The Lutheran Church has always been known as "the singing Church." From the early days of Martin Luther's reforming work, the power of music to teach the faith was recognized and put to good use. Through the hymns we sing, the faith is taught to young and old alike. We learn about our sin and our need for a Savior. We learn about Jesus' work for us in His incarnation, nativity, perfect life, death on the cross, resurrection from the dead, and ascension into heaven. We learn about the Holy Spirit's work to keep us in the faith through the Gospel and how He causes us to grow in good works. We learn how to pray when we don't know how. Hymns and the other music of the Church are not meant for entertainment, but for our edification and growth in the faith. By making these explanations available, it is our sincere hope that you learn more about the hymns we sing and come to love and appreciate them more and more!
Pastor Beffrey began writing this series while serving his previous congregation in Cleveland and has continued on at Epiphany. The older set is written for the hymns as they are found in The Lutheran Hymnal, so those who are used to Lutheran Worship or Lutheran Service Book may not find a perfect match. The newer explanations are written for the hymns as they are found in Lutheran Service Book.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Beffrey.