Ever had that happened to you? Hear a song and it stays in your head for days. If it is a particularly annoying song with words that are offensive or nasty, that can be downright miserable. 

When I wrote the first blog with this title in 2018, I was referring to the Sunday’s choir anthem “I’ll Keep My Eyes on the Cross”. It was with me all week. A great comfort, indeed. 

This time, I am being inundated with the music and words from Beethoven’s outstanding 9^th Symphony-Ode to Joy. I had the wonderful experience of taking part in the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Chorus’ performance of this piece last Sunday. Here it is Thursday, and the words are still ringing in my head and heart. 

Beethoven had a skeptical relationship with God; however, I think that he got this one right. Written at a time of world unrest and extraordinary change, he took the unusual step of adding a choral piece to his symphony. This was a first in the musical world. And a lasting blessing for those of us who have a chance to see, hear and perform it today. 

Based on the poem written by the German poet Friedrich Schiller, Beethoven crafted the 4^th movement of the masterpiece to sing about the possibility of universal brotherhood and joy provided by a loving Father who lives above the clouds. 

There is a rousing repetition of the phrase “Alle Menschen werden Brűder.” All men will be brothers is an expression that I can agree with, not easy but a great goal. I believe that this is part of God’s plan for his children, since all of his children share his unconditional love. It is the way we were created to function, not alone, but as a team with our eyes on the Great Manager. 

Yes, yes, yes, this is the God who loves you unconditionally. Trust in Him and love Him in return.  

This short video of a “pop-up” Ode to Joy expresses visually my understanding of the music. People from all walks of life from all over the world come together to play and sing this music of universality. I cried as I watched it. I trust that God will bring this into our reality. 

Yours in Christ, Terri