Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.
That text concludes the first verse of Come We That Love the Lord, a hymn text written by Isaac Watts in the early 18th century. Watts (1674-1748) has been called the “Father of English Hymnody.” He wrote over 600 hymns. Among them is the classic usually associated with Christmas, Joy to the World.
Come We That Love the Lord preaches. The section of verse above invites us to join in singing praise to God. In singing, we not only unite as a community, but we also come into the presence of God.
This rendition sets Come We That Love the Lord to St. Thomas, also from the 18th century and one of several standard meter tunes that fit the text. It was not until after the Civil War that Robert Lowry composed a new tune with a refrain, and the text became the gospel hymn Marching to Zion.
The text is included in the video, so please feel free to sing along.
This video was used in DisciplesNet Church worship number 137 on April 21, 2013.