Hosanna Hymnals

Unique Books of Hymns everyone should know with melodies, all stanza, biography of authors and composers, and devotionals on the meaning of the text.

HOW TO USE
Our Hymns, Our Heritage & Hosanna in Excelsis
AS A DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Print What Makes a Good Hymn? Surprising issues to consider

In his book Family Worship (Crossway), Dr. Don Whitney suggests three things that are needed in family or individual worship: read the Bible, pray, and sing. He quotes Charles Spurgeon: “They that pray in the family do well; they that pray and read the Scriptures do better; but they that pray, and read, and sing do best of all.” It’s easy to remember—read, pray, sing!

These books enable you to do all three. Please try the following suggestions with Our Hymns, Our Heritage or Hosanna in Excelsis.

  1. Carefully read aloud the entire text of the hymn. Reading aloud helps you to read it slower and hear the rhythm of the poetry. Even if you have sung the hymn for years, you will hear things you have never noticed before. Words you have sung routinely in the past will come alive.
  2. From your Bible read the context of the passage listed under the hymn title. Even a few verses before or after will provide deeper understanding of the listed verse.
  3. Now read the left-hand page. Note the dates of birth and death, thinking about what history you know that was taking place at the time. Does the historical context tell you anything about the life
    of the author and composer? Maybe you even share a birthday!
  4. Highlight or underline phrases from “As you sing this hymn…” that particularly help you learn or apply the truths of the hymn.
  5. Have a time of prayer, asking God to fix these truths in your mind this day. Pray about your particular circumstances and ask God to make the praise, devotion, and faith expressed by this hymn
    writer become yours.
  6. End your devotional time by singing the entire hymn. Remember that God is your audience; He delights in your singing and does not judge its quality! If you have the piano recording on the USB Flash drive, it will make this even more enjoyable.

"Effectively compiled, this inspiring, informative collection of Christmas hymns is an essential resource, rejoicing the hearts of those who envision themselves as participants in the incarnation narrative. Emphasizing the church year, Hosanna in Excelsis invigorates the inner spirit, bringing expectation, fulfillment, and light to our darkened world."

Loren Wiebe, Emeritus Professor of Music, Biola University

David and Barbara Leeman have done it again. Their newest hymnal, Hosanna in Excelsis—a collection of carols and devotions for the Christmas season—unlocks the riches of the rescue mission we call the incarnation. Each hymn is accompanied by three sections: 'Text' (on the background of both author and song), 'Tune' (on the melody), and 'As You Sing This Hymn' (practical application for thought and life). What a terrific resource to help families and churches lift their voices to the King in the manger, resting in the shadow of a cross.

Matt Smethurst, Managing editor, The Gospel Coalition

One of the most encouraging trends of recent years is the recommitment of God’s people to family worship. Hosanna in Excelsis is ideal for family devotions during the Christmas season, providing the stories behind beloved carols, while presenting the music in a lovely form. What a treat to families to read these stories and sing these songs during the Christmas season! Hosanna in Excelsis will also be valuable to pastors in connecting God’s people to our heritage of faith in celebrating Jesus' birth. David and Barbara Leeman have opened their hearts and poured forth the beauty of God’s gift of His Son. Their wonderful book will inspire hearts and inform minds, prompting to our Savior the songs of joy that His coming deserves.

Richard D. Phillips, Senior Minister, Second Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC

The history of Christian music is 2,000 years deep and a whole world wide. This collection of carefully selected songs and hymns connects children and their parents with generations of Christian voices who have fallen silent yet still speak through the musical heritage preserved for us today. Our Hymns, Our Heritage is a must-have for family devotionals and a treasure to pass on to the next generation.

Janie B. Cheaney, Senior Writer, WORLD News Group

Psalm 145:4 proclaims, ‘One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.’ Our Hymns, Our Heritage reminds us that we stand on the spiritual shoulders of those who came before us, but equally challenges us to pass the faith once given on to the next generation. To this end, Barbara and David Leeman have given the church an extraordinary, multi-use resource. At one and the same time a hymnal, hymnal companion, and devotional guide, Our Hymns, Our Heritage seeks to foster the love of singing God’s praise for generations to come. I heartily commend this hymnal to churches, families, Christian schools, Sunday schools, choirs, and anyone who seeks to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Colin Howland, Director of Music, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA

What a stewardship we have received in the church’s heritage of hymnody—a gift that we must not fail to pass on to the coming generations. That is why I am delighted that Barbara and David Leeman have edited this hymnal. While their intended audience is elementary children, believers of all ages will find soul-stirring edification in these pages. The Leemans offer us a twofold service. They have curated an excellent collection of many of the finest hymns in the English language, and they have provided brief, illuminating, devotional material to make these songs come alive in our hearts. I commend this excellent resource for families, churches, and schools, praying that the Lord would tune your hearts to sing his praise.

Matt Merker, Director of Training for Getty Music; hymn writer, "He Will Hold Me Fast;" Author, Corporate Worship

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