HYMN: Oh, Sing for Joy, O Earth and Heaven

In memory of Dr. Ralph C. "Doc" Schultz, former president of Concordia—New York, the director of two of my college choirs, and a man I consider a beloved mentor, I wrote a hymn text paraphrase of Isaiah 49:13-23 on his beloved "Sing for Joy" theme not long after his death. I shared it with his wife, Dorothy, a gifted text writer in her own right. A friend of mine is working on an original tune for this text, but in honor of what would have been Doc's 94th birthday, I share the text here. Feedback is love.

Oh, Sing for Joy, O Earth and Heaven

In memory of Dr. Ralph C. "Doc" Schultz

1. Oh, sing for joy, O earth and heaven;
Break forth, you mountains into song.
Rejoice in God, His great creation:
Apostles, prophets, martyr throng,
For He has shown compassion still
According to His holy will.

2. Oh, sing for joy, O you His children.
His mercy He will not forget.
Christ's hands are marked with His compassion:
His bloody wounds which paid your debt.
All those who seek your ruin fail,
For by His might you shall prevail.

3. Oh, sing for joy, for He will never
Forsake His people in their sin.
Though devastation may befall you,
His grace will surely draw you in.
The end of exile soon will come;
Your loving Brother calls you home.

4. Oh, sing for joy, for God is calling
The nations by His mighty hand.
Oh, sing for joy, you sons and daughters:
He bears you to His promised land,
For all who call upon His name
Shall nevermore be put to shame.

5. Oh, sing for joy, you saints, forever,
For Christ redeems the devil's prey.
No longer shall you dwell in darkness
But rest with God in endless day.
All flesh in joy will ever sing
To Christ, the great Redeemer King.

98 98 88

Alan Kornacki, Jr., b. 1974
O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HATTE (KONIG) (LSB 811)
Paraphrase of Isaiah 49:13-23