Henry van Dyke. Explore “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”: song information and official sources.
The glory of God · Creation and sovereignty
Flowers opening to light, woods, mountains and streams answering together give this hymn’s joy the breadth of the whole created world. The hymn also brings sorrow, sin and doubt before the Lord, asking the Lord to renew hearts with his grace. Psalm 98 invites earth to acclaim the righteous King; in John, Jesus joins joy to abiding in his love and loving one another. Joy therefore rests on forgiveness and love. Begin with noticing nearby beauty, then consider sharing received loving kindness, extending shared worship’s joy into actual relationships.
Opening Sunday worship, thanksgiving services, family worship and united gatherings.