Most churches today probably sing more of Wesley's hymns than any other single writer. Consider Christmas without "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" or Easter without "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Other favorites include "Jesus Lover of My Soul," "Rejoice-the Lord is King," "A Charge to Keep I Have," "Love Divine," and "O For a Thousand Tongues."
What gives Wesley's hymns such appeal, even today? Historian Timothy Dudley-Smith shows that the hymn writer's experience of the love and forgiveness of Jesus gave his work its power and personal appeal. Christians know the joy of forgiveness, and Wesley captured it in his hymns.
Wesley also was a student of God's Word, as his hymns reflect. Many are simply Scripture set to music, a combination that encourages worship. Perhaps that is why he is known as the "sweet singer" of Methodism.
Points to Ponder
Wesley understood the joy that comes from knowing Christ. His music reflects that. Do you have such joy in your life? It is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). What are some evidences of this joy in your life? What do you think your friends, neighbors and relatives see in you that brings joy to them?
