A collection of hymns and lullabies inspired by the songs and prayers they use with their daughters at the end of the day is the latest project from award-winning Christian songwriters Keith and Kristyn Getty.
“Evensong: Hymns and Lullabies at the Close of Day” originated in honor of Kristyn Getty’s 40th birthday, as well as her 10-year anniversary of being a mother.
Now with four little girls, Getty wanted to share what she’s learned about the value of music within a family.
“With my own kids, we sing a lot of hymns. … The importance of singing together and singing deep things of the Lord, and using it, not just as a beautiful thing, but as a spiritual formation thing. [There’s] also then the comfort — the production of it, the feel of it — is very much soothing for the close of day,” she said.
The album’s title comes from the name of a church service held in the early evening hours, to “redirect the mind and heart and sanctify the night,” Getty explained.
Though the term “lullaby” might make one think “Evensong” is just for young children, it is also for adults, Getty affirmed.
Songs for everyone
“Children just probably show us the deeper forms of our own hearts. The vulnerability of nighttime, it doesn’t go away. We know a little bit more. We learn how to deal with it. But that little fear of the dark … there is something about being scared of the dark,” Getty said.
Sharing during a recent “TAB Talks” podcast, Getty spoke about her own childhood. The daughter of church planters, she grew up in a Christian home.
“I can’t remember not knowing the Lord. I can’t remember not knowing the story at a very basic level, of what Christ had done and the call of that on my own heart,” Getty said.
As a teenager, youth leaders encouraged Getty, who didn’t have much confidence, to use her musical gifts through singing. But it took meeting her husband, Keith, for her to start songwriting.
“I loved singing since I was a young girl, but I hadn’t really thought about writing songs,” Getty noted. “Obviously as a singer I was then able to sing them. It was such a joy to be able to do that.”
The Gettys’ efforts have been very successful. Modern hymnbooks contain many of their songs, and one of their most popular hymns, “In Christ Alone,” is sung by millions each year in church.
While writing the songs for “Evensong,” Getty focused on a “clear declaration of the gospel,” looking to Scripture to help with the struggles in life — verses about fear, comfort and issues facing her own family.
“I love how singing things of the gospel helps just enlarge your view,” Getty said. “Singing the truth and knowing His word just constantly opens the windows in whatever space you’re in.”
The 13-track “Evensong” album includes both original songs and traditional hymns and lullabies.
The album also features guest appearances by Deborah Klemme, Ellie Holcomb, Heather Headley, Sandra McCracken, Sierra Hull and Vince Gill. The project officially premiered as a virtual concert event at the couple’s Sing! Global Conference in September.
The Gettys now have partnered with RevelationMedia to bring audiences a special video event with selections from the concert.
Registration for the online event is free, but viewers will have the opportunity to support the production of a new family discipleship resource, “The 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim’s Progress.” For more information visit revelationmedia.com/evensong.
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