Book Description:
Celebrate Easter with a joyful, soulful, and inspiring collection of songs about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Most people don't often associate Easter with music, but author Michael D. Young has collected a variety of inspirational hymns and songs--some solemn, some jubilant--and his commentary on their meaning can enhance our holiday experience.
Each chapter focuses on the rich history of two songs that relate to the events of Holy Week, including the Triumphal Entry, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. The complete lyrics for each song are provided, along with fascinating facts and stories behind each one. Also included are relevant scripture passages that illuminate the themes and events that inspired the songs, as well as a daily devotional of a Christlike attribute: deliverance, compassion, grace, hope, love, sacrifice, obedience, and renewal.
Readers can also experience the beauty and power of the songs in an immersive way through the inclusion of QR codes that link to YouTube videos of a variety of choirs, including the famous Tabernacle Choir, singing the songs being discussed, including such favorites as "All Glory, Laud, and Honor," "Amazing Grace," "It Is Well with My Soul," and "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" as well as lesser-known songs "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" and "Drop, Drop Slow Tears."
Whether you are a seasoned churchgoer or simply someone who loves music, this gift book can help provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the significance of Easter, as well as the role that music has played in honoring and celebrating that Holy Week.Rorie's Review:
This is a short, easy-to-read book that gives the reader a few scriptures, a few hymns, and background information on each hymn to read during Holy Week. I was only familiar with a few of the songs he listed, and found the stories of the creation of each one interesting. I'm looking forward to listening to all of the different songs, as well as using this book next week while our family prepares for Easter.
Andrea's Review:
I love the cover of this book and was excited to have a resource to help me put more focus and study on the true meaning of Easter. I enjoyed learning the background to the hymns that are included. Most of the stories were new to me, but I had heard at least one of them before. Some of them are so heart wrenching. Probably half of the hymns were new to me. Though it's not always easy for me to sing along to unfamiliar hymns, I love the spirit and feeling that comes with hymns, and liked the idea of this book for a daily devotional. I liked the word that went with each day (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday). This doesn't really explain what each day means (which I was hoping for), but if you already know it's a nice addition to a daily study during Holy Week.
Title: Sacred Days, Sacred Songs
Author: Michael D. Young
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: March 2024
ISBN: 1639932291
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.
Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book
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