Fill Us with the Light of Day!
The much-beloved hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee was written in 1907 by Henry van Dyke. He had been speaking at Williams College in Massachusetts and was inspired by the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains. Later, speaking about the hymn he said, “These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings… hymns of today may be sung by people who know the thought of the age and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the Kingdom of heaven.”
I love the majestic verses of the hymn, and I also appreciate van Dyke’s thoughts. I agree that the more we understand the complexities of the world through science or observation, the deeper our love and respect for our creator should be. And, though throughout the ages, the times are often plagued with war, hardship, and strife, we worship a God who is more powerful than all of it.
Today, our prayer will be the first verse of this beautiful hymn. Let us pray: 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! Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
