Psalm 33:1
Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Reflection
When we moved to West Virginia to serve in ministry in 2000, we served in a little Baptist Church in Ronceverte. Beautiful little church and people. Traditional church, of course! To my surprise there were hymns that I did not know. I thought I had heard all the hymns, but, indeed, there are hymns that are regional to particular areas. There are hymns that are particular to denominations (as I have learned becoming familiar with our United Methodist hymnbook)! There are hymns that are particular to theological distinctions. Well, in WV I was introduced to the hymn Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart. Written in the 1860’s, it is an upbeat hymn with a title that fits the lyric: rejoice, give thanks and sing!!!!
1 Rejoice, O pure in heart,
rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
your festal banner wave on high,
the cross of Christ your King.
Refrain:
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Prayer
We rejoice, Oh Lord, in the work of your hands. We bless your name and affirm that you are holy, and greatly to be praised!
