"The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament[a] proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge… Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 103:1-2. 14)

“God, from whom all blessings flow.” Indeed, every blessing we receive originates from God. When we trust and hope in God, we can find many reasons to rejoice in life.

Henry van Dyke, a Presbyterian minister, spent most of his career as a professor of English literature at Princeton University. During World War I, he served as a lieutenant-commander in the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps. Known for his spiritual depth and service, van Dyke's encounter with divine inspiration occurred during a preaching invitation by the president of Williams College in Western Massachusetts in 1907. Surrounded by the inspiring beauty of the Berkshire Mountains, van Dyke was deeply moved. Overwhelmed by joy as he gazed upon the majestic scenery, he was inspired to pen the powerful hymn, "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." At breakfast, he handed the manuscript to his host, saying, "Here is a hymn for you. Your mountains [the Berkshires] were my inspiration. It must be sung to the music of Beethoven’s ‘Hymn to Joy.’”

Beethoven composed “Ode to Joy” in 1824. During its performance, Beethoven, who was deaf, continued to conduct even after the music had ceased. Despite his hearing loss, the audience demonstrated their affection for Beethoven by throwing their hats and scarves onto the stage.

While van Dyke is credited with the lyrics of "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," Beethoven also expressed praise and joy through his music. Both van Dyke and Beethoven understood the joy found in God’s presence. When we hear or sing these songs, let's find joy in God's creation and express gratitude for all that God has done for us. The pairing of van Dyke's lyrics with Beethoven's "Hymn to Joy" creates a hymn that resonates with the exuberance of divine praise.

Pastor Seok-Hwan

REFLECTION AND PRAYER:

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

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.

Author: Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Music: Ludwig van Beethoven