Verse Selection and Organization

I have intentionally chosen these hymns and verses for their adherence to Protestant Christian theology and faithfulness to scripture. My definition of “traditional” hymns is the period from the earliest psalters in England to just before World War II. (For this reason, I included the original 1925 English translation of “O Mighty God,” which was later translated in 1949 as the beloved “How Great Thou Art.”) These verses come mainly from English and American authors and translators.

If you look closely, you will notice several hymns for which I’ve included all 3 or 4 stanzas sprinkled through the year. As I talked with pastors and church musicians during this project, these “jewels” emerged as their most-favored hymns – some of the most valued treasures among Western hymns. I pray they will inspire you repeatedly.

In many cases, the liturgical calendar and/or the lectionary guided our placement of hymns on an appropriate day. In some cases, I put certain hymns close to each other in “thematic clusters.” Because the dates for Easter and other church and secular holidays vary each year, some verses may fall slightly before or after a holiday in any given year. And while it might feel strange to start the calendar year with more Christmas music, don’t forget that Christmastide lasts 12 days into January, followed by Epiphany!