Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
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!
This is possibly my favorite hymn for several reasons. I appreciate the magnificence of the image of God which invites me to a broader awareness of creation. I feel the humility of three creative and faithful men across the centuries trying to find the words and the music to covey the greatness of a Creator God. I feel the connection to the One who gives " immortal gladness" and fills me with light. As I look at the words I hear the music of Beethoven's last symphony. I feel the glory of the notes unfolding, one after another. He was completely deaf yet in his head and heart the notes still played softly and boldly.
Within the context of the sentiments of the hymn I live my life softly and boldly, always aware of the Creator urging my on to great possibilities and Hopes. When I listen to the hymn, I am at Home.
"You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience." Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Posted by Sally McShane
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