December 23, 2024 - The New Testament in the Bible tells us that hymns were sung by Jesus and the disciples. The word “hymn” from the Greek language is “hymnos,” meaning “songs of praise.” Hymns are different from Psalms according to Ephesians 5:19. Other than that not much is known about Christian hymns during the first three centuries of the Church.
There are records of hymns dating from the 4th and 5th centuries that are still sung in Catholic churches today. In the early 16th century the Protestant Reformation brought about many changes, including hymns being translated from Greek and Latin into languages of the common people, and songs being written with familiar folk rhyme and rhythm easy to sing and memorize.
Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley took hymns to another level altogether which forms the foundation of contemporary Christian music. Their words still ring true today and their melodies still ring out from many churches around the world.
All that being said, it is true that many people have their favorite hymn, and even groups of people have theirs. The following is a list of the favorite hymn of the different groups:
The Dentist’s Hymn... ”Crown Him With Many Crowns”
The Weatherman’s Hymn... ”There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”
The Contractor’s Hymn... ”The Church’s One Foundation”
The Tailor’s Hymn... ”Holy, Holy, Holy”
The Golfer’s Hymn... ”There is A Green Hill Far Away”
The Politician’s Hymn... ”Standing On The Promises”
The Optometrist’s Hymn... ”Open My Eyes That I Might See”
The Tax Collector’s Hymn... ”I Surrender All”
The Gossip’s Hymn... ”Pass It On”
The Electrician’s Hymn... ”Send The Light”
The Shopper’s Hymn... ”Sweet By and By”
The Realtor’s Hymn... ”I’ve Got A Mansion Just Over the Hilltop”
The Pilot’s Hymn... ”I’ll Fly Away”
The Paramedic’s Hymn... ”Revive Us Again”
The Judge’s Hymn... ”Almost Persuaded”
The Psychiatrist’s Hymn... ”Just A Little Talk With Jesus”
The Architect’s Hymn... ”How Firm A Foundation”
The Credit Card Telemarketer’s Hymn... ”A Charge To Keep I Have”
The Zookeeper’s Hymn... ”All Creatures of Our God and King”
The Postal Worker’s Hymn... ”So Send I You”
The Gardner’s Hymn... ”Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming”
The Lifeguard’s Hymn... ”Rescue The Perishing”
The Criminal’s Hymn... ”Search Me, O God”
The Baker’s Hymn... ”When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder”
The Shoe Repairman’s Hymn... ”It is Well With My Soul”
The Travel Agent’s Hymn... ”Anywhere With Jesus”
The Geologist’s Hymn... ”Rock of Ages”
The Hematologist’s Hymn... ”Are You Washed In The Blood?”
The Men’s Wear Clerk’s Hymn... ”Blest Be The Tie”
The Umpire’s Hymn... ”I Need No Other Argument”
The Librarian’s Hymn... ”Whispering Hope”
The Massage Therapists’ Hymn... ”He Touched Me”
The Doctor’s Hymn... ”The Great Physician”
Now for those who speed on the highway, a few hymns just for you:
70 mph... ”God Will Take Care of You”
80 mph... ”Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
90 mps... ”Nearer My God to Thee”
100 mph... ”Nearer Still Nearer”
110 mph... ”This World Is Not My Home”
120 mph... ”Lord, I’m coming Home”
Over 130 mph... ”Precious Memories”
So, there you have a list of the favorite hymns of certain people. These could change in the future as the old favorite hymns are replaced by the “seven-eleven” worship songs that have seven verses which are sung eleven times by the worship team. The words are projected on the church wall, but not the notes. Therefore, worshipers who wish to sing different parts are not able to do so. I suppose that is progress, but I doubt that the new songs will make the favorites list.
