I had never heard this hymn before Anne Smith shared a recording of herself playing it. It is an old hymn written in the 18th century and the language might be a bit old fashioned. I have to admit that I have a fondness for this style of writing. It was written by a hymn writer and poet I had never heard of - even though this hymn is found in Mission Praise (number 80). The author was John Byrom who was born in Manchester in 1691, His father was a linen-draper. John Byrom went to university and studied at Trinity College Cambridge. He graduated with a M.A. degree in 1716 and then took a dramatic change of discipline when he decided to go to Montpelier to study medicine. However, he did not really pursue a career in medicine and he settled in London and began to teach a form of shorthand.
John Byrom
He did not write poetry for a living - it was a form of recreation for him. His first two volumes of poetry were published in 1773, ten years after his death. There was a more complete edition of his poetry published in 1814.
He gives a few commands in this Christmas hymn - he gives an order or maybe an instruction to 'salute the happy morn' because it was the day that 'the Saviour of mankind was born.' I like the idea of all Christians greeting the day of the Saviour's birth - maybe it was not the 25th December but it is good to have a day to celebrate such a momentous event. Byrom gives us all another instruction - "Rise to adore the mystery of love." He wants Christians to be active and to make a statement to those around about the real meaning of the birth of the Saviour.
The last verse looks forward to the day when Christians will join with the angelic hosts to sing 'a glad triumphal song.' I like the way the word 'redeemed' is inserted - it is so crucial and one word sums up the amazing truth that sinners will be delivered from sin and made fit for heaven - because of the death of the One who came to Bethlehem 'on that happy morn.'
In today's video, the music is again Anne Smith's. They will all be added to the Anne Smith channel so that you can access them from the website easily. The reader is Genevieve Loraine Anderson who comes originally from Singapore. She is married to her husband, Jim and they have a grown up son. Thanks, Loraine. I know that some of your family members use the website.
Thanks to all members for supporting Day Share.