The story goes that Heinrich Seuse had a vision in which he joined angels dancing while they sang to him the lyrics of this song. In his journal Seuse wrote: “Now this same angel came up to the Servant [Seuse] brightly, and said that God had sent him down to him, to bring him heavenly joys amid his sufferings; adding that he must cast off all his sorrows from his mind and bear them company, and that he must also dance with them in heavenly fashion. Then they drew the Servant by the hand into the dance, and the youth began a joyous song about the infant Jesus.”
Notice what the angel told Seuse…amidst his “sufferings” he was to “cast off all his sorrows” and join the youth in a joyous song to the baby, Jesus. Sometimes our unwillingness to “cast off all [our] sorrows” hinders our happiness. Suffering is universal but how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can be strengthening and purifying but it can also be a destructive force if we don’t have faith in the Lord’s atonement. When suffering or sorrow ends, joy is always prevalent; then you too may want to sing this carol, “In Sweet Rejoicing.”
How has the Lord helped you cast off all your sorrows? How have you been able to find "heavenly joys" amidst times of sorrow?
In dulci jubilo, In sweet rejoicing,
Nun singet und seid froh! now sing and be glad!
Unsers Herzens Wonne Our hearts' joy
Leit in praesepio; lies in the manger;
Und leuchtet wie die Sonne And it shines like the sun
Matris in gremio. in the mother's lap.
Alpha es et O! You are the alpha and omega!
The Latin text is italizied.
Can you imagine yourself dancing with angels to this song? :)
When it's the King Singers, all you have to do is sit back, close your eyes and be entertained. Beautiful song and beautifully performed!
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