Jaroslav Vajda
1919–2008 · USA · Modern
Jaroslav Vajda (1919-2008) was an American Lutheran pastor, theologian, and prolific hymnist who served the American Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Known for his accessible theological language and contemporary poetic style, Vajda authored more than 400 hymns and religious poems that bridged traditional Lutheran theology with modern sensibilities. His works, including notable hymns such as "Now the Silence" and "God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale," are characterized by their clear imagery and theological depth. Vajda's contributions significantly shaped American Lutheran hymnody in the latter half of the 20th century, and his hymns continue to be widely used in Protestant worship worldwide. He received numerous honors for his literary and theological contributions to Christian music and worship.
Hymn Texts (50)
- The Hills are Bare at Bethlehem
- Where Shepherds Lately Knelt
- Now the Silence
- We Who Once Were Dead
- Alleluia Let Praises Ring
- Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized
- Gracious God, You Send Great Blessings
- Mark How the Lamb of God's Self-Offering
- See This Wonder in the Making
- Through Simple Water, Drawn and Poured
- "Away from Us!" the Demon Cried
- All You Works of God, Bless the Lord
- As Rebels, Lord, Who Foolishly Have Wandered
- Christ Sits at God's Right Hand
- Christ the Eternal Lord
- Christ, Mighty Savior
- Christ, Our Human Likeness Sharing
- Christ, the Word of God Incarnate
- Consider How the Birds Above
- In the Shattered Bliss of Eden
- Jesus, Greatest at the Table
- Joyously I'll Praise My Savior
- Long Before the World Is Waking
- Lord, When You Came as Welcome Guest
- No Tramp of Soldiers' Marching Feet
- O Light Whose Splendor
- O Sing of Christ
- Our Paschal Lamb, That Sets Us Free
- Sing Praise to Our Creator
- Sing Praise to the God of Israel
- The Infant Priest Was Holy Born
- The Temple Rang with Golden Coins
- There is a Time for Ev'rything
- These Things Did Thomas Count as Real
- When You Woke That Thursday Morning
- When to Our World the Savior Came
- Word and Water Filled with Promise
- Word of God, When All Was Silent
- Your Kingdom, O God, Is My Glorious Treasure
- Cup of Blessing That We Share
- Dear Father You Have Made us All
- Here from All Nations
- I Will Sing My Father's Praises
- Lord You Love the Cheerful Giver
- O God of Youth Whose Spirit in Our Hearts is Stirring
- There is a Time for Everything
- We Are Called to Stand Together
- God of Love and God of Marriage
- Glory to God, We Give You Thanks and Praise
- The Tree of Life