Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice
© 2017 Bret Hesla
[Refrain]
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice.
Sing for the saints who’ve filled this hall.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice.
Sing for the hands who’ve raised this fam’ly of God.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice.
Sing for the story that goes on.
Dwell in gratitude. Celebrate what’s coming.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice.
1.Now thank we all our God; Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
Who wondrous things has done; Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
Who from our mothers’ arms; Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
Has blessed us on our way; Full-throated praises now we’re singing:
[Refrain]
2. For all the saints, Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
Who from their labors rest, Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
From earth’s wide bounds, Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
From ocean’s farthest coast; Full-throated praises now we’re singing:
[Refrain]
3. Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
Praise God, all creatures here below; Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
Praise God above, ye heav’nly host; Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!
Creator Christ and Holy Ghost; Full-throated praises now we’re singing:
to vs 4, no Refrain]
4. When times were lean and days were hard
Our forebears prospered by your grace.
When conflict troubled our accord
Your healing spirit guided our ways.
This church is home and friend;
a welcome without end.
Grant that our bonds be true;
Our deepest link to You
Is Your belov’d community.
[Refrain]
Words and music by Bret Hesla.
Written on commission for St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin, MN, on their 150th Anniversary October 2017
© 2017 Bret Hesla. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Licensed via OneLicense.net, Contact: Bret.hesla@gmail.com.
This is a medley for both choir and congregation. Great for Reformation Sunday if you’re a Lutheran. Merges a new tune (the polka refrain) with fragments of traditional hymns, sung by the choir I’m thinking, in SATB.
I’ve recorded it here with guitar and singing and a bit of harmonica, but that should give you the idea. It’s great with the piano, of course, and brass never hurts.