Emmanuel (Repost)

Who is this babe of Bethlehem?
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!
Who comes to save and not condemn?
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!
Who is this child of virgin birth?
The Son of God, now come to earth!
The Christ of God, our Lord and King!
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!

Who gave His life on Calvary?
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!
Who shed His blood to set us free?
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!
Who rose triumphant o’er the grave?
Whose name alone has power to save?
The Christ of God, our Lord and King!
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!

Whose feet shall stand on Olivet?
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!
Then war and strife we shall forget.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!
Lord, haste the day of Thy return,
when all shall worship, none shall spurn
The Christ of God, our Lord and King!
Emmanuel, Emmanuel!

fpn/undated

This was written as a song, but the music was not put into print.



Picture: Sourced online, October 10, 2017

All Praise to Thee (Repost)

All praise to Thee, eternal Lord,
clothed in a garb of flesh and blood.
Choosing a manger for Thy throne, 
while worlds and worlds are Thine alone.

A little child, Thou wast our guest,
yet in Thy love our hearts find rest.
Humble and lowly was Thy birth, 
that we might rise to heaven from earth.

All this Thy love for us hath done,
by this our love to Thee is won.
For this we tune our cheerful lays 
and shout our thanks in ceaseless praise.

fpn/1969
This was written as a song. For a copy of the music, contact Joyce


Artwork: "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Gerard van Honthorst, 1622, from Wikimedia Commons

Oh, Precious Mystery (Repost)

Oh, precious mystery, that my Creator,
who fills the universe—earth, sea and sky—
came to be born within a lowly stable,
on manger bed in swaddling clothes did lie.

Oh, precious mystery, what matchless glory
and boundless wealth Christ Jesus left behind;
though He was rich beyond all comprehension,
bore pain and poverty with lowly mind.

Oh, precious mystery, with life eternal,
He tasted death on earth for you and me;
though He was buried, yet He rose triumphant
and lives today to set sin's captives free.

Refrain:
Oh, precious mystery, the High and Holy
who fills the universe—earth, sea and sky—
The great "I AM," who spoke the worlds to being,
for me He came, to suffer and to die.

fpn/1963
This poem is set to music as song #13 in "Sing and Give Thanks"
Contact Joyce for a copy.



Artwork: "Adoration of the Child" by Gerard van Honthorst, 1620, from Wikimedia Commons

The Prince of Peace (Repost)

In Bethlehem, one holy day
slept God’s own Son on bed of hay.
The virgin-born, sin’s debt would pay;
the Christ, the Prince of Peace.

The wise men saw His eastern star
and brought rich gifts form lands afar
to where the babe and mother were;
to Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Why is our world by war so torn
and why are hearts so sad, forlorn?
It is because they treat with scorn
the Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Wise men today, on land and sea
revere His name and bend their knee
acknowledging the deity
of Christ the Prince of Peace.

Chorus:
Thou Holy One, Thou Prince of Peace,
Thou King of Kings, make wars to cease;
may men acknowledge Thee as Lord
and Christ, the Prince of Peace.

fpn/undated
If you wish a copy of the printed music, contact Joyce


Picture: depositphotos.com #18080945, standard license

The First and Second Coming (Repost)

Originally posted on this blog July 22, 2017

’Twas not unto the masses
that “glory shone around,”
but to the lowly shepherds
all seated on the ground.
Their longing hearts enraptured,
so many years forlorn;
their trusting faith rewarded,
Jesus Christ is born!

Word of His first appearing
by faithful prophets shared,
fulfilled, yet found the masses
completely unprepared.
Though many knew the scriptures
pertaining to His birth,
yet few believed the message:
Christ had come to earth.

The dawning of the morning
when Christ shall reappear
is surely now upon us,
yet who shall see and hear?
Oh, may His second coming,
much heralded today,
find us awake and waiting;
let us watch and pray!

fpn/1972

Published as Poem #13 in Contemporary Psalms ©1975 by Radiant Light Enterprises
This poem has been set to music (Rutherford, by Chréten Urhan; arr. by Edward F. Rimbault).
For a copy of the printed music, contact Joyce.



Picture: Govert Flinck [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Happy Thanksgiving

On this day in 2002, Frank Nickel was "promoted to glory." Today, we look at some of the songs and poems he wrote throughout his life, expressing gratitude for God, family, friends, earthly blessings and anything else God might choose to send. (Click the titles to read the lyrics.)

Citizenship in Heaven is based on Psalm 103:2 and reminds us to "forget not" all God's benefits.
My Thanks asks how he can express gratitude for and to his friends.
Psalm 100 is a paraphrase about entering the gates of the Lord with thanksgiving.
Genuine Thanksgiving, True Freedom mulls questions about the survival of both faith and country.
Childlike Faith expresses gratitude for "whatever" God sends.
Sing and Give Thanks based on Psalm 30:4, was the cover song for Frank's songbook.
Thank You Lord For Loving Me is a less familiar song, but worthy of inclusion here.
Thanksgiving Rehearsal is for the day after Thanksgiving.

May your celebrations today be filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences God has granted in your life. Take time to express that personal thanks to each person who has been significant in your life!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Picture: depositphotos.com #13924026, standard license

He Lifted Me

Words and music by Charles H. Gabriel
Click the arrow above to play video. If you see no arrow, click the song title to view online.

In loving-kindness Jesus came,
My soul in mercy to reclaim,
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace He lifted me.

Refrain:
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me;
From shades of night to plains of light,
Oh, praise His Name, He lifted me!

He called me long before I heard,
Before my sinful heart was stirred,
But when I took Him at His word,
Forgiv’n, He lifted me.

His brow was pierced with many a thorn,
His hands by cruel nails were torn,
When from my guilt and grief, forlorn,
In love He lifted me.

Now on a higher plane I dwell,
And with my soul I know ’tis well;
Yet how or why, I cannot tell,
He should have lifted me.

Public Domain. Recorded by The Nickel Family Singers on LP365 (except verse three).
Sheet music available here.

I Have a Great Savior, I Do, Don't You?

Words by Melville W. Miller. Music by Edwin O. Excell, 1907
Click the arrow above to play. If you see no video play arrow, click the song title to view online.

I know a great Saviour, I do; don’t you? 
I live by His favor, I do; don’t you?
For grace I implore Him, I worship before Him,
I love and adore Him, I do; don’t you?

I need Him to lead me, I do; don’t you?
Heav’n’s manna to feed me, I do; don’t you?
What ever betide me, I need Him beside me,
In mercy to hide me, I do; don’t you?

I love to be near Him, I do; don’t you?
He speaks and I hear Him, I do; don’t you?
For me He is caring, the cross I am bearing,
I love Him for sharing, I do; don’t you?

I want Him to use me, I do; don’t you?
For service to choose me, I do; don’t you?
I want Him to bless me, to own and confess me,
completely possess me, I do; don’t you?

Public Domain. Sheet music available here.
Published as Song #2 in Sing and Give Thanks
Recorded on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice (verses 1 and 4 only)

All the Way My Savior Leads Me

Words by Fanny J. Crosby, Music by Robert Lowry, 1875 
Click the arrow above to play. If you see no video play arrow, click the song title to view online.

All the way my Savior leads me,
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Public Domain.
Recorded by The Nickel Family Singers on LP365: My Sheep Know My Voice
Sheet Music available here.

My Sheep Know My Voice

Words and music by Herbert Buffum, 1905 (Verse 1 and Refrain); Verse 2 and 3, author unknown. 
Click the arrow above to play. If you see no video play arrow, click the song title to view online.

Verse 1
My sheep know My voice and the path that I take,
They follow wherever I go;
My sheep know My voice and come at my call,
But a stranger’s voice do they not know.

Refrain:
My sheep know My voice, and day by day
They abide in the fold and go not astray;
They love Me because I have made them My choice,
And they follow My call for My sheep know My voice.

Verse 2
My sheep know My voice and the pastures of green,
Where I lead them so often to feed;
My sheep know My voice and the cool, sparkling stream
Where beside its still waters I lead.

Verse 3*
My sheep know My voice and the valley of death
Through which I shall lead them someday;
But no danger nor harm can touch one of them,
For I will be with them alway.

Public Domain
Recorded by The Nickel Family Singers as the title track on LP365: My Sheep Know My Voice.
*Verse 3 is not included on recording. For the sheet music, click here.

Oh, Precious Mystery

Originally posted on this blog February 22, 2015

Oh, precious mystery, that my Creator,
who fills the universe—earth, sea and sky—
came to be born within a lowly stable,
on manger bed in swaddling clothes did lie.

Oh, precious mystery, what matchless glory
and boundless wealth Christ Jesus left behind;
though He was rich beyond all comprehension,
bore pain and poverty with lowly mind.

Oh, precious mystery, with life eternal,
He tasted death on earth for you and me;
though He was buried, yet He rose triumphant
and lives today to set sin's captives free.

Refrain:
Oh, precious mystery, the High and Holy
who fills the universe—earth, sea and sky—
The great "I AM," who spoke the worlds to being,
for me He came, to suffer and to die.

fpn/1963
This poem is set to music as song #13 in "Sing and Give Thanks"
Contact Joyce for a copy.



Picture: depositphotos.com #13331990, standard license

The Prince of Peace

In Bethlehem, one holy day
slept God’s own Son on bed of hay.
The virgin-born, sin’s debt would pay;
the Christ, the Prince of Peace.

The wise men saw His eastern star
and brought rich gifts form lands afar
to where the babe and mother were;
to Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Why is our world by war so torn
and why are hearts so sad, forlorn?
It is because they treat with scorn
the Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Wise men today, on land and sea
revere His name and bend their knee
acknowledging the deity
of Christ the Prince of Peace.

Chorus:
Thou Holy One, Thou Prince of Peace,
Thou King of Kings, make wars to cease;
may men acknowledge Thee as Lord
and Christ, the Prince of Peace.

fpn/undated
If you wish a copy of the printed music, contact Joyce


Picture: depositphotos.com #18080945, standard license

The First and Second Coming (Repost)

Originally posted on this blog July 22, 2017

’Twas not unto the masses
that “glory shone around,”
but to the lowly shepherds
all seated on the ground.
Their longing hearts enraptured,
so many years forlorn;
their trusting faith rewarded,
Jesus Christ is born!

Word of His first appearing
by faithful prophets shared,
fulfilled, yet found the masses
completely unprepared.
Though many knew the scriptures
pertaining to His birth,
yet few believed the message:
Christ had come to earth.

The dawning of the morning
when Christ shall reappear
is surely now upon us,
yet who shall see and hear?
Oh, may His second coming,
much heralded today,
find us awake and waiting;
let us watch and pray!

fpn/1972

Published as Poem #13 in Contemporary Psalms ©1975 by Radiant Light Enterprises
This poem has been set to music (Rutherford, by Chréten Urhan; arr. by Edward F. Rimbault).
For a copy of the printed music, contact Joyce.



Picture: Govert Flinck [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Enter the Gates (Psalm 100)

Words by F.P. Nickel, Music by Rachel Bontrager

Enter the gates of the Lord with thanksgiving,
come into His courts with praise!
Serve Him with gladness and sing in His presence;
voices in glad anthems raise.
For all that we have has been given
by grace of our Maker above;
we dare claim no merit, nor credit—
our boast is His power and love.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
honour His name (oh, honour His name).
For we are the sheep of His pasture,
come into His courts with praise!

Enter the gates of the Lord with thanksgiving,
come into His courts with praise!
Bless thou the Lord and forget not my soul 
His benefits all of thy days.
Redeeming thy life from destruction—
forgiving iniquities great,
and healing thee of thy diseases—
how happy and blissful thy state!

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
honour His name (oh, honour His name).
For we are the sheep of His pasture,
come into His courts with praise!

Enter the gates of the Lord with thanksgiving,
come into His courts with praise!
Glory resplendent declared by the heav’ns, 
His pow’r by the sun and its rays.
Beholding the stars and the planets—
the earth and the universe plan,
I cannot contain awe and wonder, 
that He should be mindful of man.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
honour His name (oh, honour His name).
For we are the sheep of His pasture,
come into His courts with praise!

fpn/undated
This was written as a song. For a copy of the printed music, contact Joyce



Picture: sourced online

In Memory, Fifteen Years Later

Fifteen years ago today, November 22, 2002, Frank P. Nickel was promoted to glory. I woke with this song on my mind. In it, he reminds us that heaven is our true country of citizenship. I like to think of Dad perhaps collaborating with King David to compose and sing new songs of praise to our God. I don't know if that sort of thing happens in heaven, but I'm guessing we'll be using our God-given creativity in some fulfilling, joy-filled manner. It boggles the mind.

We sang this song often during the later years of our family ministry, and I've already posted it twice in this blog project. Yet as I meditate on these words, inspired by Psalm 103:2, it seems fitting to share them again, this time courtesy of a video taken during the memorial service for our brother, Bob, this past July. Not our finest moment, musically or emotionally, as you can understand, but it is a tender mercy that we can be together and remember our beloved ones who have gone before, and realize they are in that place where God wipes all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more sadness. Please enjoy the video and the lyrics below.


Forget not all His benefits, my soul, bless thou the Lord.
Review His tender mercies and the comfort of His word.
Remember well the greatest of the gifts that He has given:
Eternal life through Christ our Lord and citizenship in heaven.

Forget not all His benefits, for friends and loved ones dear;
For those who share our joys with us, who in our grief stand near.
Thank God for courage and for strength when past endurance driven.
Yet keep in mind that gift supreme: your citizenship in heaven.

Forget not all His benefits within the walls called home.
For peace and for protection as the paths of life we roam.
For healing of these bodies and for sins, now all forgiven.
For hope beyond this vale of tears and citizenship in heaven.

Refrain:
Oh bless the Lord for Jesus' blood and for his side once riven
Eternal life through Christ is mine, and citizenship in heaven.

fpn/undated

Originally posted Jan. 25, 2014 and May 5, 2017
Video credit: Jay Holden, via Facebook Live, July 19, 2017
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy of the printed music.

The Great Choice

The pleasures of sin for a season

or the joys of salvation so grand?
Oh, how will you wish to have chosen
when at last in God’s presence you stand?

The world with its riches and glory—
however enchantingly sweet—
when death comes, will offer no comfort
but mock with a hasty retreat.

Today you may have the assurance:
your sins have been taken away
and your name is recorded in heaven,
fair land of the unending day.

Chorus:
In the light of eternity, answer.
Why trifle with God and your soul?
Choose now, as you’ll wish to have chosen
while the years of eternity roll!

fpn / undated

Published as poem #30 in Contemporary Psalms, and as song #25 in Sing and Give Thanks. Recorded on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice as "The Pleasures of Sin for a Season" and on LP 569: Let Us Talk About the Lord as "The Great Choice." If you would like a copy of the printed music or an audio recording, contact Joyce.

Thank You Jesus

Words by Ruth G. Hallett, Music by John C. Hallett

Thank you Jesus for all you’ve done, thank you Lord.
Thank you Jesus for vict’ries won, oh, thank you Lord.
For Thy love and tender care, 
For Thy word and answered prayer,
Thank you Jesus for all you’ve done, thank you Lord.

Thank you Jesus for love like Thine, thank you Lord. 
Thank you Jesus for grace divine, oh, thank you Lord.
For Thy cross of Calvary,
For Thy blood that cleanseth me,
Thank you Jesus that Thou art mine, thank you Lord.

© 1948 by John C. Hallett, assigned to The Rodeheaver Co.
Used by permission, printed as song #4 in Sing and Give Thanks.



Picture: depositphotos.com #48073965, standard license

I Will Sing of the Mercies

Words and Music by James H. Filmore 
arranged by Frank P. Nickel for The Nickel Family Singers

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, 
I will sing, I will sing.
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, 
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.

With my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness.
With my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness to all generations.

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, 
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.

Printed with permission as song #3 in Sing and Give Thanks.
Recorded on LP 161: Songs of Faith and Promise, side one.
For a copy of the printed music, contact Joyce.



Picture: sourced online

Can a Little Child, Like Me? (Father, We Thank Thee)

Here is the second song that illustrates a child-like faith, written by others and sung often as a solo by Frank's daughter, Joyce, at a young age. 

Words by Mary Mapes Dodge, Music by W.K. Bassford

Can a little child like me thank the Father fittingly?
Yes, oh, yes, be good and true, patient, kind, in all you do;
love the Lord and do your part; learn to say with all your heart:
Father we thank Thee, Father we thank thee,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

For the fruit upon the tree, for the birds that sing of Thee,
for the earth in beauty dressed, father, mother, and the rest.
For Thy precious loving care, for Thy bounty everywhere
Father we thank Thee, Father we thank thee,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

For our comrades and our plays and our happy holidays;
for the joyful work and true that a little child may do.
For our lives but just begun, for the great gift of Thy Son
Father we thank Thee, Father we thank thee,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee! Amen.

From Salvation Songs for Children: Number One, p. 37
©1939, compiled by Ruth P. Overholtzer, Child Evangelism Fellowship
Recorded by permission on LP 467: A Joyful Christian, side two



Picture: depositphotos.com #1812927, standard license

All For Jesus

This week we will share two songs that illustrate a child-like faith. They are written by others and recorded as solos by Frank's daughter, Joyce, at a young age. Here is the recording of today's song with lyrics below:



Words by E.E. Hewitt, music by W.J. Kirkpatrick

Little hands to work for Jesus
Little feet to walk his way
Little ears to hear his message
Little lips to sing his praise.

All for Jesus, all for Jesus
True and faithful may I be
All for Jesus, all for Jesus
All for Him who died for me.

Little hands to help each other,
Little lips His grace to tell,
Little songs to raise to heaven,
Little hearts to love Him well.

All for Jesus, all for Jesus
True and faithful may I be
All for Jesus, all for Jesus
All for Him who died for me.

Little eyes to read the story
Of His love in all around
Little minds to learn the lessons
In the Holy Bible Found

All for Jesus, all for Jesus
True and faithful may I be
All for Jesus, all for Jesus
All for Him who died for me.

Little lips to speak so gently,
Little knees to bow in pray'r.
Little feet to do His errands,
Little hearts to trust his care.

All for Jesus, all for Jesus
True and faithful may I be
All for Jesus, all for Jesus
All for Him who died for me.

From Salvation Songs for Children: Number One, p. 37
©1939, compiled by Ruth P. Overholtzer, Child Evangelism Fellowship
Recorded on LP 263: Love is Why. side two.
Public Domain, contact Joyce for a copy of the printed music