A beloved Christmas carol with intriguing origins. Was it written by Martin Luther? Did a Methodist Sunday School man write the third verse? Find out here, and also hear a touching personal story about the enduring power of this hymn in a local care facility, before singing two popular versions with me at the end.

Walking home from a Christmas pageant, a Catholic priest wrote the most beloved Christmas carol of all! His friend put some music to it, and their beautiful song has resonated with Christ-lovers for 200 years. Hear the story behind the song and take a look at his original six verses, in today’s Friday Classic episode.

From a young man who knew nothing of God to writing one of Christianity's most beloved hymns - discover the inspiring story behind "The Solid Rock" (also known as "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"). Edward Mote's powerful message of finding hope in Christ alone began touching lives before it was even published, and continues to inspire believers today.

James Edwin Orr was known as one of the world's leading experts in Christian revival and evangelism. His classic song "Search Me O God" was inspired by a particular mission trip to New Zealand.

Rev Robert Lowry was struck one day by how hymn-writers wrote much about the 'river of death' that we have to cross, but little about the 'river of life' described in Revelation 22. He never really liked the song he ended up writing - but the rest of the world seemed to love it and became a favorite!

The famous prayer of St Francis - probably not written by him - was put to some beautiful music by a South African songwriter in unusual circumstances. Hear the story and let's take a look at the wonderful words of this prayer.

William Dunn Longstaff wrote a beautiful song about the pursuit of holiness! A wealthy man who supported some well-known evangelists of his day, Longstaff's legacy lives on through this deep song of devotion.

Charles Wesley's famous short hymn in rare in that it was based on words of a commentary. His words inspire us to keep focused on our calling as priests in the kingdom of God. I sing both

A classic hymn that celebrates God's saving love, lifting us out of our sea of sin and bringing us safely to shore. Not much is known about the man who wrote the song, except that he wrote many hymns including this wonderful song of grace. Popular evangelists of the 20th century used his song extensively to bring home their message of God's offer for salvation.

Today’s Friday Classic hymn is probably the oldest English hymn that is still sung today! And the story behind it involves a murderous queen known as Bloody Mary, Swiss Calvinists translating the Bible, and a Scottish Protestant writing metrical Psalms. Enjoy!

A German nun wrote a wonderful hymn based on Psalm 46, and a century later a pious Scottish woman translated it into English. Years later still, a famous melody was matched to the words - and a classic hymn fell into place. How many people have been deeply encouraged and strengthened by this powerful song?

A blind lay preacher wrote a wonderful poem on prayer... or did he? There is some mystery behind today's Friday Classic Hymn - but in the end, this is wonderful hymn reminding us of the amazing worth of taking time to pray.

Edward Perronet, an early Methodist and later independent minister, wrote one of the great praise hymns of all time. His original 8 verses are filled with biblical imagery that "crown Him Lord of All"!

This great hymn is known as the battle hymn of the reformation! Hear the story behind it's composition by the famous German monk and reformer Martin Luther, and see why his lyrics are still sung with gusto around the world today.

As he left for his daily walks, Rev. Maltbie D. Babcock would say "I'm off to see my Father's world!" After his tragic death, his wife published a poem he has written with these words. Today I tell the story, and then take a look at ALL 16 VERSES! This will surely bless you as you consider his powerful words.

A great Charles Wesley hymn! But his brother John was not convinced by some of his words. Let's take a look at why... and then we'll sing two different versions of the song together at the end (Beecher and Blaenwern).

Acclaimed Scottish pastor and academic Dr. Walter Smith used to write hymns as a hobby. How blessed we are to have his powerful 1867 hymn based on 1 Timothy 1:17, a song which has touched many lives with its bold proclamation of God's glory and light.

“There's wonderful pow'r in the blood!” A rousing hymn written by a classmate of the famous evangelist Billy Sunday. A camp meeting inspired the song, and Christians everywhere have loved it simple explanation of the effectiveness of the shed blood of Christ.

When asked "why should I worship a dead Jew?", a Presbyterian minister penned a sermon and a song to go along with it. The song turned into a Resurrection classic! Hear the story and take a close look at the words of his hymn in today's episode.

Is there a better hymn about the cross on which Jesus died? Isaac Watts wrote these incredible words, and today I'll sing the two most common tunes associated with the hymn. As you 'survey' the wondrous cross today, may you give your life, your all to the one who died there.