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Moravian Hymns through the Seasons
- by Marian L. Shatto
The Bible Study book for 2012-13

It is often said that we Moravians sing our theology. While this statement is not entirely accurate, it does lift up the importance of hymnody to our tradition. From the first devout verses penned in Czech by Jan Hus to the vibrant images found in the work of contemporary poets such as Lynnette Delbridge and Dan Crews, the writing of hymn texts has been central to the faith journey of Moravians through the centuries. We are fortunate to have such a comprehensive body of resources to enhance our worship and enrich our prayer life, and we are doubly blessed to have gifted writers carry this tradition into the future.
In the study to follow, we will take a look at nine hymns from the 1995 Moravian Book of Worship. The texts of two of them were written by members of the ancient Unitas Fratrum – “Christ, the Model of the Meek” by Lukás of Prague in the 15th century, and “With High Delight Let Us Unite” by Georg Vetter in the 16th century. Four more date from the enthusiastic and deeply pious decades following the Herrnhut renewal in 1727. James Montgomery, our prolific and beloved nineteenth century hymnist, is represented here by “O Spirit, Our Lord God.” Finally, texts by Will Harstine and Lynnette Delbridge bring our study into the latter part of the 20th century.
The hymns have been chosen to match with a particular festival, season, or observance in the life of the church. Thus the chapters are ordered by month rather than in numerical order. Because each month is a self-contained study, it is possible to begin at any point in the study book with the chapter corresponding to the month of study. It is suggested that each session both begin and end with the singing of the designated hymn.

September – Education and Call
637 – Praise We All Our God Eternal

October - Christian Community
675 – What Brought Us Together

November – Jesus Christ, Chief Elder
400 – Jesus, Great High Priest of Our Profession

December – Advent
260 – Rejoice, Rejoice, the Kingdom Comes

January – Epiphany: Showing Forth the Incarnation
324 – Jesus’ Name, Jesus’ Name

February – Trust in Christ
795 – Come, Faithful Shepherd, Bind Me

March – Lent: A Time of Penitence
336 – Christ, the Model of the Meek

April – Easter: Resurrection
368 – With High Delight Let Us Unite

May – Pentecost: Go Forth into the World
376 – O Spirit, Our Lord God

Taken from the introduction of the book.