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You Bring the Hymnal, I'll bring the History
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Henry Van Dyke may be known for some of his devotional writings like "The Other Wiseman". But, he is also the author of today's hymn, "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee." One day in 1911 while Henry Van Dyke was admiring the beauty and majesty of the Berkshire mountains in Massachusetts, he thought on all the things in this life that can give joy. Oh, think of the many thing that God has created to bring us joy: the sunshine, flowers, mountains, birds, and especially God's forgiveness in our lives.

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Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, Praising Thee, their 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 happy chorus which the morning stars began,
Father love is reigning ov'er 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.

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