Oh, What Their Joy
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be
This hymn expresses the Lutheran hope in resurrection and eternal life with particular focus on the heavenly assembly's worship before God's throne, consistent with Article XVII of the Augsburg Confession. It combines medieval mysticism with Protestant confidence in Christ's redemptive work as the basis for eternal fellowship with God.
History & Background
Originally composed in Latin by Cardinal Peter Damian in the 11th century as a meditation on heavenly Jerusalem and the beatific vision. John Mason Neale translated it into English in 1851, making it accessible to Anglican and later Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 376
- The Hymnal 1982 — 623
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 337
- Lutheran Service Book — 675
- Lutheran Worship — 339
- Trinity Hymnal — 587
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by the eleventh-century monk Peter Damian, this medieval hymn has anchored Christian hope in resurrection for nearly a thousand years. It reveals how the Church has always sung itself forward into God's promises.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies pure Gospel—the fulfillment of all God's promises in Christ—and can anchor a sermon on resurrection hope, the communion of saints, or the already-not-yet tension between our present suffering and our certain future glory.
Themes
Heavenly joy The communion of saints Eschatology Beatific vision Eternal worship