1. Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before You,
Op'ning 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 Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav'n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!
3 .Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
4. Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God's own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life
The hymn "Sun of My Soul, Thou Savior Dear" was written by John Keble, an Anglican priest, poet, and leader in the Oxford Movement, in 1820. It became part of his famous work, The Christian Year, which was a collection of poems that aligned with the Anglican liturgical calendar, seeking to bring spiritual renewal and a deep sense of reverence to daily Christian life.
Background and Inspiration
John Keble wrote The Christian Year to inspire a stronger devotion among believers, especially within the Church of England, and to bring poetry and theology together in ways that connected faith to everyday life. "Sun of My Soul" was one of the most beloved poems in this collection, and it quickly gained popularity as a hymn for evening worship. Keble’s gentle and heartfelt verses reflect his love for Christ and convey a sense of intimacy and peace that is well-suited to the quiet end of the day.
The hymn itself is likely inspired by the verse from Luke 24:29, where two disciples ask Jesus, who has been walking with them, to stay: "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." In this hymn, Jesus is invoked as the “Sun” of the soul, an image that evokes both His light and warmth as well as His presence as a guide and comforter. Keble uses this metaphor to express how Christ’s presence dispels darkness, both literally and spiritually, and brings peace to those who follow Him.
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