Sunday, May 04, 2008

Sunday Song


Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Opening to their 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,
Blooming 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 mighty chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father-love is reigning o'er us,
Brother-love binds man to man.
Ever singing marching onward, Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music lifts us sunward In the triumph song of life.

Henry van Dyke (1907)

15 comments:

  1. Did you come up with that poem or script?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I copied this from our church hymnal. It is set to the music of Beethoven. It is a very popular hymn. As your mom or Aunt Ruth to sing it to you. They will know it I am sure. It is also in the movie Sister Act 2 if you have seen that.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful, beautiful photos. And I can just hear the mass choir in my head singing the hymn, with full orchestra!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wonderful photos. I will have Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" in my head all day. (That's the tune our church uses to sing this hymn.) The pictures perfectly compliment this wonderful poem.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A lovely Sunday post! I always like how you pair a song or poem with pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful post! I love that hymn and those beautiful photos. I love tulips (though I can't think of a flower that I dislike...)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lovely poem and Sunday post! Have a great day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous1:44 pm GMT-4

    A beautiful Sunday blog. One of my favorite hymns and the pictures blend perfectly. The melody will be in my mind and fingers as I play myself to sleep tonight.
    We definitely have a "kindred spirit".
    Mexico Mom

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love that hymn Ruth and was singing right along as I read! :c)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks to those who commented. I have only heard this sung to Beethoven's Ode to Joy melody. Henry Van Dyke wrote the words as he was inspired by the beauty of nature around him. I remember the words often when I enjoy the outdoors too, especially at this time of year.

    ReplyDelete
  11. How pleasant! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm a few days late, but wanted to let you know that is one of my most favorite hymns. I love the way to put the words and your photos together. Thanks, Ruth.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks Monarch and Mary. Glad you enjoyed the post.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I share your love for hymns. It's nice to see the words paired with your lovely photos. I, too, will have the melody ringing through my ears now =)

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.