Jaroslav Joseph Vajda
1919–2008 · USA · Modern
Jaroslav Joseph Vajda (1919-2008) was a Lutheran pastor and prolific hymnodist who served the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod throughout his ministry. He is remembered for his theologically rich, contemporary hymn texts that bridged traditional Lutheran theology with modern poetic expression, earning him recognition as one of the most significant American hymn writers of the 20th century. Vajda authored over 400 hymn texts, many of which have been widely adopted in Lutheran and ecumenical worship. His works are characterized by profound scriptural grounding, accessible language, and musical sophistication, helping to rejuvenate Lutheran hymnody during the post-World War II era. His contributions established him as a major figure in the revival of quality congregational song in American Protestantism.
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