Lyrics
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,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring 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 mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
love divine is reigning o'er us,
binding all within its span.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sunward,
in the triumph song of life.
Watch & Listen
Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: Henry van Dyke
When we gaze at the grandeur of creation, we see a world overflowing with praise for its Creator. Just as flowers naturally bloom under the warmth of the morning sun, our hearts are invited to unfold in the presence of God’s boundless love. He delights in dispelling our doubts and melting away our deepest sorrows with His bright, immortal gladness. Today, let the light of His truth wash over you, freeing you to join all of creation in exuberant worship.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
- Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
- 1 John 1:5: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”