Cover image via Gospel Media Library.
Throughout the year, we have the blessing of wonderful music, but it seems especially true when we hear Christmas music everywhere: on the radio, in the stores, in our neighborhoods, in school concerts and piano recitals, and, of course, the Christmas Concert by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
In Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord gives a revelation to Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife. In that revelation, the Lord calls Emma to choose some hymns:
11 And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.
12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
How often would we like to have a “blessing upon our heads”?
In the preface of our hymnbooks, the First Presidency said “Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end” (“First Presidency Preface,” Hymns [1985], x).
Adjusting to Missionary Life teaches us: Listen to approved music or sing. Choose music that is calm and soothing if you are anxious, or music that is upbeat and cheerful if you feel down.
There are hymns for Christmas and Easter, hymns about the restoration of the gospel, hymns about prayer, sacrament hymns, and many more.
Right now you are probably thinking about some of your favorite hymns. Some are rousing and energetic, some are quiet and peaceful, some increase our resolve, some express our sincere gratitude, some help us feel more joy.
Whatever our current situation, whether we are feeling thankful, whether we are feeling sad, whether we are feeling discouraged, whether we feel like singing glory to the Lord! … hymns and other good music can help us feel the spirit and draw us closer to the Lord.
In Matthew 26:30, just before he went to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus and his disciples sang. The scripture says, “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”
When Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum went to Carthage Jail, John Taylor and Willard Richards stayed with them. John Taylor sang to help comfort the prisoners: “A poor wayfaring Man of grief hath often crossed me on my way …”
After John had sung the song once, the Prophet Joseph asked him to sing it again.
John responded: “I do not feel like singing.” Hyrum said: “Yes, please sing that song again.” Joseph added: “You’ll feel better once you begin, and so will I.”
Even in that sad time, singing a hymn brought great comfort. (Ensign, December 2001, 32–33; February 1980, 54; Friend, February 1980, 45)
During this special season and all year, as we sing or play or conduct or listen, may the Lord bless us all as to feel peace, comfort, and joy in the hymns of Zion!
