O Happy Day, That Fixed My Choice - Hymn with Lyrics

1. O happy day that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

Refrain:
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day;
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away!

2. O happy bond, that seals my vows
To Him who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill His house,
While to that sacred shrine I move. [Refrain]

3. 'Tis done, the great transaction's done;
I am my Lord's and He is mine;
He drew me and I followed on,
Rejoiced to own the call divine. [Refrain]

4. Now rest, my long-divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful center, rest;
Here have I found a nobler part,
Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast. [Refrain]

5. High heaven that hears the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear;
Till in life's latest hour I bow,
And bless, in death, a bond so dear. [Refrain]

Scripture; Joshua 24:15, Psalm 118:24; Acts 8:36–38; Romans 10:9

The hymn "O Happy Day, That Fixed My Choice" was originally written by Philip Doddridge, an 18th-century English Nonconformist minister, as a poetic expression of a believer's joy in choosing to follow Christ. Inspired by Joshua 24:15—“Choose you this day whom ye will serve”—Doddridge titled the hymn “Rejoicing in Our Covenant Engagement to God,” and it was intended for use during baptism and confirmation services. The lyrics celebrate the decisive moment of salvation and the joy of a committed life in Christ. Though the text was written in the mid-1700s, it wasn't until 1854 that it gained widespread popularity when Edward F. Rimbault, an English composer, set it to the now-familiar jubilant melody. This new musical setting transformed the hymn into a favorite during revivals and evangelistic meetings, particularly in the 19th century. Its lively tune and heartfelt message made it especially popular at baptisms, symbolizing a joyful public declaration of faith. Later, the hymn’s legacy expanded beyond church walls when it inspired the Grammy-winning gospel hit “Oh Happy Day” by the Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1969, bringing its message of salvation and joy to a global audience.