Inspired by Matthew 5:12 (well, the first half of it). I wondered what we might rejoice and be exceedingly glad for right here in our lives and on our planet. Musically, inspired by the band Chicago circa 1984.
Lyrics
The ocean in the evening. The sun upon the trees.
The geese in flight across an endless sky.
A gentle river rolling. A snowy winter field.
A rainbow burst of flowers in July.
For these we lift our voices up in praise. For these we lift our voices up to say:
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice and be so glad for great is your reward here on this earth
In the splendors all around you, in a perfect golden dawn,
In the glory of creation’s holy worth.
The laughter of a baby. The smile of a friend.
The care that we can offer those in pain.
The moments when we listen. The lives we help to heal.
The times when love restores our hearts again.
For these we lift our voices up in praise. For these we lift our voices up to say:
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice and be so glad for great is your reward this very day
In the wholeness deep within you, in the beating of your heart,
In the people who will guide you on your way.
The work we do for justice. The land we yearn to build.
The peace that will eradicate all war.
The hungry fed, the homeless housed, the poor with wealth in hand,
The hated finding welcome at each door.
For these we lift our voices up in praise. For these we lift our voices up to say:
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice and be so glad for great is our reward while we are here
In the people who won’t suffer, in the gifts they have to give,
In a planet choosing love instead of fear.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice and be so glad for great is the reward that’s all around
In the beauty and the courage and the hope that we have found
So rejoice and make a joyful sound