Scripture Verse

There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:10

Introduction

portrait
Reginald Heber
1783–1826

Words: Re­gi­nald He­ber (1783–1826). Pub­lished post­hu­mous­ly in Hymns Writ­ten and Adapt­ed to the Week­ly Church Ser­vice of the Year (Lon­don: J. Mur­ray, 1827), pag­es 82–83, alt.

Music: Gau­di­um Cæ­leste Charles H. H. Par­ry, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1904 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Charles H. H. Parry
1848–1918

Lyrics

There was joy in Heaven!
There was joy in Heaven!
When this goodly world to frame
The Lord of might and mercy came;
Shouts of joy were heard on high,
And the stars sang from the sky—
Glory to God in Heav’n!

There was joy in Heaven!
There was joy in Heaven!
When the billows, heaving dark,
Sank around the stranded ark,
And the rainbow’s watery span
Spake of mercy, hope to man,
And peace with God in Heav’n!

There was joy in Heaven!
There was joy in Heaven!
When of love the midnight beam
Dawned on towers of Bethlehem,
And along the echoing hill
Angels sang—On earth good will,
And glory in the Heav’n!

There was joy in Heaven!
There was joy in Heaven!
When the sheep that went astray
Turns again to virtue’s way,
When the soul, by grace n subdued,
Sobs its prayer of gratitude,
Then there is joy in Heav’n!