When Bach and others composed their Masses, they always included the “Credo” – the Nicene Creed. Martin Luther wrote a paraphrase of the Apostles’ Creed (We All Believe in One True God). Singing the core of our faith is a good way to embed it deep within. We don’t just memorize – we “sing it by heart!” Well, I’m not in the same league as Bach or Luther. But I did decide to write several paraphrases of the Nicene Creed for use at different times of the year. Here’s the one most suitable for Advent and Lent. It uses a stately (but not dirge-like) tune: Old 124th, often set to the hymn, “Turn Back, O Man, Forswear Thy Foolish Ways.” Don’t let the tempo drag!
