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.
I wrote this as part of a commission for my home church in Austin Minnesota, St. Olaf Lutheran on their 150th anniversary. They were hoping for something that also referenced the reformation. The song merges a new tune (the polka refrain) with fragments of traditional hymns, sung by the choir I’m thinking, in SATB.
It’s a fun medley for both choir and congregation.
The recording is a rough demo, with guitar and singing, to give you the idea of the roadmap. It’s great with the piano, of course, and brass never hurts.
