Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

Narrative by D. A. Sharpe

 

 

 

 

Music is one of the emotions in creation that can move hearts to exceptional heights.  Music at our wedding included a chorus from Ludwig van BeethovenÕs 9th Symphony, composed  1822 Ð 1824.  Later, in 1907 Henry van Dyke composed words to that chorus into a hymn that has found places of joy in Christian worship in churches all over the world.  Its original title was ÒThe Hymn of Joy  Over the years, it became entitled, ÒJoyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,Ó taken after the first line of the hymn.

 

Suzanne and I were married at Canal Street Presbyterian Church, September 30, 1962, services conducted after Sunday worship by Senior Pastor Dr. Robert A. Pitman and my Presbyterian Pastor father, the Rev. Mr. Dwight Alfred Sharpe. 

 

On the URL youtube.com, there is a unique display of this move of joy, entitled, ÒA Little Girl Plays for A Street Musician and Gets the Best Surprise in Return.Ó 

 

The scene is a lone little girl on the square just outside that famous All SaintsÕ Church, Wittenberg, Germany, immediately in front of the Wittenberg Doors!  They are famous as the location where Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five theses on October 31, 1517, which served as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. (pardon me for my Roman Catholic friends for mentioning this) This scene was played out on June 14, 2017.

 

This little girl begins the music on a small flute.  One by one, other classically skilled musicians Òshow upÓ to join her, finally including an orchestra conductor, complete with exaggerated, but inspiring movements.  The growing crowd becomes a choral symphony choir, thrilling the gathered audience of hundreds, joining in the singing in this flood of joy!

 

I encourage you to click on the U-Tube hyperlink above to enjoy a superlative raising of your heart and soul. 

 

Suzanne and I have enjoyed this recollection of fond memories about our marriage from well over 50 years ago, we wanted to share its magnificence with you.

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Dwight Albert (D. A.) Sharpe

805 Derting Road East

Aurora, TX 76078-3712

 

da@dasharpe.com

www.dasharpecom

 

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         Dwight Albert Sharpe