God Has Gone Up With Shouts of Joy

When the feast of the Ascension arrives, the liturgy calls for music that matches the triumph of Christ returning to the Father. "God Has Gone Up With Shouts of Joy" is a bright, declarative setting of Psalm 47, perfectly capturing that sense of victory. From the very first notes, the cantor and choir announce the event with a bold, joyful refrain that invites the whole congregation to join in the celebration.

The verses maintain this uplifting energy, calling on all people to clap their hands and cry out to God. As we sing through the lines—reminding us that God is king over all the earth and sits upon His holy throne—the music naturally builds a feeling of reverence mixed with pure gladness. It is a wonderful piece for the responsorial psalm on Ascension Thursday or the following Sunday, giving the choir a chance to lead the assembly in a truly festive shout of praise.