Here are 365 classic hymn texts, along with stories of how they came to be written. This is an ideal startling point for personal or family devotions.

In this special seasonal edition, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind traditional holiday hymns of faith, including Christmas, Easter, and more. Is there a festive season of the year that is complete without one of your favorite hymns? Not only do hymns connect you to great memories, but they also reveal the faith of those who lived throughout history. As Robert Morgan explored the stories behind some of the best-loved hymns, he found fascinating accounts of tribulations, triumphs, struggles, and hope—ordinary people who connected with God in amazing ways, sharing their experiences through song. Included inside this special edition are: 150 devotional-style stories with the words and music to each hymn Includes hymns for holidays including Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and more Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel Includes a complete hymn index by title, first line, and songwriter Perfect for use as a daily devotional, teaching illustration, or for song leaders and music ministers Discover the inspiration behind your favorite hymns. Find new favorites as you relate to the people whose walk of faith led them to write these classic songs of praise. Share these stories with your family, friends, and church, and find more depth and meaning as you worship God through song.

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Psalm 100:1-2 NLT For centuries in the Christian church, hymn singing has been an integral way of expressing our deepest praise to our Creator. Hymns allow us to pour out the grateful feelings of the heart in worship--feelings awakened by the experience of forgiveness and the gracious work of the Holy Spirit. In this beautiful deluxe edition of The One Year Book of Hymns, join the chorus of believers throughout church history and throughout the earth to worship Christ. With each day, this one year devotional will invigorate and encourage your faith with classic hymn texts and the stories of faith behind them, including favorites like: "I Need Thee Every Hour" "Abide with Me" "Take My Life and Let it Be" "It is Well with My Soul" "O Love that Will Not Let Me Go" "The Old Rugged Cross" The enduring legacy of God's work in the lives of these faithful writers leads us to worship our Savior anew for the glorious mercies within our own.

The Complete Book of Hymns brings to life the stories behind more than 600 hymns and worship songs. With background on the composer, the inspiration behind the lyrics, scriptural references for devotional consideration, and a sampling of the song lyrics, this book brings forth the message of these great songs of the faith like never before!

Here are the full original texts of 150 of the best loved hymns in the English language. Each is accompanied by a fascinating commentary, giving biographical details of the author (such as the Calvinist creator of Rock of Ages who once calculated that the average human sins 2,522,880,000 times); notes on the circumstances in which the hymn was written; and variant versions. Each hymn is prefaced by an urbanely written and agreeably subjective commentary with a wealth of anecdotes and a few ribald parodies. This charming book should also be required reading for all those responsible for choosing hymns in church. Ian Bradley writes with wit, elegance and charm and is quite exceptionally knowledgeable about his subject.

"Hymn singing reflects a congregation's spiritual vitality and their response to God's grace.

What happened on this date in church history? From ancient Rome to the twenty-first century, from peasants to presidents, from missionaries to martyrs, this book shows how God does extraordinary things through ordinary people every day of the year. Each story appears on the day and month that it occurred and includes questions for reflection and a related Scripture verse.