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“Have Thine Own Way, Lord”

After having her hopes of doing missionary work crushed, hymn author Adelaide Pollard became inspired to write a hymn about God working in her life. Written in just a single night, “Have Thine own way, Lord” quickly got published in multiple hymnals. The hymn gives full control over to God, begging him to transform our lives and to work his will in everyone. This classic hymn has reminded generations of believers to submit to God’s will at all times and in all circumstances.

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“I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”

Though this spiritual focuses on a plea for Jesus to walk alongside us, there is an element of assurance that His answer is “yes.” As the psalmist writes, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4, ESV). As this song is sung, think about what it means to constantly have the presence of God, even when no human companionship is available.

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“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” by Cyril Alington (1931)

The story of this hymn has always been about accessibility to the Christmas story. In the late medieval period, there was a tradition of using folk songs to teach illiterate church-goers the Gospel story. This hymn is a good example of that practice. Written in a combination of Latin and German, it would be familiar in both the vernacular and the language of the Church. When set to a familiar folk tune, the people would be able to sing along with ease, and would understand the story.

“Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts