Oh
happy day (oh happy day)
Oh
happy day (oh happy day)
When
Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When
Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When
Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
He
washed my sins away (oh happy day)
Oh
happy day (oh happy day)
He
taught me how to watch, fight and pray, fight and pray
And
live rejoicing every, everyday
Oh
happy day
He
taught me how
Written
in 1968 by Edwin Hawkins, this Grammy winning gospel song went viral when San
Francisco based DJ played it. It became controversial with Christian pastors
complaining that it was being played on pop radio. It is very sad commentary
when Christians have trouble how the gospel goes out. The Apostle Paul told the
Corinthians that he did not care how the gospel went out, whether from Apollos,
Cephas or himself.
Edwin
Hawkins said of his song, “I think that it’s not just the song, but the gospel
itself that transcends any racial barrier, language barrier, all of that.” Yes, as Isaiah the Prophet said, “As the rain and the snow come
down from heaven, and do not return to it without
watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from
my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and
achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst
into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:10-12).
Sing a
new song the psalmist says often, “Sing to
him a new song; play
skillfully, and shout for joy” (Psalm
33:3). I like the old hymns and the new
praise songs. Worship wars continue, but the word of God goes out in many ways
to many people in many places throughout the word to the praise of the Lord.