A HYMN of trust and joy and hope
(Henry J. van Dyke, 1908; muziek: L. van Beethoven, Ode an die Freude)
Vreugde, vreugde, louter vreugde, is bij U van eeuwigheid.
Schepper die ‘t heelal verheugde, bron van eeuw’ge vreugde zijt.
Gij, die woont in licht en luister, drijf de schaduwen uiteen;
laat wie zoekend doolt in ‘t duister licht vinden bij U alleen.
In het Nederlands kennen we dit lied (vaak zonder te weten wie de auteur is… ).
Henry Van Dyke dus. Hier het origineel:
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,
Singing 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.