Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
A Song of Joy
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away; giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.
All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heaven reflect thy rays, stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the happy chorus which the morning stars began; Father love is reigning over us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife; joyful music leads us sun-ward in the triumph song of life.
Henry van Dyke (1770-1933)
Click here: Song of Joy, just for fun
Image Credit: Ted Martinson
4 replies on “Sabbath Quiet: Song of Joy”
Janet..another great Sabbath Quite! My heart is especially encouraged by the fifth stanza…Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thank you for the reminder…there is joy in serving Jesus!
Yes, there is, Betty! Thanks!
sounds like the NPU Gospel choir – now that’s spiritual energy and full of JOY!!!
I can’t be gloomy when I hear it, Karen.