Christianity Oasis Forum

[Mackenaw]

In April of 1969 a song hit radio air waves in the United States. As a 15-year-old, I would have listened to that song, and many others multiple times a day. Music surrounded my friends and me. The song was "Oh Happy Day" as performed by Edwin Hawkins Singers. Even though the lyrics clearly say "when Jesus washed my sins away" I am confident that my 15-year-old mind did not fully grasp that the song was about accepting Jesus as Saviour and Lord. But, I really, really loved the song.

Back in those days (1950s-1970s), TV Shows like "American Bandstand" had a segment where certain "selected" dancers would "Rate a Record" on a scale from 35 to 98. Usually those who rated a song would also say why they liked it, or not. They might have said something like: "it is easy to dance to" or "it has a good beat" or "it was too normal -- nothing special."

Well, if someone had asked my 15-year-old self why I liked "Oh Happy Day" I may have answered, "It makes me feel happy, and I like the beat."

Fifty-six years later, I can still say "It makes me feel happy, and I like the beat. AND, it is a sweet reminder to celebrate Jesus."

"Oh Happy Day" was taken from a Hymn written by clergyman Philip Doddridge in the year 1755 entitled "Oh Happy Day That Fixed My Choice" and it is said that it was inspired by Acts 8:36-39. There were 4 verses and then the chorus/refrain. The current day "Oh Happy Day" is a much-shortened version with only the chorus/refrain and set to more of Gospel / Motown R&B sound. There is also a real possibility that it was in the Hymnals at the churches I went to as a very young child.

"Oh Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkins Singers was in the movie: "Sister Act 2" released in 1993.

It was also in the movie: "Secretariat." A Disney movie, released in 2011, about the famous racehorse "Secretariat."

I like the movie and my husband and I re-watched it again just a few days ago. One of my favorite scenes is near the end, when a portion of Job chapter 39 is read in voice-over during a race. It gives me chill bumps.

I share this to encourage anyone that might be struggling to connect with The Lord. He is right there, look and listen for Him.

There is a wonderful 7-part Study on this site that has helped many souls to seek The Lord through His Word. "Spirit of Truth" study: https://www.christianityoasis.com/spiri ... tepone.htm

For your listening pleasure: "Oh Happy Day" as performed by the Edwin Hawkins Singers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeeOl0Er4s0

Job 39:19-25 (KJV)
19 Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
20 Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible.
21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.
22 He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.
23 The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.
24 He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet.
25 He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.





God bless you