Bright shining as the sun

by chuckofish

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the introduction of the hymn “Amazing Grace” by John Newton. It was written in the weeks leading up to the 1773 New Year’s Day service at Newton’s church in Olney. His sermon that day was based on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17:

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:

“Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, my God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You, Lord God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men.

There are literally hundreds of versions recorded of this famous and much-loved hymn (and available to view on YouTube!), but honestly, this plain, straightforward version by Alan Jackson is one of my favorites. I’m sure John Newton would approve.

Sunday was the birthday of Elvis Presley and we watched Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970) on TCM in his memory. There was a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on in that movie, which documents the King’s Summer Festival in Las Vegas during August 1970.

Somehow I think Elvis must have frequently felt like old King David and may have prayed a similar prayer (see above) many times in his confusing life. Hopefully he is singing God’s praise in his heavenly choir, a sinner redeemed and joyful.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’ve first begun.