Author: Brian Wren Hymnal: Chalice Hymnal #333 (1995) Meter: 10.10.11.10 Topics: The Church at Worship Proclamation of the Gospel; God's Church The Church at Worship: Proclamation of the Gospel First Line: Joyful is the dark, holy, hidden God Lyrics: 1 Joyful is the dark, holy, hidden God,
rolling cloud of night beyond all naming:
majesty in darkness, Energy of love,
Word-in-flesh, the mystery proclaiming.
2 Joyful is the dark, Spirit of the deep,
winging wildly o'er the world's creation,
silken sheen of midnight, plumage black and bright,
swooping with the beauty of a raven.
3 Joyful is the dark, shadowed stable floor;
angels flicker, God on earth confessing,
as with exultation, Mary, giving birth,
hails the infant cry of need and blessing.
4 Joyful is the dark, coolness of the tomb,
waiting for the wonder of the morning;
never was that midnight touched by dread and gloom:
darkness was the cradle of the dawning.
5 Joyful is the dark, depth of love divine,
roaring, looming thundercloud of glory;
holy, haunting beauty, living, loving God.
Hallelujah! Sing and tell the story!
Joyful is the dark,
joyful is the dark,
joyful is the dark. Languages: English Tune Title: ORANGETHORPE
Joyful Is the Dark