Ever singing, march we onward

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!

Joyful, Joyful © 2011 Karen Mathison Schmidt
6 x 6 • oil on 1/8" Gessobord

SOLD • private collection, Georgetown, South Carolina

Late spring is the heyday for these red Asian lilies around here. I love these that are growing in big pots on our front patio, blooming to beat the band before their time on center stage is up and it’s time for them to take a back seat to the daisies, roses and marigolds that thrive in the summer months.

The title of today’s painting was inspired by the first verse of one of my all-time favorite hymns, which the author wrote to be set to the melody of Ode to Joy, from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Here’s the complete hymn:

(Click here to hear a contemporary version by Casting Crowns)

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 blessed,
Wellspring 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 o’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.

- HENRY VAN DYKE, 1852-1933