May Gospel Festival | We Offered Children’s Praise to God
Children’s praise songs have long been sung in church schools and Sunday schools. They may seem like songs written especially for children, but when we sing them ourselves, we often find that their simple words speak straight to the hearts of adults as well.
At the recent Gospel Festival held at Tsukuba Love of Christ Church, we offered two songs of praise to God: “Buttobi Sanbi: Arukitai” (ぶっ飛び賛美 あるきたい) and “Amen Sanbi Shiyou” (アーメンさんびしよう). One was offered by the women of the church, and the other by the Sunday School children. Each brought its own blessing, and together they reminded us again of the beauty of children’s praise.
The Sunday School Children Offered Praise with “Amen Sanbi Shiyou”
▼ “Amen Sanbi Shiyou” Gospel Festival Version — Sunday School Children
The children sang “Amen Sanbi Shiyou,” a children’s praise song that has long been loved in church schools and Sunday schools. The title means something like “Amen, let’s praise!” and the joyful call of “Amen!” appears again and again throughout the song.
The children came forward and offered praise to God with all their hearts, moving along with the music. Some danced a little shyly, while others sang with bright, clear voices. Each child expressed praise in their own way.
As we watched them, smiles naturally spread throughout the sanctuary. More than singing perfectly, what stood out was the joy of praising God. That simple joy was gently shared with everyone gathered there.
The children’s sincere praise warmed the hearts of the adults as well. Their cheerful voices echoed through the sanctuary with “Amen!” and we were reminded again of the grace and strength found in children’s praise.
The Women of the Church Offered Praise with “Buttobi Sanbi: Arukitai”
▼ “Buttobi Sanbi: Arukitai” Gospel Festival Version — Women of the Church
Another song offered in praise was “Buttobi Sanbi: Arukitai.” The title includes the words “Arukitai,” meaning “I want to walk.” It is a lively children’s praise song with a quick tempo, often sung with movement. This time, the women of the church offered it in an arrangement featuring French horn and cello.
The bright, open sound of the French horn and the deep, gentle tone of the cello filled the sanctuary. Together with the joyful character of the children’s praise song, the rich sound of the instruments brought a fresh beauty to the praise.
The lyrics are very simple.
“I want to walk with God.”
When we sang these words as children, we may have sung them without thinking too deeply. But when we sing them as adults, they reach us in a different way. There are days when we feel uncertain, and days when we come to a stop. Even so, we want to keep walking with God. This became a time to offer that desire once again before Him.
Children’s praise is not only for children. When adults sing it sincerely, it can remind us of the simple beginning of faith that we may have almost forgotten.
From a Previous Gospel Festival: “Ookina Kamisama”
At a previous Gospel Festival, we also sang “Ookina Kamisama” (大きな神様) together with the children. We invite you to watch this video as well.
Children’s Praise Speaks to Every Generation
At this Gospel Festival, both adults and children offered children’s praise to God in their own way. Those who offered praise were different, and their expressions were different, but what they shared was a sincere joy in God and a simple desire to praise Him.
Children’s praise songs usually do not use difficult words. Because trust in God and joy before Him are expressed so simply, they can reach the hearts of children in a natural way. And when adults sing them, they can bring us back to the simple foundation of faith.
“Buttobi Sanbi: Arukitai” and “Amen Sanbi Shiyou” are children’s praise songs loved across generations. We hope they will continue to be sung in church school, Sunday School, and in homes as well. We would be glad if you would sing along while watching the videos.
At Tsukuba Love of Christ Church, we treasure the time when children and adults can praise God together. Whether you are visiting church for the first time or looking for a place to worship, you are always welcome. We look forward to the day when we can share in worship and offer praise to God together.