December 19, 2005

Have faith in God –
Who knows our need;
Have faith in God –
Who helps with speed;
Have faith in God –
Till we are freed.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

How Great Our Joy

German Carol
Translated to English by Theodore Baker, 1851-1934

    The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20.

    Originating as it does from 17th Century Germany, this vivid description of the birth of Christ reminds us of the various lands and cultures that have provided our many lovely carols, giving us a rich musical and spiritual heritage.

While by the sheep we watched at night,
Glad tidings brought an angel bright.
How great our joy! Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!

There shall be born, so He did say,
In Bethlehem a Child today.
How great our joy! Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!

There shall the Child lie in a stall,
This Child who shall redeem us all.
How great our joy! Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!

This gift of God we’ll cherish well,
That ever joy our hearts shall fill.
How great our joy! Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission