“He who sings, pray twice,” St. Augustine, the famous 5th century bishop, once said. Since Christmas is a time for prayer and praise, it's no wonder that this special day (and all the days leading up ...

However, it was only in the 13th century with the encouragement of St. Francis of Assisi, that a strong tradition of singing Christmas carols in native languages developed. It took another 600 years ...

While I can no longer remember who said it and in which class, I recall being taught in seminary that we learn much of our theology from hymn writers. And, at least for me, there is no greater season ...

James Chadwick was a 19th-century English bishop and writer known for his love of music and faith. He translated the Latin hymn Gloria in Excelsis Deo into English so more people could enjoy and ...

John Mason Neale was best known for his work in church music. He wrote and translated many hymns that are still sung today. His music had deep spiritual meaning and a gentle, peaceful tone. Some of ...

At the beginning of the Christmas Eve service at Lititz Moravian Church, the congregation is cloaked in darkness as it begins to sing “Stille Nacht” — the German version of “Silent Night.” “It’s so ...