Source: Google Images |
Listening to the older versions brings back images of my dad, my grandparents, and aunts and uncles who are long gone. In my mind's eye, they're all gathered around the tree or at the table for Christmas dinner and they're all young, healthy, and strong. I can see my aunt wrapping gifts to place under her tree. I remember my excitement when my grandparents took me to Sears to see Santa. Those older songs bring back memories of traveling to Texas to see family, arriving just in time to be tucked into bed. More than memories of the past, perhaps they're visions of the future, a tiny glimpse of heaven.
And so it is with the old hymns. While the Bible tells us over and over the importance of singing a new song, it never says to throw out the old. God wants us to recognize His mercy in new ways. He wants us to use our creativity to give a fresh perspective on our love for Him. He wants us to be so overcome with emotion for all that He has done that we can't help but burst out in new and impromptu songs, but He doesn't want us to forget all that has come before.
Just as the older artists bring back memories of traveling to spend Christmas with family, older hymns bring back memories of traveling with the Lord. They're spiritual markers. They remind us of God's hand in our own lives, as well as in the lives of those who have sung them over the ages.
Source: Microsoft Clip Art |
So, by all means, sing to the Lord a new song...just don't forget the old.
Until next time,
Margaret
Sing to the Lord a new song. sing to the Lord, all the earth. ~ Psalm 96:1
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this is beautiful, margaret, because it exhorts the old to
ReplyDeleteenjoy new songs and exhorts the young to not forget
the treasures sung before.
it reminded me of the song, "make new friends but keep the old.
one is silver, and the other's gold."
some of my old favorites: "the holly and the ivy", "i wonder as i wander",
"some children see Him . . . "
An entire week ago you posted this? Oh my! Such a lovely post so beautifully written. I like your idea that singing the old and great hymns of the church links us to all those who have sung them through the years. I also like your idea that memories of earlier days opens a wee window in heaven where we can catch a glimpse. We especially need a glimpse and some days more than others.
ReplyDeletei know i've already commented here, but i've decided
ReplyDeleteto pester you to write another post. you're a great
writer . . .
also, this post reminded my of the rhyme,"make new
friends but keep the old. one is silver and the other
gold."