Reformation Hymn Treats

October 29, 2023/Reformation Sunday (Beulah UMC & Oak Grove UMC)

The UMC Hymnal & Reformation Hymns

Rev. Robert McDowell

Today is known as Reformation Sunday, which commemorates when the 16^th century, church reformer, Martin Luther publicly protested needed reforms in the church of his day by nailing 95 theses to the Wittenberg Cathedral church door. He did this on October 31^st, 1517, All-Hallow’s Eve, the day before All Saints’ Day which is always observed on November 1^st. He chose this day to take his stand because of the great crowd of people who would be walking by the church on the eve of this holy day on the church calendar. 

His main protest against the church of his day was related to the sale of indulgences in which people were told that they would be able to help a relative get out of purgatory and make it into heaven if they donated money to the church. They were also told that they can help to prevent themselves bypass purgatory by making a donation. The nailing of these theses to the door of the Wittenberg church sparked what we know today as the Protestant Reformation, which is why today, we have 45,000 denominations from which to choose including the United Methodist Church. 

To help us celebrate this important day on the church calendar, here are some Reformation hymn treats for your trick or treat bag. 

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” 

Our United Methodist hymnal has several hymns related to the early Reformers. We already sang the first of those hymns earlier in our worship service, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” It’s a hymn that Martin Luther wrote based on Psalm 46 in which the psalmist expresses confidence and comfort in God’s protection. God is a mighty bulwark never failing! And one other little piece of trivia about that hymn. The melody was written by Johann Sebastian Bach, a famous composer who lived about 150 years after Martin Luther and whose music became popular because of Martin Luther’s call for reform in the church.

So, since we already sang that wonderful hymn earlier, let’s move onto a 2^nd Reformation hymn which we sing especially near the Thanksgiving holiday, “Now Thank We All our God.” We will be singing this hymn the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This hymn was written by Martin Rinkart in 1663. It’s hymn no. 102. Let me share a little context of why this hymn was written:

The Thirty Years' War was fought in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648 as part of the Counter-Reformation strife between new Protestants and Roman Catholics. Lutheran pastor Martin Rinkart wrote this hymn in the midst of the war. Rinkart conducted as many as fifty funerals in any given day during the conflict, including that of his own wife. The tune was composed by one of the most influential second generation Lutheran chorale composers, Johann Crüger, in 1647, and harmonized in 1840 by Felix Mendelssohn.

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” 

The 3rd Reformation hymn I want to mention is the hymn, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” It’s hymn No. 139. It’s a hymn that I often use as an opening hymn of praise. It’s upbeat and so positive.

One of the most well-known Lutheran chorales, this hymn was written in 1680 by Lutheran pastor Joahim Neander, and the tune comes from a collection on Lutheran chorales from 1665. Interesting trivia: Neander often held religious services in a particular valley that was later called "Neander's Valley." This valley became famous when in 1856 the remains of an ancient man were found in that valley, aptly named the "Neanderthal Man."

“Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”  

Another Reformation hymn in our hymnal is the hymn, “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above,” No. 126. This is also another great opening hymn for worship. It’s a hymn of praise and is so positive and uplifting! In fact, we sang this hymn last month during worship. 

So, here’s the Reformation context of this hymn: Another second generation Lutheran hymn writer and theologian, Johann Schütz, wrote this hymn of praise in 1675. The hymn has an even deeper connection to the Reformation with its tune, which was included in the Bohemian Brethren's ("Church songs") in 1566. The Bohemian Brethren trace their theological lineage a hundred years prior to Martin Luther with John Huss's reforms in Bohemia. These Christians would later become the Moravians, significant hymn writers themselves and who would also end up having a huge spiritual impact and influence on someone you probably recognize, John Wesley who would later begin what we know today as the United Methodist Church. 

Happy Reformation Day!