As 2008 comes to its close, it's good to recall with thanksgiving all the blessings that Christ has poured out upon His Church through the hymn texts of Jaroslav J. Vajda (1919-2008). I had the occasion to meet Pastor Vajda only once, at the very beginning of the Hymnal Project. The Hymnody Committee spent much of the first morning of their time together just listening to Jaroslav Vajda and Carl Schalk as they freely spoke about their perspectives on the textual and musical aspects of a hymn. I also corresponded with Pastor Vajda on one occasion, when (in 1993) I wrote "The Tree of Life." He was very kind and encouraging with his remarks in response to my text.
Vajda's translation of the 17th century Slovakian hymn first appeared in Worship Supplement (1969). The first line has undergone a few of changes from the original: "Greet, Man, the Swiftly Changing Year." His second revision is what is printed here. The final version is: "Greet Now the Swiftly Changing Year." (What is printed here [LSB 896] was chosen because it fits best with Alfred Fedak's tune, SIXTH NIGHT, a wonderful melody that expresses the joy of this text.)
With joy and penitence sincere.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
Another year of grace.
2. Remember now the Son of God
And how He shed His infant blood.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
Another year of grace.
3. This Jesus came to end sin's war;
This Name of names for us He bore.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
Another year of grace.
4. His love abundant far exceeds
The volume of a whole year's needs.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
Another year of grace.
5. With Him as Lord to lead our way
In want and in prosperity,
What need we fear in earth or space
In this new year of grace!
6. "All glory be to God on high,
And peace on earth!" the angels cry.
Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace
Another year of grace.
7. God, Father, Son, and Spirit, hear!
To all our pleas incline Your ear;
Upon our lives rich blessing trace
In this new year of grace.
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