What a marvelous hymn! For a long time, it was known as the “Battle Cry Of the Reformation,” despite the fact that it is now contained within virtually every denominational hymnal, even the ones that brought about the reformation to begin with. That being so, does it change its meaning now? Is it something else entirely now that it is embraced by the church universal? Maybe we don’t even need the Reformation anymore.
There are misconceptions about the Reformation as it stands today, I believe. It’s not about elevating ourselves (Lutherans) above other denominations. The Reformation was, and continues to be, a wonderful, beautiful gift, and we who celebrate it the most can certainly be held accountable to live it to the fullest in our minds, hearts, and souls.
Really, what did the Reformation do, in the long run? Sure, it created the protestant revolution, but I really believe that something would have come along eventually that would have done that very same thing anyway. I believe the Reformation broke down a lot of barriers, most notably the barrier that was “clergically” placed between us and God. Luther created the Deutsche Messe in 1526 and his German Bible in 1534 (9 and 17 years after he wrote his “Theses”), which brought the Word of God in the vernacular of the people. The Catholics didn’t figure that out until Vatican II closed in 1965! Priests and other religious leaders were no longer simply the only vehicles for a lay person to experience God. God filled the room, through every prayer and through every chorale that was so joyfully sung by the German people.
God’s word is a remarkable thing. The Reformation is built around the Word of God, and brought the Word directly to the people. From our Gospel reading this week, Jesus tells his disciples, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-33) Continue. It’s not, “If you listen to my word,” or “If you hear my word,” it’s, “continue in my word.” Continue is certainly a much more active verb, and it is our promise to God that we all made, and that the young men and women being Confirmed this Sunday will make.
The music of the Reformation took the Word of God and placed it directly into the hearts and minds of the people. I always call the hymnal the “Bible for the church choir,” because I believe hymnody has a power that equals, and arguably, even surpasses at times, the power of scripture. They were both born from God’s word and God’s inspiration.
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is a great testimony to the power of hymnody in the church. Through its words, we come even closer to continually living, breathing, and acting in the Word of God. They are words that will stick with us, and thanks be to God to know that, as the final line of the great poem says, “The kingdom is ours forever.”
HYMNS AND SONGS
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Opening hymn- 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)
I have already discussed this hymn quite a bit in my opening section, but here is just a little more about it. The words and music were composed by Martin Luther circa 1528, with the words being a paraphrase of Psalm 46 (which is our Psalm of the day for today). While it still is intrinsically tied to the Reformation movement, it has branched out and become a much loved hymn in all denominations, as it speaks strongly to the power of God's Word and God's promises to us, and ours to God.
In the ELW, you may notice that there are two versions of this hymn. The one you are probably more used to singing is ELW 504, which is the isometric version created some time in the 19th century, due to the homophonic, 4-part harmony style of hymn singing that was beginning to take prominence thanks to the hymns and hymn tunes of Wesley, Watts, and others. Luther's original version is actually ELW 503. This "rhythmic" version was how it would have been sung from the 16th into the 18th century, in unison, usually unaccompanied, by the congregation. While we will not be singing it this way this Sunday unfortunately, you will hear it on the organ interpretation of stanza 3.
The arrangement you will hear including brass and handbells was composed especially for this occasion. A special thanks goes to all those players for making that possible.
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song (Hymn of the Day- 9:00 AM)
Confirmation is one of the most important steps of our journeys of faith. Today at St. Paul's, several of our youth will be taking that step. This hymn was chosen in honor of them.
Founded in 1931, Les Petites Soeurs (The Little Sisters) is an all-female religious congregation centered in France, which contains about 1300 members. Its doors are always open to people searching for a place to belong, companionship, togetherness, and fellowship. With that context in mind, it is quite easy to see how the words of this hymn were born. As we travel through our lives, with every step we take, Jesus is right there with us. Hopefully, these are words that the young men and women being confirmed today can take with them and hold close to them as they continue on their faith journey.
Jesus, Still Lead On (Communion Hymn- 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)
This hymn serves an important purpose for us this week. Not only is it specifically for our confirmands here this week, but it is in response to our final reading from the semi-continuous series of readings. After taking the reigns of the Israelites following Moses' death, Joshua is now charged with the task of leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. This hymn is a triumphant statement of discipleship and commitment to Jesus as he continues to lead us toward that very same promised land.
Holy God, We Praise Your Name (Hymn of the Day- 7:45 AM, Closing Hymn- 9:00 AM)
These four verses are Clarence Walworth's paraphrase of the Te Deum, an early Christian hymn of praise. Though it has fallen out of use in most churches these days, it is still regularly used in Catholic services and daily prayer rites as the conclusion to the Matins service (in morning prayer). In some ways, we will be singing this hymn at a spot originally intended!
The original Te Deum text is as follows. If you compare it to the hymn we sing, you will see many similarities...
All the earth doth worship Thee, the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels cry aloud: the Heavens and all the powers therein.
To Thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry, Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy Glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles praise Thee.
The godly fellowship of the Prophets praise Thee.
The noble army of Martyrs praise Thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge Thee;
The Father of an infinite Majesty;
Thine honourable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost: the Comforter.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man: Thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, Thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting.
Govern them and lift them up for ever.
Day by day we magnify Thee; and we worship Thy Name, ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten upon us: as our trust is in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I trusted: let me never be confounded.
The hymn is actually a paraphrase of section 1, which is sub-titled "Praise to the Trinity." One of the most profound line in the paraphrase is at the conclusion of stanza three, which says, "And from morn 'till set of sun, through the church the song goes on." This single line gives me so much hope for the future of congregational song, and as long as I have anything to say about it, the song certainly will go on.
How Great Is Our God (Opening Song- 11:15 AM)
This strong ballad is from Chris Tomlin's album "Arriving" from 2004. As could be obvious by its title, it speaks to the greatness of God and his presence in our lives. A good majority of examples of this style of song have rhythms that are not easily sung by a congregation. This song manages to tread that line very well, producing rhythms that are singable, yet still interesting. They all feel very natural and come off the tongue very well.
Come, All You People (Praise Song- 11:15 AM)
This hymn and its translation are an interesting clash of cultures. Alexander Gondo, a native of Zimbabwe, composed this hymn and tune in his native tongue, but the version we have in the ELW was actually translated by I-to Loh, who is easily this generation's most important figure in the advancement of Asian hymnody in the West and throughout the world.
Lead Me, Guide Me (Scripture Song- 11:15 AM)
This great spiritual by Doris Akers comments nicely on our reading from Joshua. This could easily be the prayer Joshua offered to God for help along this journey. We all come to the realization eventually that we cannot do it by ourselves. We are weak and we need God's strength and power. We are lost, and if we take the hand of God, we will be guided to the promised land.
Thy Word (Offering Song- 11:15 AM)
As I mentioned before, the Reformation is rooted in the Word of God. This song by Amy Grant takes that Word and uses it as a metaphor for our guiding light.
In The Singing (Communion Song- 11:15 AM)
This song describes the presence of Jesus in our communion meal in a variety of different ways. In the singing, silence, hands expectant, blessing, breaking, etc... Jesus is present throughout the entire Eucharist rite.
Lord, Reign in Me (Closing Song- 11:15 AM)
I know I've said this multiple times so far, but this day, this Reformation day, is all about the Word of God entering our hearts directly, without the need of an intermediary. This song by Brenton Brown takes it a step further even. While God always is present through the mountain streams and sunsets, the song requests that the one other thing that we need to make us complete is the complete presence of God in our own hearts and souls.
CHORAL ANTHEM
Bound For The Promised Land, arr. Mack Wilberg (Following scripture- 9:00 AM)
While this hymn is widely known as a joyous setting in a major key found in most hymnals, in this setting, Mack Wilberg casts the tune in the minor mode, creating a much different feeling, while still maintaining the joy and excitement of the moment. The four-hands piano accompaniment adds to this joy, and the entire piece culminates in a glorious climax at the conclusion.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, arr. Arnold Sherman (Offering- 9:00 AM)
This arrangement for handbells and organ supports the joyous quality of this tune. The organ and handbells alternate in playing the tune and being accompaniment. While there is a modulation in this tune, it interestingly modulates downward for the conclusion of the piece, something that rarely is effective. It is here, however, and the piece grows to a lovely conclusion.
Fantasy on EIN FESTE BURG- Helmut Walcha (Prelude- 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)
This stunning organ piece features the "A Mighty Fortress" tune in both the upper organ voice and the pedal in canon. They take turns in alternating who goes first, and the third voice is largely originally composed, but also contains fragments of the tune.
Toccata on GROSSER GOTT- Flor Peeters (Postlude- 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM)
Flor Peeters was a prolific Flemish composer and organist. Until his death in 1986, he would regularly give recitals, masterclasses, and composed over 100 organ pieces. This arrangement of our closing hymn is a rather standard toccata format, with the tune presented in the pedals underneath florid, chordal passagework in the hands.
MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Bach: Cantatas, BWV 79, 80, 192, 50
- Bach Collegium Leipzig
This excellent selection of Bach cantatas features BWV 80, Ein Feste Burg ist Unsrer Gott, which you may recognize as the German name for A Mighty Fortress. This cantata is one of Bach's largest and grandest, featuring 6 movements with a large orchestra and chorus required for an effective performance.
2. Arriving
- Chris Tomlin
This is Chris Tomlin's aforementioned album from 2004, featuring the track "How Great Is Our God," which we will sing at the 11:15 service this week.
3. Peeters: Organ Music
While it doesn't contain the piece I am playing this morning, this is a large collection of the organ works by Flor Peeters, many of which demonstrate his flare for the Flemish style of composition.
- Bach Collegium LeipzigThis excellent selection of Bach cantatas features BWV 80, Ein Feste Burg ist Unsrer Gott, which you may recognize as the German name for A Mighty Fortress. This cantata is one of Bach's largest and grandest, featuring 6 movements with a large orchestra and chorus required for an effective performance.
2. Arriving
- Chris TomlinThis is Chris Tomlin's aforementioned album from 2004, featuring the track "How Great Is Our God," which we will sing at the 11:15 service this week.
3. Peeters: Organ Music
While it doesn't contain the piece I am playing this morning, this is a large collection of the organ works by Flor Peeters, many of which demonstrate his flare for the Flemish style of composition.
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