Jesu Joy of My Desire

Shifting gears a bit...

I consider myself an appreciator of classical music, but by no means an expert. So it was much to my surprise and untrained ear that, listening to some Johann Sebastian Bach one evening, I came across the familiar opening notes of that classic piece "Jesu Joy of My Desire," the common processional that accompanies the family of the bride and groom at many weddings around the world. I'd heard those notes many times over, as I've had the privilege of attending many friends' weddings over the years. However, up until then it had only been simple notes played on an organ or piano, a nameless piece. But then I heard it again on a CD, and the full piece could be heard, with the accompanying horn...and I was moved by it. The horn, overlaid atop that classic rhythm of joy and happiness, portrayed such regality, sorrow, beauty, and illumination that I was simply overwhelmed. So simple, so perfect. What was Bach trying to convey with those notes? And then I finally learned the title to the piece- "Jesu, Joy of My Desire." Suddenly I felt such emotion inside me, as I realized I had come across a long dead composer who was somehow able to translate the beauty of Jesus Christ into such simple notes. Bach understood the nature of Jesus, and his perfect title conveyed it. Those notes, such regality, sorrow, beauty, and illumination match perfectly the name Jesus. As I listened to those notes, I could not help but remember a stanza from the great hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," written by Isaac Watts:

See from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

That forlorn, sorrowful, beautiful horn captured those words for me. Understanding the title, that Jesus is the Joy of My Desire, means that you understand the nature of that joy, and why the desire exists, and that the desire could only be met by the Christ outpouring his love onto mankind. It is no coincidence that this piece would be a historical companion to a wedding, because the wedding itself, union of man and woman, is the perfect illustration of Christ's love for the church- His joy, His desire.

So now I hear those familiar notes and wonderful horn and I think of the title of the piece. I reflect on the nature of the cross and the salvation proffered by it. I think of my heart's desire, and I ponder that joy unspeakable when I reflect on the grace that has been extended to me. And I am overwhelmed and undone by it.