This Fall, we will begin featuring hymn stories about some of the hymns being shared in our hymnsing. Each week will have a different hymn story about the song’s composition and the author. We hope you enjoy learning more about these songs of our faith!
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
For “littles” and “young at heart”
A Prayer of Hope:
(Feel free to say each line and have your child repeat what you say or say it as you pray together.)
Dear God,
Help me let my little light shine every day, every night
And everywhere I go. I want to shine for all to see.
Thank you God for being my light. Amen
My God is So Big by the Go Fish
LYRICS
There are a lot of words in this new song so the littles might enjoy singing the refrain and listening to the verses. For those who can read they will catch on to the tune and groove easily).
Refrain:
My God is so big and so strong and so mighty There’s nothing my God cannot do (4 times)
1. In the beginning God made everything;
God simply spoke and the world came to be.
He sent the flood and made everything new;
He parted the sea and let His people walk through.
He helped a boy to bring a giant right down;
Joshua marched, the walls fell to the ground.
These acts of power are worthy of praise
But if you want to question My God and His ways
(I’ll look you in the eye and say:)
Refrain:
My God is so big and so strong and so mighty There’s nothing my God cannot do (2 times).
2. Though we are sinners He still gave us worth; God sent His Son to live here on the earth.
He healed the sick, He made blind men see; He let the lame walk and set the world free.
He died on a cross and He rose from the grave; He conquered sin, He is mighty to save.
He went to heaven and He’s coming back
God’s word is true but if it’s attached.
(I’ll look you in the eye and say:)
Refrain:
My God is so big and so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do. (2 times)
3. God the Spirit, God the Father, God the Son; 1 + 1 + 1 equals 1.
God the Spirit, God the Father, God the Son; 1 + 1 + 1 equals 1.
I want my world to know about my God;
I want to live so the whole world can see
That my heart is changed, I’m forgiven and new.
If people need proof may they see it in me.
(Let’s look the world in the eye; Let’s look ‘em in the eye and say) —
Refrain (5 times)
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
By Henry van Dyke & Ludwig van Beethoven
Hymn Background:
“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
The author of this hymn, Henry Jackson van Dyke, was born in Pennsylvania in 1852 and became pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City. Henry later became professor of English literature at Princeton, and the author of a number of books, including the still popular “The Other Wise Man.” During his life he held the following positions:
● American Ambassador to the Netherlands and Luxembourg (appointed by his friend, Woodrow Wilson)
● Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy Chaplain’s Corps during WW1
● Moderator of the General Assembly of the Prebyterian Church
● Commander of the Legion of Honor
● President of the National Institute of Arts and Letters
In 1907, Henry van Dyke was invited to preach at Williams College in Massachusetts. At breakfast one morning, he handed the college president a piece of paper, saying, “Here is a hymn for you. Your mountains (the Berkshires) were my inspiration. It must be sung to the music of Beethoven’s ‘Hymn of Joy.’”
When asked later about this hymn, van Dyke replied: “These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time– hymns of today that may be sung together 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. Therefore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.”
As you read the lyrics note how every phrase of this prayer is bursting with exuberance; The Lord is our “wellspring of the joy of living,” our “ocean depth of happy rest,” and we ask Him to, “Lift us to the joy divine.”
LYRICS
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 Star 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 lifts us sunward, In the triumph song of life.
Go, My Children, with My Blessing
LYRICS
1. Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.
2. Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you, what I can cure;
Here you heard my Son’s dear story, here you touched him, saw his glory.
Go, my children, sins forgiven at peace and pure.
3. Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me;
Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free.
Here my Spirit’s power filled you, here his tender comfort stilled you.
Go, my children, fed and nourished, joyful and free.