Ode to Joy

1. 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! 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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.

~Ludwig Beethoven, music 1824

~ Henry Van Dyke, text 1907

Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bid'st me to come to Thee,

O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am and waiting not, 

To rid my soul of one dark blot;

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am though tossed about,

With many a conflict, many a doubt;

Fightings within and fears without,

O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am poor, wretched, blind;

Sight, riches, healing of the mind;

Yes all I need in Thee I find, 

O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thy love unknown

Has broken every barrier down; 

Now to be Thine yea, Thine alone

O Lambd of God I come! I come!

~Charlotte Elliott 1835