Hymn Writing

Hymn Writing and Creativity  Recent guest to our podcast, Kelly Klages, wrote this beautiful hymn several years ago in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. Kelly had written some poetry before this, but never a hymn. When an opportunity came to write a hymn, she did not immediately know how to do it, but that didn’t stop her. She adapted her poetry writing skills and set her mind to the task at hand: a task that involved teaching herself how to write a hymn and wrestling in a creative wordplay so that a new hymn could be brought into existence. Kelly certainly is a creative and talented individual, but her success has only come through dedicating time and practice. Some of her projects probably didn’t work out, but some of them have. No doubt she has had to work through the failures to enjoy the successes. Kelly has also made room in her life–both space, time and resources–to exercise her creativity muscles, to pursue her ideas and engage in her projects, which is no small thing when we think of all the things that keep us busy and stop us from taking time to be fully present and just play. With a busy family, I know I find it hard to make the time for creative projects! Taking time to be creative, whether it is doodling, knitting, needlework, writing or cooking or whatever it is you enjoy, is a divine gift, and so we should receive it as such. And so, we should thank God for the time that we have and just begin. Even if it is a quiet five minutes in a waiting room with a notepad and pen. As Christians, we have the help of the Holy Spirit who inspires our hearts and minds. When we engage our creativity, through it, we enjoy the gift that unites our spirit with our body and soul. As we do this, we can be reminded that we are created in our Creative God’s image. Thanks be to God!  Creativity is simply putting your mind and hand to a task or project and forming an idea into a reality. The benefits of practising creativity go far beyond the object created. Creating keeps us connected to God, but it also connects us to the colours, textures, sounds, scents, and intricate detail of God’s creation, of which we are a part, which God made for us to notice and to enjoy.   Christian artists, writers, poets and hymn writers allow their creativity to be inspired by the gift of faith that depends on God’s Holy and precious Word. When they do this they encourage their own spirit, and when they share it with others, they bring a joy that can bolster other Christians through their own trials. Don’t we need more of that! Read the hymn below; can you see how Kelly’s faith in Jesus is shared with you through it? When hymns, such as this one, meditate on who God is and His gifts to His people, the church, together we can all grow in our knowledge of God and His redemptive love given to us in His Son, Jesus. This hymn is a gift to the church. Anyone can sing it – anywhere!  So, since hymns are meant for singing, follow this link if you would like access to the music: Jesus came a babe among us. This hymn is a gift to the church. Anyone can sing it, anywhere! Gifts given by God are to be shared. How can you share the gifts God has given you with others?  by Kimberley Pfeiffer and Lexi Bourne Jesus came a babe among us Verse 1 Jesus came a babe among us, Born to heed the Father’s call. God’s own Word, who spoke creation, Cried for mercy for us all. Jesus served us by the Gospel In His life and in His death, And proclaimed His full forgiveness With His final dying breath. Verse 2 With our first breath, we as infants Greet a strange and wondrous place, Crying out against the darkness, Helpless children needing grace. God, in mercy ever living, Formed our bodies in the womb; At the font He has reformed us By the cross and empty tomb Verse 3 You have called us, blessed Father By Your name so strong and true You give ev’ry generation Tongues to speak Your Word anew. Give us boldness to confess You In our life and in our death, That, by grace, we trust Your promise With our final dying breath. Verse 4 Glory be to God the Father, Son, and Spirit: Three in One. We, with saints who came before us, Sing the vict’ry You have won. In Your Word our hope is founded, And a people yet to be Shall sing praises to Your glory With Your Church eternally. Text: Kelly Klages Music: Stephen R. Johnson Text and music: © 2015 Concordia Publishing House Learn more about Kelly Klage at KellyKlages.com Listen to an interview with Kelly on the Here She Stands Podcast entitled “Using Creativity to Elevate God’s Word.” (Episode #33).     Spotify Apple  About the Author Kimberley Pfeiffer Kimberley Pfeiffer is Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. Read more…

Art as a Good Work

Art as a Good Work As Christian women, we live in the grace of our baptism, knowing that God has forgiven our sins and that we are made righteous before God and have been given the gift of eternal life. We know that all this we have received as a pure gift by Christ’s redeeming work on the cross and not by anything we have done or deserve. As Lutherans, we call this ‘justification’ (AC IV). This is foundational to how we live out our lives as God’s people, because our justification centres our spirit so we can embody the new obedience in our lives, producing the good fruit and good works of faith (AC VI).  Dr Martin Luther says, “Faith is a divine work in us which changes us and makes us to be born anew of God… bringing with it the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is our helper in all we do, and Christian artists and craftswomen know this well! For centuries, women within their communities all over the world have been cultivating unique and interesting crafts and artistic talents. With the help of the Holy Spirit, these gifts can be used for God’s glory and the good of the Christian community. Christian art can be used to teach the faith and the story of God’s redeeming love for his people and the whole of his creation. It can also help the Christian community to grow in awe and wonder of the beauty of God’s creation (read Psalm 8). Some women paint and draw, others stitch, weave, knit, bead, or make clothes, while others bake, organise and build things with their hands. Other women can enjoy and appreciate these gifts by encouraging the cultivation of these gifts in the young. Because we are justified before God in Christ, we don’t practice our craft to earn favour with God, and so Christian artists and craftspeople are free to play and be creative. Instead, we can employ our artistic skills and talents to be a gift to others, to our families, the church and our neighbours in the world so they can know the hope that is in us. How might you use your artistic abilities to bring beauty to the worship life of your home, church community and local community? by Kimberley Pfeiffer Christmas card by artist Kelly Klage, can be purchased at Ad Crucem  Meet our current HSS artists and stay tuned for our next shop release! Check out our interview with Georgie Grieger on Art and Beauty in the Church About the Author Kimberley Pfeiffer Kimberley Pfeiffer is Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. Read more…