Hymnal Page Scan: Hymnal for Primary Classes: a collection of hymns and tunes, recitations and exercises, being a manual for primary Sunday-schools (With Tunes)) page 75 | Hymnary.org

Keyboard Recording:

I have been listening to children’s hymns recently and it’s been really helpful. We can use these hymns to re-parent our inner child and establish a new baseline for being calm. I had colic as a baby and had trouble resting and sleeping. So it’s helping my mind learn how to gently unwind and relax.

The words to this hymn uses the sound of silver bells to represent Jesus’ words. I thought that was really interesting. We have been working on developing an awareness of Jesus’ presence with us as we are going through our day. We are trying to get a sense of Him walking beside us. Jesus’ words to us are sweet, gentle, and loving…so sweet that it’s like hearing silver bells when He talks to us. As you are working with the imagery of meeting Jesus in the valley of prayer…or with the imagery of walking along a pathway with Jesus…take time to listen for the sound of silver bells ringing gently…and let that remind you that Jesus is there with you.

In this hymn, one chime of the bell represents Jesus saying, “Little children, love each other” and then it is followed by a longer chime of the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as ye would that they would do unto you.” See what other words of Jesus you can hear in the silver bells. Maybe you will hear, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11 NIV) Or, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Those are some of the wondrous tidings that are there in the music of the silver bells.

In the 1st verse, take time to envision how the ringing of those silver bells causes the world to blossom as the rose…to be filled with life energy…to bloom and grow. And then envision how taking the words of Jesus with you is like carrying sunshine with you wherever you go. And in the 3^rd verse, envision the sweet bells soothing your every trouble and calming your every strife. Here are the words to the hymn:

1 Oh, the sweet, sweet words of Jesus,
Silver, silver bells!
Listen, children, for their music wondrous tidings tells;
How to make this world of ours blossom as the rose;
How a child may carry sunshine wheresoe’er it goes.

2 “Little children, love each other,”
This is one sweet chime;
Then a little longer message comes another time.
Do you know it? “Do to others as ye would that they
Should do unto you,” comes sounding through your work and play.

3 Let the sweet, sweet bells of Jesus ring through all your life;
They shall soothe its ev’ry trouble, calm its ev’ry strife.
Oh, the sweet, sweet words of Jesus, silver, silver bells!
Listen, children, for their music wondrous tidings tells.