" A Song Of Redeeming Love" ~

 I am intrigued with thoughts of Zion. I want to have a better understanding of how I can become a “Zion” person. There are countless articles and books on the subject of Zion. Holy writ is saturated with songs and messages about Zion. For today I will focus on singing the songs of Zion. We are told that when our Savior, Jesus Christ, returns again we will sing songs of redeeming love.

 Isaiah 52:7-9  reads:  “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Break forth in joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem”. I look forward to that day. I want to lift my voice high in praises to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 We find in Jeremiah 31:12;  “Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd; and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow anymore at all.”

 I do look forward to that day. How I love good music!  It seems to sooth my soul. It is there to give me rest on days that are difficult. There are many hymns I can now play on the piano and have also memorized the words. I can't overstate how much music can influence the spirit within us. Since returning to practice the piano each day and by learning these hymns, I have been blessed to experience the songs of Zion. They are full of peace, joy, faith and hope.

 In the preface of the LDS Church Hymn book, the First Presidency stated the following under the heading of Music in Our Personal Lives: ".....Hymns can lift our spirit, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace.

 Hymns may also help us withstand the temptations of the adversary. We encourage you to memorize your favorite hymns and study the scriptures that relate to them. Then, if unworthy thoughts enter your mind, sing a hymn to yourself, crowding out the evil with the good.

......Let us use the hymns to invite the Sprit of the Lord into our congregations, our homes, and our personal lives. Let us memorize and ponder them, recite and sing them, and partake of their spiritual nourishment. Know that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto our Father in Heaven," and it shall be answered with a blessing upon your heads." It is true – this is how they touch me.

 The Doctrine and Covenants, section 66, verse 11 explains the divine purpose for singing redeeming love. “Keep these saying, for they are true and faithful; and thou shalt magnify thine office, and push many people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy upon their heads. Continue in these things even unto the end, and you shall have a crown of eternal life at the right hand of my Father, who is full of grace and truth. Verily, thus saith the Lord your God, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.”

 When the Savior comes there will be choirs on earth and from Heaven. I want to witness these moments and be part of this great event and sing the songs of redeeming love.

 Now - sit back, relax and listen to two songs of Zion by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir