On This Day of Joy and Gladness

Hello. Welcome to Music & the Spoken Word. I’m Derrick Porter.

More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ called His apostles to share the glad tidings of His gospel. Their ministry brought joy to people’s hearts. Their teaching instilled hope and fostered peace.

Over the past century, The Tabernacle Choir has embraced similar purposes in its weekly Music & the Spoken Word broadcast. For a third of that time, Lloyd Newell has given and been the primary writer of the program’s Spoken Word messages. Now, he and his wife are stepping into a new role as missionary leaders for the Choir’s sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On behalf of listeners everywhere, I express gratitude to you, Lloyd, for your 34 years of inspiring service.

At the invitation of President Russell M. Nelson, president of the Church, I am humbled by the privilege of standing in this place and sharing the Spoken Word each week. My face and voice will be different from Lloyd Newell’s, but the music, the messages, and the spirit of this broadcast will continue to bring joy, hope, and peace.

I pray to be equal to this unique opportunity. As I begin this new season of service, I recognize that sharing spiritual messages requires something more than my professional experience. It requires a personal connection to the words both spoken and sung.

I have felt that connection as my wife and I have gathered our children to hear the Choir and Orchestra. I’ve also experienced it whenever I have brought guests to this broadcast. When the Choir sings a final song for the live audience after the broadcast, “God Be with You till We Meet Again,” these friends often comment about the connection they feel to their families, to their communities, and above all, to the divine.

That connection brings us the greatest joy of all. President Nelson has said, “Joy … has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” When we focus on Jesus Christ and His teachings, he continued, “we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of [Jesus Christ]. He is the source of all joy.”1

We all rejoice that the music and messages of this program can deepen our connection with Him and with each other. On this day of joy and gladness, may the song in our hearts echo the singing of the Choir: “Alleluia, alleluia, bright and clear our voices ring, Singing songs of exultation to our Maker, Lord, and King.”2

References 1. Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82.2. Leroy J. Robertson, “On This Day of Joy and Gladness,” Hymns, no. 64.