Hymn #21 in our red books is one of this congregation's favorites. In fact, we most recently sang it to conclude our hymn sing, mostly music, service in late July. Did you know that this famous piece is considered by music experts to be one of the most joyous expressions of hymn lyrics in the English language?
Its author, Henry Van Dyke, was a Presbyterian minister from rural Pennsylvania born in 1852. In addition to being a preacher, Van Dyke was also a professor of literature at Princeton, was the moderator of his denomination, became a Navy chaplain during World War I and was a U.S. ambassador to both Holland and Luxemboug under an appointment from Woodrow Wilson.
"Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" portrays an interplay between God's created world and the embodiment of this same creative spirit in the life of a believer. The second verse reminds us that all of the Lord's creation speaks of God's glory and, in doing so, directs our worship to the Creator. The text concludes with a call for all of God's children to join the mighty chorus of joy begun at creation's dawn.
The tune, "Hymn of Joy", comes from the final movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, generally considered the composer's masterpiece. It took him six years to complete the writing of this beloved work. It was his supreme desire to compose one great symphony that would combine instruments and voices in a majestic outpouring of sound. How he succeeded!
Jordy Luft
Music Director
