Joyful Joyful

Have you noticed how creation sings the praise of God? Today, for example, it snowed. I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty falling down around us.  Within a short time, the snow had covered the porch and the yard like a beautiful blanket. The wonderful thing about snow is that it gets so quiet, as though nature is saying, “Take a moment and enjoy the beauty of the Lord.”

I watched with joy as my granddaughter saw snow for the first time. She said it was awesome! Yes, God’s creations are awesome and if we put aside our to do lists, our cell phones and iPads, our Snapchat and Facebook, we can see the glory of Jesus exploding around us. Read the words of Henry Van Dyke’s great song called “Joyful Joyful” and celebrate the King.  Let them lift your spirits and fill your hearts with joy.

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of  glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Opening 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!

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,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing ever blest,
Wellspring 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 happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning over us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.

“And Mary said, ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name.” Luke 1:46 & 49

Prayer

Jesus,

I will give thanks to You because of Your righteousness; I will sing the praises of Your name Most High. I will praise Your name in song and glorify You with thanksgiving. I will enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise; giving thanks to You and praising Your name. For You are good and Your love endures forever; Your faithfulness continues through all generations. I am filled with Your Holy Spirit, I speak to others with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. I sing and make music from my heart to You, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in Your name. Amen!


Photo by Colette Brumfield-Forrester

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