hymns from those early years, many of which have been lost in more recent editions. For this series, I have elected to use the older texts as that is the way they were first written and the way I first learned them. There is a reverence and beauty in the language enriching the vocal/choral tone which, I believe, is lost in contemporary, conversational, or politically correct syntax. I shudder to think of the day when a penitential phrase such as Hear thou my prayer, O Lord is rendered as Hey, God-dude, listen up - I'm talkin' atcha! I have also opted not to include the many wonderful hymns and carols which are associated with the major festivals of Christmas and Easter as those are commonly found in other collections. A caveat: I have no delusions, and I offer no pretenses, that these settings are great art. They are simply expressions of faith which I hope may bring a small measure of joy to other church musicians. The general concept of each medley is to present the hymn, often in its original chorale form, and then vary its harmony or texture. The hymns in this set include I Need Thee Every Hour, O Jesus, I Have Promised, and The Church's One Foundation.

SKU: A0.1268718

A dramatically beautiful, sacred hymn with music by Kevin G. Pace and text by Mary Ann W. Snowball.

Text:
When in the dark with vision obscured,
My prayer is answered from God’s peace conferred:
“Be not afraid; oh, be not dismayed.
Jesus is near thee; for thy soul He paid.�

I am a cov’nant chi-ld of God.
His holy Son draws my honor and laud.
I feel Christ’s love; to Him I am bound.
Fearlessness comes from his merited crown.

I am an heir of Abraham’s seed;
I will be blessed for each cov’nant I heed.
I can be strong in these latter days.
Courage will come with Christ’s infinite aid.

I will trust God and his Son of Man.
I know I can for I know whose I am.
I will hold tight to heaven’s sure rod,
For I am a cov’nant child of God.

I am a child in God’s family.
He knows my name and He calls me to be
Humble and bold, and in Him confide.
Jesus has promised He’ll be by my side.

I can proclaim my legacy acquired
Because of my Savior’s most holy desire.
I’ll not forget my heritage bought,
For I am a cov’nant child of God.

SKU: MQ.8794-E

English.

“Born in Bethlehem� is a numbers song, similar to “The Twelve Days of Christmas.� Each group traveling to the Nativity, or associated with Jesus, is presented in ascending numerical order, from one to twelve. [“One for the little bitty Baby…Twelve for the Twelve Apostles�] Once the complete set has been introduced, the numbers are performed in reverse order, in a frantic, prestissimo race from twelve to one. This is an energetic song!
The Clarinet plays a featured role, enhancing the message of the lyrics. For example, the phrase “Children, go where I send thee� is matched by the Clarinet scampering up a scale as children setting forth on a trip. And the next line, “How shall I send thee?� has the Clarinet/children coming back down the scale, returning home. Duration: 4:15.

SKU: A0.701759

An original hymn with text by Kathryn W. Hales below.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fxh5D3JYM_o

When I see the world through a child’s eyes,

I see mountains and bluebirds and bright butterflies;

I feel sand through my toes when at the beach

And the apples on the tree just out of reach.

When I see the world through a child’s eyes,

It’s easy to believe in a Heavenly Father so wise,

That He created this earth and all its beauty untold;

I still hope to see it that way when I’m old.

When I see a family through the eyes of a child,

I see a father who provides and a mother who smiles;

I have brothers and sisters who are kind to me

And we all play together in harmony.

When I see a family through the eyes of a child,

I can believe in Heavenly Parents, loving and mild,

I can view each person as someone of worth

And accept them as God’s family here on the earth.

When I see others through the eyes of a child,

I can learn compassion, to speak without guile;

I can be teachable, forgiving, honest, and true,

When I see the kind things others may do.

It’s easy to believe in a God who is just,

When I learn from others to show mercy and trust.

I can learn patience while waiting a while,

For God’s blessings to come to an obedient child.

(Optional for the Christmas season)

When I see Christmas through a child’s eyes,

I feel laughter and magic and wondrous surprise;

I love lights and music and cookies and songs,

I want to serve others and never do wrong.

It’s easy to believe when Baby Jesus was born

Though ‘twas long ago on that Christmas morn,

That Love had come down to redeem and glorify,

When I see our Savior through a child’s eyes.

SKU: A0.1145430

A beautiful, Christmas hymn with music by Kevin G. Pace and text by Mary Ann W. Snowball. Text: To Bethlehem, so very long ago, A mother, with her husband’s care, was trav’ling on a donkey there. Even great with Child that day, through many miles they made their way to Bethlehem. To Bethlehem a hallowed Baby came! God’s holy Child on the earth fulfilled past forecasts of his birth. Jesus Christ came from above and brought with Him pure endless love to Bethlehem. To Bethlehem a wondrous star appeared. While lighting up a night-time sky blessed angels echoed reasons why. Trumpeting the awesome sight, called shepherds ran this holy night to Bethlehem. To Bethlehem all people now could look. Messiah, who forgives mankind, would be the Savior through all time. Jesus is his holy Name! So long ago this Baby came to Bethlehem . . . to Bethlehem.