Lyrics to the song, “Oh Happy Day,” have been with me all week. Written and released by gospel songwriter Edwin Hawkins in the late 60’s, the song became a favorite for gospel youth choirs in the 70’s.

In 1993, the song was reintroduced by Sister Deloris and the St. Francis Choir, in the movie Sister Act 2. I loved it!

I've probably watched this Youtube video 100 times in the past week and I love how at first the choir started singing the song uninspired and with little enthusiasm. But by the end of the song, voices were strong and filled with exhilaration.

While the song tells the story of one’s excitement recalling the day Jesus washed their sins away, my favorite part of the song is, “He taught me how to watch, fight and pray…. and live rejoicing every day!”

Live rejoicing every day…. That’s what March Gladness is all about. It was a happy day when Jesus washed my sins away. More importantly, I to choose be glad about today—and every day as I walk in victory.

Let’s aim to live rejoicing every day. Thank you, Edwin Hawkins, for this reminder. May you rest in peace.

March Gladness

Oh happy day (Oh happy day)
Oh happy day (Oh happy day)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
Oh when He washed (When Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)

He taught me how to watch, fight and pray
(Fight and pray)
(And live rejoicing every day)
(Every day)
(Every day)

Oh happy day (Oh happy day)
Oh happy day (Oh happy day)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
Oh when He washed (When Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (Oh happy day)
Oh happy day (Oh happy day)