A Review of I Belong to Jesus: Hymns for Children of God
The thirteen hymns from Sarah Brown’s CD I Belong to Jesus are Christ-centered and covenant conscious.
- Byron Snapp,
The thirteen hymns from Sarah Brown’s CD I Belong to Jesus are Christ-centered and covenant conscious. The arrangements are catchy. The lyrics inspire our hearts to worship the Triune God.
From the opening song, “I Belong to Jesus,” to the concluding beloved hymn, “Jesus Loves Me,” there is a consistency of scriptural truth. The first hymn reminds us that we are not our own. We belong to our Savior, King Jesus, until we walk through death’s valley into heaven. “Around the Throne” speaks of children gathered around God’s throne in heaven. These children are those who have had their sins forgiven and are clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Children and adults are recipients of God’s grace. “Can A Little Child?” encourages little children to live out their God-given faith in Christ with hearts full of thanksgiving. Children are similarly encouraged in “Children Come” with words from Psalm 34:11–15.
These hymns are directed to children but can be listened to by people of all ages.
The piano arrangements contribute to the enjoyment of the CD, yet the music remains in the background. This allows the hearer to focus on the words. This reminded me anew of the primacy of the Word in the Christian faith.
My wife and I have listened to this CD a number of times. We look forward to playing it again and again for our grandchildren and ourselves. The thrust and tone of each hymn provokes reverence of God and thoughtful reflection on the great truths of redemption. God’s people, young and old, have a responsibility to daily live with thankful hearts in a way that befits the followers of Christ.
- Byron Snapp
Byron Snapp is a graduate of King College (B.A.) and Reformed Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He was Associate Pastor at Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church, Hampton, Virginia, from 1994 until his retirement in December 2014. He is a native of Marion, Virginia. He has had pastorates in Leakesville, Mississippi, and Gaffney, South Carolina. He served as Assistant Pastor in Cedar Bluff, Virginia prior to his ministry at Calvary Reformed. He has served as editor of the Presbyterian Witness and was a contributor to A Comprehensive Faith and Election Day Sermons. He is currently a member of Westminster Presbytery in the PCA. He and his wife Janey have 3 children and several grandchildren.