I’m not sure how I’ve never posted Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.
Sure, it doesn’t feature the strongest lyrics that identify the singer’s hope of experiencing God’s love as depending entirely upon Jesus.
It’s got plenty of company on that score amid more contemporary songs.
In the context of a collection of praises it complements other songs more overtly about atonement.
It even survived Sister Act 2.
Here’s a rendition by Steve Green, who demonstrates a prodigious vocal range while allowing the song to do the work.
The lyrics:
1
Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning 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!
2
All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!
3
Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
4
Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.
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