Clerestory Notes

Commentary -

This well-known traditional hymn, filled with Biblical language, celebrates the victory and sovereignty of Christ. The original hymn tune is often described as reflecting the style of Handel or Mozart. I’ve set it here in a more exuberant tone, in 6/8 rather than 4/4, with the melody alternating between duple and triple meter. The chorus (or refrain) lyrics add a note of thanksgiving to the repeated admonition, “Rejoice! The Lord is King!”

Suggestion for use as congregational song:
The four verses of Rejoice, the Lord Is King progressively recite the redemptive story of God, particularly the saving acts and deeds of Christ and His ultimate return to recreate and make all things new, and so make a strong statement of faith and hope. But we often use the first three verses as the first song of the service (Gathering), and the fourth verse as the final sung piece at the end of the service (Sending). Used in this way, the hymn provides bookends and gives a feeling of unity to the service, and sends congregants out into the world to love and serve the Lord with an extra measure of joy.

Seasons: Throughout the liturgical year, but especially during the  Easter season and on Ascension and Christ the King Sundays.

Gathering hymn; response to Profession of Faith; Offering; Sending.
Key: C to D

Rejoice, the Lord Is King is available as a lead sheet, as vocal (choral) parts, and as piano accompaniment with melody or choral parts.