The first time I heard Melanie Hoffman’s song, Gethsemane, I was sitting in sacrament meeting in North Carolina. Two primary girls sang it for a musical number at the pulpit.
I was breathless as I listened. If breathing wasn’t a subconscious endeavor, I would have forgotten to do it at all. I was so awe-struck. I was hanging on every single word that came from their lovely little lips. Soaking in the message. Feeling anew the offering of Jesus which was, in large part, offered in Gethsemane.
I continue to love this song. I quite tenderly love this sweet rendition by then 3-year-old Claire Ryann.
Equally moving is this rendering in American Sign Language by Dean Christensen. I cried when I first watched this years ago. Even if you don’t know American Sign Language, you will feel the beauty of this message as it is signed by one of the finest in the Deaf culture.
Gethsemane: “The garden, across the brook Kedron, on the slope of the Mount of Olives, to which the Lord went on leaving the upper room on the night of his betrayal…” (Bible Dictionary)
Unto all the world: Oh willing Jesus, THANK YOU!
3 responses to “Oh Willing Jesus, Thank You!”
I was SO fascinated by the Primary Sacrament Meeting program this year because there were so many new songs that I had never heard before. Gethsemane was one of them. I LOVED those new songs!!!
LaDawn,
I know, right? Our primary program, too! We have so many incredible LDS musicians in these latter days who are being inspired to write songs for our day and time. I love all the latter-day messages!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Katrina
I would never have heard the children’s song being a con at such an old age. What a wonderful gift. Absolutely the signage song was absolutely beautiful thank you for sharing so amazed by all the gifts from God you are one of them. Have a blessed day. Thank you again.