1 There was joy in heaven,
there was joy in heaven,
when this goodly world to frame
the Lord of might and mercy came;
shouts of joy were heard on high,
and the stars sang from the sky,
glory to God in heaven.
2 There was joy in heaven,
there was joy in heaven,
when the billows heaving dark,
sank around the stranded ark,
and the rainbow’s watery span
spake of mercy, hope to man,
and peace with God in heaven.
3 There was joy in heaven,
there was joy in heaven,
when of love the midnight beam
dawned on the towers of Bethlehem,
and along the echoing hill
angels sang, 'On earth good will,
and glory in the heaven!'
4 There was joy in heaven,
there was joy in heaven,
when the soul that went astray
turns to Christ, the living Way,
and, by grace of heaven subdued,
breathes a prayer of gratitude;
oh, there is joy in heaven.
Source: CPWI Hymnal #349
Reginald Heber was born in 1783 into a wealthy, educated family. He was a bright youth, translating a Latin classic into English verse by the time he was seven, entering Oxford at 17, and winning two awards for his poetry during his time there. After his graduation he became rector of his father's church in the village of Hodnet near Shrewsbury in the west of England where he remained for 16 years. He was appointed Bishop of Calcutta in 1823 and worked tirelessly for three years until the weather and travel took its toll on his health and he died of a stroke. Most of his 57 hymns, which include "Holy, Holy, Holy," are still in use today.
-- Greg Scheer, 1995… Go to person page >
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