Songs of Loudest Praise

Listening to Sufjan Stevens’ Christmas double album is one of my personal favorite things to do during the holidays. Christmas music can do many things to the heart and the mind. Bring back memories. Six years ago I shared the first stanza of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing in a CaringBridge post. It was a quick post to update our followers on the great and miraculous news that I’d had a clear brain mri. 

I had been listening to the Christmas singalong music. I was a fan of Stevens before and discovered the Christmas album many years ago. 

His approach to the message of Christmas is so unique. Folly and contemporary at the same time. But make no mistake the message of Christmas is the star of the show. It shines down unmistakably through the gloomy clouds of night, dismissing darkness and doubt. The primo side of Emanuel. Gif with us. Grace and forgiveness for all. 

Today I listens to the album. And the words and music flowed over me like the peace and comfort of the best news the world can receive. 

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
  Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
  Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
  Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it,
  Mount of Thy redeeming love.

It was written in 1758 by a man named Robert Robinson when he was 22 years old. 

Centuries later, we have the song from Stevens. And the powerful words brought to our ears to turn our hearts. And sing God's praise.