By Hymn Stories

      Christian Henry Bateman, 1813-1889

      "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song." (Psalm 95:1)

      A New Testament church should always be a singing church, for sacred song is the natural outpouring of joyous Christian hearts. Of all the world's religions, only Christianity is a singing faith. But singing should not be limited to the church services, rather, it should become the Christian's normal daily lifestyle.

      Singing God's praises provides many important benefits to believers. There is the awareness that God is pleased when the voice is lifted in praise: "He who offers praise honors me" (Psalm 50:23). Then we learn many important spiritual truths and concepts when we sing. For many of us, our first awareness that God loves us and that He loves all the children of the world was gained through a song sung at our mother's knee or in the Sunday school nursery. Singing will also provide encouragement and comfort in times of need. Often when we are experiencing periods of discouragement and despondency, a simple hymn will come to mind and will be used of God to mend our fragile emotions. Also, singing is one of our best preparations for heaven. The Bible teaches that we will enjoy giving praise and singing throughout eternity.

      This hymn was originally titled "Come, Children, Join to Sing." It first appeared in 1843 in a collection Sacred Melodies for Sabbath Schools and Families, edited by the author of this text, Christian H. Bateman. Bateman served three Congregational churches in Scotland and England and then was ordained in the Anglican church.

      "Come, Christians, join to sing--Alleluia! Amen! Loud praise to Christ our King--Alleluia! Amen! Let all, with heart and voice, before His throne rejoice; praise is His gracious choice: Alleluia! Amen!

      "Come, lift your hearts on high--Alleluia! Amen! Let praises fill the sky--Alleluia! Amen! He is our Guide and Friend; to us He'll condescend; His love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!

      "Praise yet our Christ again--Alleluia! Amen! Life shall not end the strain--Alleluia! Amen! On heaven's blissful shore His goodness we'll adore, singing forevermore, 'Alleluia! Amen!'"

      For Today: Psalm 95; 150; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:9

      When tempted to complain or feel despondent, determine to sing a song of praise. It is one of the best ways to experience calm and contentment when life becomes bleak.