Originally appeared in the Walthamstow Parish Magazine (March 2013 edition).
There are many seasons in the Christian calendar. These include Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Easter. One hymn-writer has many well-known hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful, and as we move from the Lent season into the Easter season, there is another of this hymn-writer's works which will hold great significance for the church.
Cecil Frances Alexander was born in 1818 in Dublin, and she became both a poet and a hymn writer. Married to a minister, the story goes that she took up writing hymns when one of her godchildren admitted that they were having difficulty learning the catechism. In the same way that in recent times many have put Bible verses to song so as to make them easier to memorise (see Chris Tomlin's Everlasting God which is a musical version of Isaiah 40:31), Alexander began to write hymns to make tasks such as learning the catechism easier. She went on to compose the Christmas classic Once in Royal David's City, as well as a hymn perfect for the transition between the ending Lent season and the coming Easter season: There Is A Green Hill Far Away.
According to a reconstruction in 2008 by archaeological architect Leen Ritmeyer, Calvary was probably not green at all, but sandy much like the land surrounding it. However, Alexander never saw Jerusalem's Calvary, upon which Jesus was crucified over 2000 years ago; instead, it is rumoured that the song is based on a "grassy hill on the edge of Londonderry", which in her mind came to symbolise the hill outside Jerusalem.
Traditionally a Good Friday song because of its imagery of the Crucifixion; There Is A Green Hill Far Away has become a classic, like many of Alexander's hymns, and its lyrics flow smoothly across the organ music.
The hymn captures the emotions that it seems appropriate to feel towards the Crucifixion: wonder, sorrow, gratefulness, hope. It reminds us of the love that Jesus had - and still has - for all of us, that He would die to save us, "that we might go at last to Heav'n", and encapsulates the entire notion of Good Friday in six verses. It reminds us of the true reason that Christ was crucified, reminds us of His love for us and that it was for our sins that He came down to earth to die, and that over all there was "no other good enough to pay the price of sin"; that Jesus truly is Lord.
People often speak of hymns that make their hair stand on end, and if there was ever a hymn that made my hair stand on end, I would have to say that There Is A Green Hill Far Away is it.
Showing posts with label Articles and Other Writings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Articles and Other Writings. Show all posts
Friday, 29 March 2013
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Book Review: Nevertheless by John Kirkby
This was originally part of my Wider Reading Scheme at my college.
Nevertheless is the story of CAP (Christians Against Poverty), a charity that helps people in debt. The book follows the story of John Kirkby, the founder of CAP, from his early years to 2008, when CAP was 12 years old.
The book begins with his early life before he became a Christian, involving his job in finance. The book moves through Kirkby's story, through how he became a Christian and the beginnings of CAP. CAP had troublesome beginnings, and has since turned into an international charity that helps thousands of people, though finances have always been a problem and money is the main theme within the book.
Once the story of how CAP started has been told, the book shifts from autobiographical reflections to quoted diary posts following the growth of CAP, and its financial difficulties, in present tense, through its humble beginnings with its first clients to its international expansion to Australia and New Zealand.
The book finishes with a hopeful epilogue about how CAP will continue its work in the future, helping people become debt-free and bringing the message of Jesus to clients.
The overall tone of the book is a happy one, and its story is uplifting and inspirational. Even for non-Christians, Kirkby's determination is still an inspiration in that he just wouldn't give up doing what he felt called to do, and that he felt was the right thing to do, just because there was no money, and despite standing in the face of sometimes quite unpleasant opposition.
However, there are some bad points in this book. At times, it can get quite laborious to read, especially the chapter which talks about when CAP turned 10; this chapter follows five months' worth of diary posts by Kirkby, and it's quite tempting to give up before the chapter has finished. (However, I would recommend not skipping parts of this chapter and reading it all in one go, as it is quite incredible to see the story of these five months unfold before your eyes.) The second thing about this book that isn't a strong point is the fact that it is littered with typos. They are quite frequent and can get annoying, but these do not detract from the overall story and I don't think they got in the way of my enjoying the book as a whole.
I would recommend this book to others, as it is a truly feel-good book (despite the 'Hard Times' chapter which can be quite uncomfortable to read, but reminds the reader that this is a real story with real circumstances), and the book is filled with inspirational messages and quotations from Scripture.
Nevertheless is the story of CAP (Christians Against Poverty), a charity that helps people in debt. The book follows the story of John Kirkby, the founder of CAP, from his early years to 2008, when CAP was 12 years old.
The book begins with his early life before he became a Christian, involving his job in finance. The book moves through Kirkby's story, through how he became a Christian and the beginnings of CAP. CAP had troublesome beginnings, and has since turned into an international charity that helps thousands of people, though finances have always been a problem and money is the main theme within the book.Once the story of how CAP started has been told, the book shifts from autobiographical reflections to quoted diary posts following the growth of CAP, and its financial difficulties, in present tense, through its humble beginnings with its first clients to its international expansion to Australia and New Zealand.
The book finishes with a hopeful epilogue about how CAP will continue its work in the future, helping people become debt-free and bringing the message of Jesus to clients.
The overall tone of the book is a happy one, and its story is uplifting and inspirational. Even for non-Christians, Kirkby's determination is still an inspiration in that he just wouldn't give up doing what he felt called to do, and that he felt was the right thing to do, just because there was no money, and despite standing in the face of sometimes quite unpleasant opposition.
However, there are some bad points in this book. At times, it can get quite laborious to read, especially the chapter which talks about when CAP turned 10; this chapter follows five months' worth of diary posts by Kirkby, and it's quite tempting to give up before the chapter has finished. (However, I would recommend not skipping parts of this chapter and reading it all in one go, as it is quite incredible to see the story of these five months unfold before your eyes.) The second thing about this book that isn't a strong point is the fact that it is littered with typos. They are quite frequent and can get annoying, but these do not detract from the overall story and I don't think they got in the way of my enjoying the book as a whole.
I would recommend this book to others, as it is a truly feel-good book (despite the 'Hard Times' chapter which can be quite uncomfortable to read, but reminds the reader that this is a real story with real circumstances), and the book is filled with inspirational messages and quotations from Scripture.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
God, You Never Fail Me
So, basically this week in my youth group we were writing our own Psalms, and I just wanted to share the one that I wrote.
God, You never fail me,
You never leave my side.
Sometimes I forget that fact
When I'm full of my own self-pride.
I put other things before You
When things are feeling fine,
And it's only when I need You
That I give You any time.
I often seem to forget
That You're with me whenever,
And I only tell You that I love You
When I'm at the end of my tether.
I thank You for all the blessings
That You've given me over the years,
And hope that I will use them
To advance Your Kingdom here.
I know that You truly love me,
And I know I love You too,
But I don't treat this relationship right
Cause I'm still learning to trust in You.
I pray that there will come a day
When I turn to You for all I need,
Cause I know it's only by Your Son
That I am truly freed.
God, You never fail me,
You never leave my side.
Sometimes I forget that fact
When I'm full of my own self-pride.
I put other things before You
When things are feeling fine,
And it's only when I need You
That I give You any time.
I often seem to forget
That You're with me whenever,
And I only tell You that I love You
When I'm at the end of my tether.
I thank You for all the blessings
That You've given me over the years,
And hope that I will use them
To advance Your Kingdom here.
I know that You truly love me,
And I know I love You too,
But I don't treat this relationship right
Cause I'm still learning to trust in You.
I pray that there will come a day
When I turn to You for all I need,
Cause I know it's only by Your Son
That I am truly freed.
Sunday, 24 February 2013
On My Stereo
Casting Crowns - Prodigal
This song is off of one of Crowns' earlier albums, Lifesong. The best way that I can think of to describe this song is that it is a guitar ballad; it's slow, intimate, and raw. The song is based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and speaks in the first person as the son who demanded his inheritance early and went off to explore the world. This song is full of emotion, the anger and sorrow felt by someone who has hit rock bottom and all they need is the forgiveness of their father. This song paints an image of a raw relationship with God; it describes him not as 'Father', but as 'Daddy', reinforcing the feeling that we are truly God's children, and that when we turn from living with the world to living with Him, we are returning to the only relationship that can truly sustain us.
Casting Crowns' latest album, The Acoustic Sessions: Volume 1, is out now.
The Rend Collective Experiment - The Cost
This is a happy song that you just want to dance to and sing along to at the top of your voice. It's a vow to follow Jesus despite the hardships that we may face, and a declaration of faith that when we fall, grace will pick us up again. The lyrics of the second verse of this song really make me want to scream them out, punching the air. It's a reminder that no one ever said that being a Christian would be easy - and it certainly isn't - but that despite all of that, "real love is not afraid to bleed". This song is almost like a battle cry, a declaration that Jesus is worth it all.
The Rend Collective Experiment's latest album, Campfire, is out now.
This song is off of one of Crowns' earlier albums, Lifesong. The best way that I can think of to describe this song is that it is a guitar ballad; it's slow, intimate, and raw. The song is based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and speaks in the first person as the son who demanded his inheritance early and went off to explore the world. This song is full of emotion, the anger and sorrow felt by someone who has hit rock bottom and all they need is the forgiveness of their father. This song paints an image of a raw relationship with God; it describes him not as 'Father', but as 'Daddy', reinforcing the feeling that we are truly God's children, and that when we turn from living with the world to living with Him, we are returning to the only relationship that can truly sustain us.
Casting Crowns' latest album, The Acoustic Sessions: Volume 1, is out now.
The Rend Collective Experiment - The Cost
This is a happy song that you just want to dance to and sing along to at the top of your voice. It's a vow to follow Jesus despite the hardships that we may face, and a declaration of faith that when we fall, grace will pick us up again. The lyrics of the second verse of this song really make me want to scream them out, punching the air. It's a reminder that no one ever said that being a Christian would be easy - and it certainly isn't - but that despite all of that, "real love is not afraid to bleed". This song is almost like a battle cry, a declaration that Jesus is worth it all.
The Rend Collective Experiment's latest album, Campfire, is out now.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Album Review: Building 429 - The Space In Between Us (Expanded Edition)
This article originally appeared in the e-zine Hitch Co., a performing arts magazine of which I am the CCM correspondent.
This album shows that Christian worship can indeed be contemporary. A rather vintage album by now, The Space In Between Us (Expanded Edition) came out in 2005, and its rock ballad tracks might seem a little out of touch with the youth of East London in 2013, but the message that the album gives is one of a God who loves everyone no matter how much they mess up, and is therefore one that can reach anyone and everyone.
The album kicks off with the rock track Glory Defined, a confident declaration of what faith in Christ really means. The opening track is somewhat contrasted with the slower Above It All, a slightly uncomfortable track which highlights the unfairness of the reality of homelessness.
It might sound like a bit of a cop-out, but my favourite track hands down on this album is the title track. Third on the album, the lyrics speak of a desperation for God, who knows everything about us - even the things we'd rather no one knew, even Him. The song points towards the doubt that we can all face about God, and how difficult it can be to trust Him no matter what. This song is one of the softer songs on the album, leaving the lyrics clear and open, heightening the emotion that they convey.
The next big songs on this album are Never Look Away and Angeline. Never Look Away is a deeply metaphorical song that, in essence, is similar to Casting Crowns' Praise You In This Storm. Written in the first person, the song transports the listener to a stormy sea where they walk on water, standing by the strength of Christ; only when "fear and doubt" creep in do they "begin to sink", drawing parallels with the Biblical account of when Jesus walked on water and asked Peter to join Him (Matthew 14: 22-23). In contrast, Angeline is an upbeat rock track that you can't help but dance to, with a tune that sticks in your head and leaves you with a smile on your face. It's not necessarily a worship song, but works to give hope to someone in the process of following their dreams.
As this is an Extended Edition, this version of the album also includes the epic heavier track Free. Free is an air-guitar anthem with a brilliant riff, the kind of song that it takes all of your energy to listen to but by the end of it you can't stop singing it over and over again.
Overall, this album is a brilliant album that really paints a picture of how, in our hardships, we always have God to look out for us, and it's Him that we should seek first and foremost.
Tracks to check out:
The Space In Between Us
Never Look Away
All You Ask Of Me
This album shows that Christian worship can indeed be contemporary. A rather vintage album by now, The Space In Between Us (Expanded Edition) came out in 2005, and its rock ballad tracks might seem a little out of touch with the youth of East London in 2013, but the message that the album gives is one of a God who loves everyone no matter how much they mess up, and is therefore one that can reach anyone and everyone.
The album kicks off with the rock track Glory Defined, a confident declaration of what faith in Christ really means. The opening track is somewhat contrasted with the slower Above It All, a slightly uncomfortable track which highlights the unfairness of the reality of homelessness.
It might sound like a bit of a cop-out, but my favourite track hands down on this album is the title track. Third on the album, the lyrics speak of a desperation for God, who knows everything about us - even the things we'd rather no one knew, even Him. The song points towards the doubt that we can all face about God, and how difficult it can be to trust Him no matter what. This song is one of the softer songs on the album, leaving the lyrics clear and open, heightening the emotion that they convey.
The next big songs on this album are Never Look Away and Angeline. Never Look Away is a deeply metaphorical song that, in essence, is similar to Casting Crowns' Praise You In This Storm. Written in the first person, the song transports the listener to a stormy sea where they walk on water, standing by the strength of Christ; only when "fear and doubt" creep in do they "begin to sink", drawing parallels with the Biblical account of when Jesus walked on water and asked Peter to join Him (Matthew 14: 22-23). In contrast, Angeline is an upbeat rock track that you can't help but dance to, with a tune that sticks in your head and leaves you with a smile on your face. It's not necessarily a worship song, but works to give hope to someone in the process of following their dreams.
As this is an Extended Edition, this version of the album also includes the epic heavier track Free. Free is an air-guitar anthem with a brilliant riff, the kind of song that it takes all of your energy to listen to but by the end of it you can't stop singing it over and over again.
Overall, this album is a brilliant album that really paints a picture of how, in our hardships, we always have God to look out for us, and it's Him that we should seek first and foremost.
Tracks to check out:
The Space In Between Us
Never Look Away
All You Ask Of Me
On My Stereo
These articles originally appeared in the e-zine Hitch Co., a performing arts magazine of which I am the CCM correspondent.
Beth Croft - Avalanche
This song, originally by Hillsong United and covered by Beth Croft for the 2011 Soul Survivor/Momentum live album, is wonderful. It shows in exquisite simplicity the intimate relationship between us and God. It provides a beautiful image of opening yourself up to God and hearing a response. Off of the Momentum disc of album We Are The Free, it is aimed at university students, but the soft music provides an incredible emotion that can affect anyone, and Beth Croft's unique voice brings a humble and warm quality to the song, working in perfect harmony with the music.
The 2012 Soul Survivor/Momentum live album, Kingdom Come, is out now.
The Rend Collective Experiment - Praise Like Fireworks
Somewhat inappropriately for the time of year, this is a summer-y song that wouldn't sound out of place being sung around a campfire (and indeed it has been included on Rend's forthcoming album, Campfire, which was recorded around a campfire). This song is perfect for those who enjoy more lively worship, a song that you can dance to as well as sing along to. The charm of this song is in its uncomplicatedness; there are no big words or themes, it's not trying to tell a Bible story or even evangelise like some worship songs do. It just says that God is good, so we will praise Him. The lyrics are easy to pick up and the tune is catchy - a perfect song for group worship, much like a lot of Rend's tracks.
The Rend Collective Experiment's latest album, Homemade Worship By Handmade People is out now, and their forthcoming album Campfire is out on the 28th January.
Beth Croft - Avalanche
This song, originally by Hillsong United and covered by Beth Croft for the 2011 Soul Survivor/Momentum live album, is wonderful. It shows in exquisite simplicity the intimate relationship between us and God. It provides a beautiful image of opening yourself up to God and hearing a response. Off of the Momentum disc of album We Are The Free, it is aimed at university students, but the soft music provides an incredible emotion that can affect anyone, and Beth Croft's unique voice brings a humble and warm quality to the song, working in perfect harmony with the music.
The 2012 Soul Survivor/Momentum live album, Kingdom Come, is out now.
The Rend Collective Experiment - Praise Like Fireworks
Somewhat inappropriately for the time of year, this is a summer-y song that wouldn't sound out of place being sung around a campfire (and indeed it has been included on Rend's forthcoming album, Campfire, which was recorded around a campfire). This song is perfect for those who enjoy more lively worship, a song that you can dance to as well as sing along to. The charm of this song is in its uncomplicatedness; there are no big words or themes, it's not trying to tell a Bible story or even evangelise like some worship songs do. It just says that God is good, so we will praise Him. The lyrics are easy to pick up and the tune is catchy - a perfect song for group worship, much like a lot of Rend's tracks.
The Rend Collective Experiment's latest album, Homemade Worship By Handmade People is out now, and their forthcoming album Campfire is out on the 28th January.
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
What A Glorious Sound
This article was originally used for my Media coursework, but it's a real interview and she's a good friend of mine, so it's worth checking out her music...
Deborah Judge shrugs into the hallway after fighting her way through the wind and rain. The kettle goes on and, over a warm cup of tea, we discuss this homegrown talent: from her humble beginnings to the exciting piece that she is making with Bob Edwards and the EP that she is currently working on.
When did you first decide to become involved in leading worship?
Several years ago now. My mum plays the guitar and she was really wanting me to get involved with, not lead[ing] worship at first, but just to sing. First of all, I thought, "Nah, don't really wanna do that", cause it wasn't my scene at that age. But gradually as I got older and I found my voice, I really started to get into it and now leading worship every Sunday at St Mary's Church is one of the things in the week that I really look forward to.
Who would you say is your inspiration?
I would say, definitely from a family background, my mother because she really knew that I had a voice. Of course, I didn't know about my voice at first, but she really helped me to find it. The other people are Bob and Ruth Edwards who really encouraged me to start singing properly. I've recently done some recording with Bob Edwards and he's hopefully going to allow me to do something great. And the other person who came along a few months ago is Young Lee who is the new curate at our church and he's come along and also been a really great help.
You mentioned you've been doing some recording with Bob Edwards. How did that all come about?
He basically just came up to me one Sunday and said, "Deborah, would you mind doing some recording for me because I've got some songs that I want to be published?" And I said, "Yes, of course." So he lent me one of his CDs that he'd done a while ago. I listened to it and I liked the stuff, came back to him, and gave him a little bit of feedback. Then basically a couple of evenings, with a few weeks' gap in between, I've been going on to his house, and recording stuff with him. I've done two songs now and he's waiting for the publishers to come back to him; they haven't given him an answer yet.
Are you working towards an EP?
I'm not sure at the moment; we've only done two songs. If I do another song, that would be an EP. I think you have to have about 10 to 12 songs before you have an album, so at the moment, an album would be a long way off. But hopefully, if I do record another song, I should have an EP out very soon.
Do you have any names [for the EP]?
The last song that we did was called, 'What A Glorious Sound' and I really liked that title, so that would probably be what I'd call it.
What kind of people are you hoping to inspire with your music?
Up and coming worship leaders. Anyone who I hear who I think would have the talent to be able to lead worship would be the kind of audience I would hope to inspire.
What advice would you give to the worship leaders you're hoping to inspire?
Have the confidence to stand up there and just give your heart and soul to what you're doing. And praise the Lord with all your heart and all of your soul and all of your mind and all of your strength!
Deborah Judge's debut single, What A Glorious Sound is available on iTunes now.
Deborah Judge shrugs into the hallway after fighting her way through the wind and rain. The kettle goes on and, over a warm cup of tea, we discuss this homegrown talent: from her humble beginnings to the exciting piece that she is making with Bob Edwards and the EP that she is currently working on.
When did you first decide to become involved in leading worship?
Several years ago now. My mum plays the guitar and she was really wanting me to get involved with, not lead[ing] worship at first, but just to sing. First of all, I thought, "Nah, don't really wanna do that", cause it wasn't my scene at that age. But gradually as I got older and I found my voice, I really started to get into it and now leading worship every Sunday at St Mary's Church is one of the things in the week that I really look forward to.
Who would you say is your inspiration?
I would say, definitely from a family background, my mother because she really knew that I had a voice. Of course, I didn't know about my voice at first, but she really helped me to find it. The other people are Bob and Ruth Edwards who really encouraged me to start singing properly. I've recently done some recording with Bob Edwards and he's hopefully going to allow me to do something great. And the other person who came along a few months ago is Young Lee who is the new curate at our church and he's come along and also been a really great help.
You mentioned you've been doing some recording with Bob Edwards. How did that all come about?
He basically just came up to me one Sunday and said, "Deborah, would you mind doing some recording for me because I've got some songs that I want to be published?" And I said, "Yes, of course." So he lent me one of his CDs that he'd done a while ago. I listened to it and I liked the stuff, came back to him, and gave him a little bit of feedback. Then basically a couple of evenings, with a few weeks' gap in between, I've been going on to his house, and recording stuff with him. I've done two songs now and he's waiting for the publishers to come back to him; they haven't given him an answer yet.
Are you working towards an EP?
I'm not sure at the moment; we've only done two songs. If I do another song, that would be an EP. I think you have to have about 10 to 12 songs before you have an album, so at the moment, an album would be a long way off. But hopefully, if I do record another song, I should have an EP out very soon.
Do you have any names [for the EP]?
The last song that we did was called, 'What A Glorious Sound' and I really liked that title, so that would probably be what I'd call it.
What kind of people are you hoping to inspire with your music?
Up and coming worship leaders. Anyone who I hear who I think would have the talent to be able to lead worship would be the kind of audience I would hope to inspire.
What advice would you give to the worship leaders you're hoping to inspire?
Have the confidence to stand up there and just give your heart and soul to what you're doing. And praise the Lord with all your heart and all of your soul and all of your mind and all of your strength!
Deborah Judge's debut single, What A Glorious Sound is available on iTunes now.
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