Monthly column on hymns and songs

Christopher Idle  |  Features
Date posted:  1 Dec 2001
Share Add       

This month I write for the two main groupings among evangelical Christians: those who observe Christmas and those who do not. I wish to recommend a hymn which all of us can use in December. To show the unbiased nature of this column, this is one which did not make it into Praise! or Hymns for Today's Church. Its proper tune was not classy enough for the Anglican Hymn Book and it contains one line which is less than scriptural.

Let us then stand to sing 'Who is he in yonder stall'. An 1866 offering from Ohio by the author of 'Darling Nelly Gray' - though you may not wish to announce it in that way. A hymn with alternating question and answer; responsive, antiphonal if you like. When we sang it earlier this year, it struck me as an ideal example of the art of repetition which I touched on controversially in April. Its model is Psalm 136; for his mercy endureth for ever.

For like that psalm, it tells a story, carefully and regularly punctuated by its refrain. The repeated chorus, with a melody not much more demanding than its elementary verse-tune, but composed for its proper climax, gives us time to reflect on the words of the stanza we have just sung. No one could complain that we repeat too much, or not enough.

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles by Christopher Idle >>
Features
50 years ago: 4 Christmases, 2 bishops, 1 gospel

50 years ago: 4 Christmases, 2 bishops, 1 gospel

Christopher Idle reflects on two memorable Christmas Carol Services where two bishops shared their story of coming to Christ. When …

Reviews
No space for silence?

No space for silence?

The author’s name should ensure a wide readership. Added to that, it’s highly readable. What more could you want?

About en

Our vision, values and history.

Read more

Give a subscription

🎁 Get 20% off a subscription for a friend this Christmas!

Tell me more