Note: This item is on sale 33% off through 12/31/2021.
A couple of years ago, my church announced the upcoming compilation of a new hymnal and also a new children’s songbook. They asked for submissions from composers and lyricists, even opening it up to people not of our faith. And they received tens of thousands of new submissions.
This caused a lot of excitement, triggering the births of many new hymns. I wrote and submitted six hymns and four children’s songs, myself. On two of those hymns, I even wrote the lyrics as well. But mostly I collaborated with other artists. So far, our hymns remain in the running until we’re told that none of our submissions will be used (which some have heard already). The no-news that I’ve heard is good news for me!
However, we all know the chances are very slim our hymns will be selected. The global hymnal will only have 200-300 hymns (we’re guessing), which will be the same in all countries, except for translations. The “local” electronic addenda (which will vary by country) will allow for more slots for our hymns, but not that many. If I make it into even the US addendum, it would be an honor! But we’re already prepared to be told the bad news any day now.
When I saw some of the hymns others had submitted, I came to realize that there will be plenty of really good hymns that won’t be chosen. So, I figured — why not start a compilation of hymns? I could help some of these excellent hymns find a good home.
A friend of mine, Michael Young, a singer in the Tabernacle Choir, had a similar idea. Though, he began his effort a few years ago before the new hymnal was announced. Recently, he finally released his project after YEARS of hard work. You can check it out here — 176 new hymns, and from what I hear, it’s been selling well.
At first, I was imagining a similar project for Melkim Publishing, but then thought — how long would it take to put together something like this? And what about that price tag? How many choirs would pay $20 a book for a decent-sized choir when low choral budgets are currently in vogue?
These thoughts inspired me to switch gears, and release our hymn collection in small chunks. One mini-collection a quarter — 9 pages of music in each one. Each quarter could then concentrate on a different topic, and the price tag would be small enough for choirs to afford. We’d keep the collections coming until we run out of good hymns.
Our first collection dropped a couple of weeks ago: New Favorite Christmas Carols and Hymns, Volume 1. It’s mainly music written by my friends, including some names you may have seen here before: Daniel Carter, Reid Gilliam, Nick Bowen, and Mel Windham. We’re also introducing two new artists to Melkim: Michael Young and Diane Galicia. Just wait to see what other music these people have coming shortly!
In this Christmas collection, we have nine new hymns. You can start listening while you read up on each hymn:
#1) “From the Realms of Heaven” by Daniel Carter. A fast and joyful hymn praising the coming of Christ.
#2) “The Air Is Alive with Music” by Diane Danielle Galicia, and arranged by Mel Windham. Originally meant as a round, this SATB arrangement fits a church congregation or choir. It features the sounds of bells and music to praise the Lord during the time of Christmas.
#3) “The Light of All the World” by Michael D. Young and Mel Windham. This hymn explores the searching of Christ, detailing the journey of the men following the star as a metaphor of the same search for which we all embark. This hymn features a minor/Dorian mode.
#4) “Song for Advent” by Reid B. Gilliam. This follows the different days of Advent where different candles are lighted. This was originally sung a verse at a time across several days during Advent in Reid’s congregation.
#5) “Holy Night” by Diane Danielle Galicia, and arranged by Mel Windham. Another happy hymn singing about the night the Savior was born — angels singing, wise men traveling, and so on. This hymn features an alternative ending for verses 3 and 4 before the Chorus.
#6) “Come Christmas” by Ernest N. Bowen. For guitar and melody, this hymn stands out. Some of you may recognize the choral arrangement that was released last year. This peaceful hymn considers the spirit people tend to take on during Christmas as we remember Christ and become more like Him.
#7) “With Wonder Filled” by Michael D. Young and Mel Windham. This hymn explores the characteristics of the new Christ child who would save us all. As we imagine all of these characteristics, we become too filled with wonder to speak.
#8) “O’ Sylvie, Come and See Him” by Diane Danielle Galicia, and arranged by Mel Windham. A happy hymn about the excitement one has when they see the new Child. It makes you want to tell everyone to come and see Him.
#9) “As with Gladness” by Daniel Carter (and original text by William Chatterton Dix). This hymn is about following the Star as the men of old followed with gladness. You may recognize this from the other versions Daniel has created under the name “Guiding Star” here with Melkim Publishing.
So, take a look, and see if any of these hymns strike your fancy. Perhaps one or two of these hymns could help enhance your next Christmas service. When you go to the store to check out these hymns, you can find a link to where you can request a preview copy to see the lyrics and music in full. As usual, there also exist options to save money if you’re willing to download and print — $30 for 30 copies. Or $50 for a larger choir.
The next collection (not Christmas) will come in another month — some more great hymns, so stay tuned for more details.
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