What Can We Learn from the Most Commonly Sung Hymns at General Conference?
Each heartfelt crescendo and solemn adagio testified of the Savior.
Photograph from Unsplash
Prophets, Apostles, and other Church leaders bore powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ during general conference. In addition, the fervor of the choirs also bore undeniable witness that we can be cleansed through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Some hymns tend to be used in conference more often than others. Over the last five years, these four hymns have all been sung eight times in general conference. And that’s not just by chance; they each bear powerful testimony of the Savior.
“Redeemer of Israel”
“How long we have wandered / As strangers in sin … , / But Israel will shortly be free.”1
History: The lyrics to this hymn were originally published in the first issue of the Church’s first newspaper. They were then included in the first Latter-day Saint hymnbook in 1835.2
What we learn: The words affirm that the Savior, as our “Redeemer of Israel,” frees us from sin and bondage. Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “None can return to God by his or her own good works alone; we all need the benefit of the Savior’s sacrifice.”3 Like the Israelites who wandered in the desert for 40 years, we are lost without our “pillar by night.”4
2. “Rejoice, the Lord Is King!”
“The Lord, the Savior, reigns, / The God of truth and love.”5
History: This hymn was first printed by Charles Wesley, a Methodist, in Hymns for Our Lord’s Resurrection. The book was published in 1746 in London and contained only 16 hymns.6
What we learn: Its lyrics are an invitation to praise Christ and welcome His power into our lives. Sister Tracy Y. Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, talked about how we can do that: “To help us to remain fixed and heading in the right direction, the Savior invites us to see our lives through Him in order to see more of Him in our lives.”7
3. “Come, Ye Children of the Lord”
“All arrayed in spotless white, / We will dwell ’mid truth and light.”8
History: James H. Wallis, born in England in 1861, wrote the lyrics for this hymn. He was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 16 years old and later served in a variety of callings, from branch president to patriarch.9
What we learn: “Come, Ye Children of the Lord” testifies that the earth will be cleansed of wickedness when the Savior comes again. He rights all wrongs, even in today’s struggles. Elder Denelson Silva of the Seventy said, “As you proceed firmly in Christ and with courage … , you will find comfort and peace during the turbulence that you shall encounter in these days.”10
4. “How Firm a Foundation”
“Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed. … / I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand.”11
History: This hymn was first published in 1787 under the ambiguous name “K.” The hymn was sung on Christmas morning by American troops in the Spanish-American War. It was even sung at the funerals of US presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.12
What we learn: “How Firm a Foundation” reminds us to lean on our Savior for refuge in a fallen world. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “As evil increases in the world, our spiritual survival … will require that we more fully nurture, fortify, and strengthen the roots of our faith in Jesus Christ.”13
The Power of Uplifting Music
From encouraging pioneer hymns to heartwarming FSY songs, righteous music empowers us in our aim to follow the Savior. As you rewatch general conference talks throughout the next six months, don’t forget to relisten to the testimony-enriching lyrics of time-tested hymns.