Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs
Come, let us join our cheerful songs
This hymn expresses the Lutheran joy in Christ's victory and heavenly intercession, emphasizing the believer's participation in the eternal worship of the Lamb. It celebrates the communion of saints across heaven and earth united in glorifying the exalted Christ.
History & Background
Isaac Watts composed this hymn in 1709 based on Revelation 5, originally published in his Hymns and Spiritual Songs. It has been a standard hymn in English-speaking Protestant churches for over three centuries, appearing in nearly all major hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 69
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 843
- Glory to God — 267
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 254
- Lutheran Service Book — 812
- Lutheran Worship — 204
- New Century Hymnal — 236
- Trinity Hymnal — 164
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 344
Bulletin Note
Isaac Watts (1674–1748) penned this masterwork in 1709, drawing on Revelation 5 to portray Christ's reign and the believer's union with heavenly worship—a distinctly Protestant vision of grace and glory made accessible in simple, singable verse.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel proclamation of Christ's exaltation and present intercession, inviting believers to taste the joy of their heavenly calling and to understand worship not as duty but as grace-filled participation in eternal praise.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Commemoration of saints' faithful witness → Rest from earthly labor → Perseverance in faith → Universal inheritance through Christ
Themes
Ascension and exaltation of Christ Heavenly worship Joy in salvation Lamb of God Communion of saints