EARTH REJOICE

"Earth Rejoice" is a bright, uplifting hymn that calls all of creation to lift its voice in praise. Drawing its imagery from the Psalms, the song invites the distant shores and the sea to join in celebrating the God of our salvation. It is a wonderful choice for an Entrance hymn, setting a tone of vibrant thanksgiving right as Mass begins, or as a general song of praise when the congregation is ready to sing out with full hearts.

The verses move beautifully from a universal call to worship down to a personal commitment, ending with the singer promising to raise an unwearied voice along life's toilsome way. When the choir launches into the refrain, "Sing praise to Jesus! Sound aloud the great things He's done," it brings a surge of energy that easily catches on with the assembly. It is the kind of joyful, straightforward piece that reminds us why we sing in the first place.