Were You There When They Crucified My Lord is one of the most famous Negro spirituals. It has been sung by Christians all over the world. I cannot remember a time when I did not know this song. It is that famous in some parts of the world. This is a song that reminds us of the crucifixion, the laying of Jesus's body in the tomb and the resurrection. The writer makes these events fresh and new in our minds by asking the question "Were you there?". You are therefore taken in song to Golgotha where you see Christ crucified with the two thieves. The part of the song that gives me goose pimples is the repetition of the word, tremble. How can you not tremble when you remember those nails that pierced His hands and feet. As you see him suffering because of our sins. Every time I listen to this song the line "Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble" always makes me visualize the crucifixion of Christ our Lord. You can almost see him on that old
There are so many uplifting songs that will put a smile on your face and "You May Have the Joy Bells" is one of them. J Edward Ruark is the author of the words of this hymn which was published in 1899. The music was provided by William J Kirkpatrick. Unfortunately little is known about the author, J Edward Ruark. He may have been one of the many people who sought the assistance of William J Kirkpatrick in adding music to their poems. It is, however, a powerful song that promises joy-bells if we live for Jesus every day. There may be trials but He will keep the joy-bells ringing in our hearts. You May Have The Joy Bells Hymn Lyrics You may have the joy-bells ringing in your heart, And a peace that from you never will depart; Walk the straight and narrow way, Live for Jesus every day, He will keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart. Refrain: Joy-bells ringing in your heart, Joy-bells ringing in your heart; Take the Savior here below With you everywhere, yo