[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.

Hymn No. 112: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”George Frideric Handel

Hymn No. 112: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

This famous hymn is said to have been inspired by the works of Baroque master George Frideric Handel.

As one of the quintessential Christmas carols, it is known around the world—the very song you often hear resounding from churches in winter.

Its charm lies in the triumphant, fanfare-like melody that bursts forth from the opening.

It’s a hopeful tune that seems to brighten the heart just by listening.

The grand vision of all nature simultaneously celebrating the arrival of the Savior blends magnificently with the solemn harmonies.

With original lyrics dating back to 1719, this piece is the perfect number for anyone seeking a majestic and moving choral work for Christmas.

Hymn 298: “Be at Peace, O My Heart”Katarīna A D fon Shurēgeru

Be at peace, my heart — Hymn No. 298

It quickly became famous after being set to the music of Sibelius’s symphonic poem Finlandia.

Composed in Finland in 1900 when the country was suffering under the oppressive rule of Tsarist Russia, it is still widely sung in Finland today as a second national song after the national anthem.

It is a hymn expressing trust in and longing for God.

Guide Me, O Thou Great RedeemerEly Cathedral Choir

Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer

This hymn is a famous piece also known by the title “Cwm Rhondda.” Although the song is based on the Book of Exodus—which recounts God’s people escaping from Egypt and journeying through the wilderness—it is often sung at weddings and funerals in the United Kingdom and is a familiar piece to many.

The lyrics exist in various versions, and it is also sung at rugby and football matches.

God is love.Sakushi: Mitani Taneyoshi / Sakkyoku: Fushō

God is love.

“God is love” is a representative work by Mitani Tanekichi, Japan’s first music evangelist.

In the 1900 Gospel Hymns it is in 9/8 time, but in the 1909 Revival Hymns and the 1967 Hymnal, Second Part, it is in 6/4 time.

In the 1958 Seika hymnal, the fourth verse is by Nakata Ugo, and the lyrics have also been altered.

Sing It in the ValleysKevin Mayhew Ltd

Sing It in the Valleys

When we think of hymns, we often imagine many solemn pieces with a relaxed tempo, but there are also some with a brighter tone.

“Sing It in the Valleys” is one of them, and it’s often performed with a lively rhythm.

This version is arranged for solo guitar, so you might not realize it’s a hymn just from listening.

Lord of All HopefulnessThe O’Neill Brothers Group

Lord of All Hopefulness

It is a hymn with lyrics written by Jan Struther in 1931.

It is a hymn that places hope in God, and its distinctive feature is that the melody comes from a traditional folk tune from County Meath, Ireland.

Because of this, arrangements of the piece evoke a strong sense of British regional tradition.

Incidentally, it was performed as the first song at the wedding of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan.

JerusalemThe Oxford Trinity Choir

Jerusalem

The British patriotic song “Jerusalem” is a choral piece with organ accompaniment composed in 1916 by the Englishman Charles Parry.

For people in the UK, it is said to be a song for encouraging one another to rise above challenges and crises with a sense of patriotism.

Drawing on the legend that Jesus Christ once came to ancient England, it’s a piece that conveys a powerful resolve to overcome hardship and strive for the radiant world made by the divine.