Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of “His Hymns”. Today’s hymn is “The Spcious Firmament on High” using the tune from Haydn’s Creation. We just had a week of the most gorgeous weather here in Stamford Connecticut and one could not help but marvel at the beauty of God’s creation. Practically every day we enjoyed clear blue skies and low humidity. A couple of years ago I found a solution for easing any stress I was beginning to feel if I got caught in a traffic jam, and that was to take that time to be still and enjoy the wonder of God’s handiwork. The Psalms say that “the heavens declare the glory of God” and I have found that when I focus on the beauty of the earth I can sense His glory pouring forth from what I see…the vast expanse of the skies and sea, the colors of fall, the diversity of all the races and many more wonders. God is amazing, and to add to these blessings, he gives us beautiful music as well. Here is a great example. Enjoy!
The Spacious Firmament on High
1
The spacious firmament on high,
with all the blue eternal sky,
and spangled heavens, a shining frame,
their great Original proclaim.
The unwearied sun from day to day
does his Creator’s power display;
and publishes to every land
the work of an almighty hand.
2
Soon as the evening shades prevail,
the moon takes up the wondrous tale,
and nightly to the listening earth
repeats the story of her birth:
whilst all the stars that round her burn,
and all the planets in their turn,
confirm the tidings, as they roll
and spread the truth from pole to pole.
3
What though in solemn silence all
move round the dark terrestrial ball?
What though no real voice nor sound
amid their radiant orbs be found?
In reason’s ear they all rejoice,
and utter forth a glorious voice;
for ever singing as they shine,
“The hand that made us is divine.”
Words: Joseph Addison (1672-1719); para. of Psalm 19:1-6
Music: Creation, Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809); adapt. Dulcimer, or New York Collection of Sacred Music, 1950, alt.
Meter: LMD
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