For This Joy

Praise for the sun, who by day gives us warmth and enlightens; 

Praise for the moon, who the darkest night cheerfully brightens; 

Each glitt’ring star shining from ages afar, 

Driving away all that frightens. 

Praise for the sky under heaven that widely contains us; 

Our fertile earth, and her harvest that gently sustains us; 

Birds on the wing, lifting their voices to sing, 

Free us from all that restrains us. 

Our tender hearts, which so wondrously in chambers deeping, 

(Can) cherish the joys of new love and, at death’s call, the weeping. 

Sorrow and pain turn to rejoicing again; 

Love now in memory keeping. 

Praise for this joy in our hearts as we sing of creation! 

Wondrous are all things from firmament down to foundation! 

Joyful our praise as all our voices we raise, 

Singing in glad celebration!