This posting is inspired from Recent Formation of a Resident Singing Group here at THD, lead by Fellow Resident, Fred Lezak. Fred, Kudos for leading this group and hopefully we can stage a show for THD in the near future.
A.The Five Greatest Christian Hymns of All Time
For more than three centuries, Christian hymns have inspired faith, comforted the grieving, strengthened the weary, and united believers around the world. Long before radio, television, and the internet, hymns carried the message of hope from one generation to another. Their melodies were simple enough to be sung by ordinary people, yet their words often expressed profound theological truths.
Choosing the five greatest hymns of all time is naturally subjective. Every denomination and every generation has its favorites. Nevertheless, certain hymns have endured because of their timeless message, universal appeal, and extraordinary influence on Christian worship.
A. Here are my choices of greatest Christian Hymns of All Time.
1. Amazing Grace
Without question, Amazing Grace stands at the top of almost every list.
Written in 1772 by John Newton, a former slave ship captain who experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity, the hymn tells one of the greatest redemption stories ever written.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
These simple words have touched millions. The hymn has been sung at church services, presidential inaugurations, military funerals, civil rights gatherings, and moments of national mourning. It reminds us that no one is beyond God's forgiveness.
Even people who rarely attend church often know its melody by heart.
2. How Great Thou Art
Few hymns inspire awe like How Great Thou Art.
Its origins trace back to a Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885. The English version became internationally famous after it was popularized by evangelist Billy Graham and singer George Beverly Shea.
The hymn celebrates the majesty of God's creation and His love through Christ.
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
Whenever this hymn is sung with a full congregation, it becomes a powerful expression of worship and gratitude.
3. Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
Written by Anglican bishop Reginald Heber in 1826, this majestic hymn is based on the heavenly worship described in the Book of Isaiah and the Book of Revelation.
It beautifully expresses the mystery of the Holy Trinity.
Its opening lines are among the most recognizable in Christian music:
Holy, Holy, Holy!
Lord God Almighty!
Nearly every Christian denomination includes it in its hymnal, making it one of the most universally sung hymns in history.
4. It Is Well with My Soul
This hymn carries one of the most moving stories ever associated with sacred music.
Its author, Horatio Spafford, wrote the lyrics after losing his four daughters in a tragic shipwreck in the Atlantic Ocean in 1873. As his ship passed near the site of the tragedy, he penned words that continue to comfort grieving hearts today.
When peace like a river attendeth my way...
It is well with my soul.
Few hymns speak so honestly about suffering while affirming unwavering trust in God.
For anyone facing illness, loss, or uncertainty, these words remain deeply comforting.
5. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Written in 1923 by Thomas O. Chisholm, this hymn is based on the biblical passage in Lamentations:
"Great is thy faithfulness."
Unlike many famous hymns, it was not written during a dramatic life event. Instead, it quietly celebrates God's constant love and mercy that never fail.
Its message is wonderfully simple:
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
For millions of Christians, it has become a daily reminder that God's faithfulness continues through every season of life.
Honorable Mentions
Many other hymns deserve recognition, including:
- Blessed Assurance
- Rock of Ages
- Be Thou My Vision
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
- The Old Rugged Cross
- What a Friend We Have in Jesus
- Crown Him with Many Crowns
- Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
- Abide with Me
Any one of these could easily appear in another person's top five list.
Why Great Hymns Endure
Unlike many contemporary songs that rise and fade with changing musical tastes, great hymns have survived for generations because they speak to universal human experiences, faith, hope, sorrow, forgiveness, gratitude, and the promise of eternal life.
They have accompanied believers through baptisms, weddings, funerals, wars, revivals, and personal moments of quiet prayer. Their words become part of our spiritual memory, often returning to us in life's most significant moments.
Even in today's world of contemporary worship music, these classic hymns continue to be sung in churches across the globe. They remind us that while musical styles change, the deepest truths about faith remain timeless.
As a 91-year-old Filipino-American Christian, I have found that these hymns grow richer with age. Their words, learned in childhood and sung throughout life's journey, carry deeper meaning with each passing year. They remind us that God's grace is amazing, His greatness beyond measure, His holiness eternal, His peace steadfast in adversity, and His faithfulness new every morning.
That is why these hymns have endured and why they will continue to inspire generations yet to come.
B. Meanwhile, Here are my top ten choices for some of the greatest secular inspirational songs ever written.
Music has the remarkable ability to lift our spirits, give us hope, and remind us never to give up. While many of the world's greatest inspirational songs are religious hymns, there is another collection of timeless classics that celebrate courage, determination, love, and the triumph of the human spirit.
These songs have inspired generations in concert halls, Broadway theaters, movie screens, graduation ceremonies, and personal moments of reflection.
1. The Impossible Dream
(From the Broadway musical Man of La Mancha)
If there is one secular song that rivals Amazing Grace in its inspirational power, it is surely The Impossible Dream.
Its message is simple yet profound:
"To dream the impossible dream...
To fight the unbeatable foe...
To reach the unreachable star."
The song reminds us that life's greatest achievements begin with impossible dreams. It has inspired students, athletes, political leaders, and ordinary people for more than half a century.
For me, it is perhaps the greatest inspirational song ever written.
2. Climb Ev'ry Mountain
(From The Sound of Music)
This magnificent song encourages us never to stop pursuing our dreams.
"Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow,
Till you find your dream."
The lyrics remind us that worthwhile goals require sacrifice, perseverance, and faith in ourselves.
It continues to inspire audiences around the world more than sixty years after it first appeared on Broadway.
3. You'll Never Walk Alone
(From Carousel)
Perhaps no song has comforted more people during difficult times.
"Walk on through the wind...
Walk on through the rain..."
Today it is sung not only in theaters but also in hospitals, memorial services, graduations, and sporting events, especially by fans of Liverpool Football Club.
Its message is timeless: no one truly walks alone.
4. What a Wonderful World
Made famous by Louis Armstrong, this gentle masterpiece reminds us to appreciate life's simple blessings.
Trees, flowers, children, friendship, and love become reasons for gratitude.
In an age often dominated by bad news, this song reminds us that beauty still surrounds us.
5. Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel created one of the greatest songs about friendship and compassion.
"Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will lay me down."
It assures us that during life's darkest moments, someone will be there to help carry our burdens.
6. Wind Beneath My Wings
This song honors those quiet heroes whose encouragement allows others to succeed.
Teachers, parents, spouses, mentors, and friends all come to mind whenever this beautiful song is performed.
7. I Believe I Can Fly
Despite later controversies surrounding its performer, the song itself remains an anthem about believing in one's own potential.
Its central message is that our greatest limitations often exist only in our minds.
8. Lean on Me
Bill Withers wrote one of the finest songs about friendship and community.
It reminds us that everyone needs help sometimes, and there is strength in supporting one another.
9. Hero
Popularized by Mariah Carey, this song reminds listeners that courage often comes from within.
"There's a hero
If you look inside your heart."
Its message continues to resonate with people facing adversity.
10. We Are the World
Recorded in 1985 by dozens of the world's greatest recording artists, this song became a symbol of compassion and global unity.
Its message, that we all share responsibility for helping others is as meaningful today as ever.
Honorable Mentions
Many other unforgettable inspirational songs deserve recognition:
- The Greatest Love of All
- Don't Stop Believin'
- I Hope You Dance
- Hall of Fame
- You Raise Me Up
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow
- Edelweiss
- Smile
- Heal the World
- One Day More
- Rise Up
- Defying Gravity
Why These Songs Endure
The greatest inspirational songs remind us that every human being faces obstacles, disappointments, and uncertainty. Yet they also remind us that dreams are worth pursuing, friendships matter, kindness changes lives, and hope should never be abandoned.
Unlike songs that simply entertain, these classics continue to inspire because they speak to something universal within all of us. Whether we are young or old, successful or struggling, they encourage us to keep climbing mountains, crossing troubled waters, believing in ourselves, and reaching for the stars.
At 91 years of age, I have learned that the most inspiring songs are those that continue to touch our hearts every time we hear them. They become companions on life's journey, reminding us that while the road may sometimes be difficult, it is always worth traveling.
As Don Quixote sang in The Impossible Dream, our task is "to reach the unreachable star." Whether or not we ever reach that star is less important than having the courage to keep reaching.
Lastly, here are the Most Popular & Iconic Songs in the Philippines
- "My Way" by Frank Sinatra: This unapologetic anthem is an absolute staple at Filipino karaoke sessions and gatherings, to the point that it has become a famous part of local pop culture and folklore.
- "Anak" by Freddie Aguilar: Released in 1977, this folk song is arguably the most recognizable OPM track internationally. It tells the story of a wayward child and carries heavy cultural resonance for Filipino families.
- "Ang Huling El Bimbo" by the Eraserheads: Widely considered the most important song in modern Filipino band history. The 1995 hit is a cultural touchstone with a narrative that captures the melancholic nostalgia of youth and lost love.
- "Dahil Sa Iyo": A timeless, pre-war kundiman (Filipino art song) composed by Mike Velarde that acts as an unofficial sentimental anthem frequently covered by various artists.
- "Multo" by Cup of Joe: Modernizing the OPM scene, this viral, chart-topping hit has captured the hearts of modern listeners and successfully made waves internationally across the global music charts.
- "Ikaw Lang" by NOBITA: A poignant ballad that broke records as one of the longest-charting and most streamed Filipino songs of the decade on [Spotify Philippines].
- "Tadhana" by Up Dharma Down (UDD): This indie-pop masterpiece is one of the most frequently sung and streamed alternative tracks, celebrated for its lush production and poetic lyrics.
My Reel of the Day: Falling in Love With You!
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