[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
Hymns and sacred songs beloved around the world.
Hymns and sacred songs are known as songs that praise the Christian God, but in Japan—where many people are Buddhist—their recognition is by no means high.
There are many excellent pieces, but the difficulty is that they can be hard to find.
This time, we’ve picked out some famous works among hymns and sacred songs.
We also explain in detail the background of each piece and the meaning of the lyrics, so even those without prior knowledge of hymns and sacred songs can enjoy it.
How about soothing a heart worn down by daily stress with hymns and sacred songs?
Please sit back and enjoy!
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[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs: Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (11–20)
Let’s decorate with holly.Shi: u~eeruzu min’yō/ kyoku: u~eeruzu min’yō

Rooted in Welsh tradition, this piece captivates many with its heartwarming melody and lyrics.
Celebrating the joy of Christmas and togetherness, it references the custom of decorating with holly.
Since its first official publication by Edward Jones in 1794, it has continued to be loved around the world.
Covered by artists across a wide range of genres—from classical to pop—it receives fresh interpretations each time.
As a song that celebrates the winter season, it’s perfect for enjoying Christmas with family and friends.
Its gentle, comforting melody is recommended for those who wish to soothe their hearts amid busy days.
Jesus, my joySakushi: Yohan Furanku / Sakkyoku: Yohan Kuryūgā

Let me introduce a piece that has long been cherished as a representative work of sacred music in Germany.
Born in 17th-century Germany, this work expresses a passionate love for Christ.
Its lyricist, Johann Franck, was a German lawyer who was also active as a poet.
The composer, Johann Crüger, is known as a German church musician.
Since it was included in Crüger’s hymnal in 1653, it has been sung by many people over the generations.
It is so influential that renowned composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, have created arrangements of it.
Its touching, beautiful melody and lyrics that convey deep faith are truly appealing.
Listening to it when your heart is weary can be very soothing.
Hymn No. 429, O God of LoveSakushi: John S. B. Monsell/Sakkyoku: Samuel S. Wesley

This is a classic wedding hymn created by the British clergyman Monsell and composer Wesley.
Its memorable lyrics pray to God for love and blessings for the bride and groom, conveying a quiet, profound message of love.
Composed in 1857, the hymn is still sung in many churches today.
With beautiful expressions like “robe of love” and “dew of love,” it charmingly conveys the joy of being enveloped in God’s love.
It’s perfect not only for weddings, but also for anniversaries and cherished moments with a loved one.
For those who want to feel God’s love or seek to refresh the heart, this is an ideal piece.
Hymn No. 2 “Come, Let Us Go Together”Sakushi: Martin Rinkhart/Sakkyoku: Martin Rinkhart

This is a hymn with lyrics written by the German pastor Martin Rinkart.
Born in the difficult era of the Thirty Years’ War and the plague, it is characterized by lyrics that express deep gratitude and praise to God.
During the plague outbreak of 1637, Rinkart is said to have conducted as many as 50 funerals in a single day.
Composed under such harsh circumstances, the hymn—together with its solemn melody—has given hope to many people.
In Japan, it is well known as Hymn No.
2 in the Hymnal and is often performed at weddings, Christmas, and other occasions.
It is a recommended piece for those who wish to sing with heartfelt thanks to God.
Hymn No. 430: Vows Between Husband and WifeJohn Hugh McNaughton

Composed with words and music by John Hugh McNaughton of the United States in 1860, this hymn is known as No.
430 in Japanese hymnals.
Characterized by a gentle melody that celebrates the importance of love and peace in the home, it is a popular hymn often sung at weddings.
The Japanese lyrics express a couple helping one another under God’s guidance and serving the Lord with sincere hearts.
It is frequently used when the bride and groom and the congregation sing together to bless the new beginning and pray for God’s protection.
Widely cherished in Christian churches, this hymn, with its heartwarming melody and deeply meaningful lyrics, resonates with those attending weddings.
Ave MariaSonya O’Malley

There are several pieces titled “Ave Maria,” but in Japan the most famous is this “Ave Maria” composed by Franz Schubert, a leading German composer of the early Romantic period.
The original of this piece is “Ellen’s Song III,” a song hummed by the noblewoman Ellen Douglas in Walter Scott’s narrative poem The Lady of the Lake.
Today it is firmly known as “Schubert’s Ave Maria” and is performed by a wide range of singers and instrumentalists.
[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs. Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (21–30)
Be Thou My VisionAudrey Assad

Originally written with lyrics in Old Irish, the traditional Christian hymn “Be Still, My Soul” is now sung in English-speaking churches around the world.
It is a hymn that expresses the peace given to those who love and follow Christ.
Audrey Assad is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey who was born and raised in a Protestant home.
Her voice is powerful yet gently enveloping.



