“Bist Du Bei Mir” is commonly attributed to J.S. Bach, as it is found in his “Notebook for Anna Magdelena Bach.” However, this song is assumed to be an aria from a lost opera “Diomedes” by Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel. Bach’s wife, Anna Magdelena, was an accomplished singer, so she may have often sung this very song. Text (translated from German): Be thou with me and I’ll go gladly To death and on to my repose. Ah, how my end would bring contentment, If, pressing with thy hands so lovely, Thou wouldst my faithful eyes then close. Arranged by Emma Burnsworth Image: Pexels

“America the Beautiful” was written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893. After a visit to Pike’s Peak in Colorado, Bates was so struck by the beauty she saw that she subsequently composed the lyrics of “America the Beautiful,” which instantly became popular after being published. Verses 1 and 3: 1. O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain; for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea. 3. O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears! America! America! God mend thine every flaw, confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law. God Bless America! Arranged by Emma Burnsworth Image: Pexels

“Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me?” was written by Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676). Gerhardt studied theology and hymnody at the University of Wittenberg, the same city where Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the door of the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) in 1517. This hymn was very likely written during the Thirty Year’s War, which was a time of great suffering for both Gerhardt and his parishioners. Gerhardt himself suffered many losses, including his wife and four of their five children. This hymn is a meditation of the trials of life, with a deeply personal note as Gerhardt ponders truths of God’s sovereignty. Verses 1 and 3: 1. Why should cross and trial grieve me? Christ is near With His cheer; Never will He leave me. Who can rob me of the heaven That God's Son For me won When His life was given? 3. God gives me my days of gladness, And I will Trust Him still When He send me sadness. God is good; His love attends me Day by day, Come what may, Guides me and defends me. Arranged by Emma Burnsworth. Image: Pexels

Happy Reformation Day! “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” was written by Martin Luther (1483-1546). Luther is well known for the nailing of his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) in Wittenberg on October 31st, 1517. At the time, Luther was a monk. He was excommunicated from the Catholic Church four years later in 1521. He was called to testify of his beliefs at the Diet of Worms that same year. Luther refused to recant his convictions, stating famously at the end of his speech, “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise.” Today, Luther is celebrated as an important figure in the early days of the Reformation. This hymn is the subject of one of J.S. Bach’s most famous cantatas, BWV 80, titled “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott,” the original German name of the hymn. Bach wrote this cantata for the Feast of the Reformation, which is celebrated annually on October 31st. Verses 1 and 4: 1. A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. 4. That Word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God's truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever! Arranged by Emma Burnsworth Image: Pexels

"This is the Day the Lord has Made" was written by Isaac Watts. It is a paraphrase of a portion of Psalm 118 and was originally published as: "Hosanna; the Lord's Day; or, Christ's Resurrection, and our Salvation." Arranged by Emma Burnsworth.

“Whate’er My God Ordains is Right” was written by Samuel Rodigast (1649-1708). Only two hymns are ascribed to him, with this hymn being the only one which was translated into English. The original German title appeared as “Was Gott Tut das ist Wohlgetan.” The translation was made in the 1800s by Catherine Winkworth. This hymn was originally written by Rodigast to cheer his friend Severus Gastorius as he was sick. Before he had recovered, Gastorius set the words to a tune that was based on a melody written by Werner Fabricius. This hymn is the subject of two Bach Cantatas, BWV 99 and 100, both bearing the original German title of the hymn. Verses 1 and 4: 1. Whate'er my God ordains is right: his holy will abideth; I will be still, whate'er he doth, and follow where he guideth. He is my God; though dark my road, he holds me that I shall not fall: wherefore to him I leave it all. 4. Whate'er my God ordains is right: here shall my stand be taken; though sorrow, need, or death be mine, yet am I not forsaken. My Father's care is round me there; he holds me that I shall not fall: and so to him I leave it all. Improvisation by Emma Burnsworth Image: Pexels

“Jesus, Priceless Treasure” was written by Johann Franck (1618-1677). Franck was a law student at the University of Köningsberg and practiced law during the Thirty Year’s War. He was also a significant poet in his day. The author of about 110 hymns, Franck was second only to Paul Gerhardt, who was also the prolific author of many well-known and loved hymns. The hymn “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” was originally written in German under the title, “Jesu Meine Freude.” This hymn is the subject of Bach’s Motet BWV 227 bearing the same name. It was later translated into English by Catherine Winkworth. “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” is a beautiful hymn of love and adoration for Christ as the greatest and most loving friend one will ever have. Here are the first and last verses: 1. Jesus, priceless treasure, source of purest pleasure, friend most sure and true: long my heart was burning, fainting much and yearning, thirsting, Lord, for you. Yours I am, O spotless Lamb, so will I let nothing hide you, seek no joy beside you! 4. Banish thoughts of sadness, for the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in; though the clouds may gather, those who love the Savior still have peace within. Though I bear much sorrow here, still in you lies purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure! Image: Pexels

"How Great Thou Art" is a loose translation of a Swedish hymn by Carl Boberg entitled "O Store Gud" (O Great God). The way this beloved hymn came to be in English Hymnbooks is a bit complicated; the text of "How Great Thou Art" is an English translation of a Russian translation of a German translation of the original hymn, "O Store Gud"! Enjoy! Arranged by Emma Burnsworth