Hymnwriter Rginald Heber wrote these lyrics in 1826 (altered in The New Century Hymnal):
1. Holy, holy, holy, God the Almighty! Early in the morning we praise your majesty. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
2. Holy, holy, holy! Saints adore you truly, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim bow before you only, From the beginning, God eternally.
3. Holy, holy, holy! Though we know but dimly, Though the eyes of humankind your glory may not see, You alone are holy, you alone are worthy, Perfect in power, in love and purity.
4. Holy, holy, holy, God the Almighty! All your works shall praise your name in earth and sky and sea. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Included in these lyrics are words we rarely use in everyday speech.
Cherubim – The Hebrew word is ke rûwb (ker-oob´) which is an order of angelic beings. In popular illustrations, they are often pictured as chubby babies. Seraphim – The Hebrew word is sârâph (saw-rawf´) which is another order of angelic beings. They are fiery serpents with the ability to fly. The seraphim were capable of speaking. Holy – The Hebrew word is qâdôsh (kaw-doshe´). Other synonyms include sacred, consecrated, hallowed, venerated, divine, and blessed.
Reginald Heber (1783–1826) was an Anglican pastor and later the bishop of Calcutta, India. As pastor, he was always trying to improve the music at his church in Hodnet, England which he served for sixteen years. After his death, his widow found his papers including the lyrics for 57 hymns in a trunk.
John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) was an English clergyman and hymnist. In 1861, he composed the tune named “Nicaea” for “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” The tune NICAEA is named after the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) at which church leaders began to formulate the doctrine of the Trinity.
Please keep the Open and Affirming Task Force in your prayers as we move forward to live into our sign at the bottom of the stairway to the second floor: “Jesus didn’t reject people. Neither do we.” Our next meeting will be June 12.
Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!
Pastor Del
Prayers
Our prayers continue to be lifted up for the victims and families of victims of gun violence. Lord, have mercy!
Our prayers continue to be lifted up for the Ukrainian people as the incursion by Russia continues and thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the country in search of safety and as Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are dying. Lord, have mercy!
Our prayers continue to be lifted for our country: for the political divisions which seem to be widening, for the poor, for those who are homeless, for those who are sick, for those who are dying, for those who have already or are ready to give up hope.
Our prayers continue for the whole Church and, in particular, First Congregational United Church of Christ that we may continue to strive to be the hands of Christ in the city, in the state, in the nation, and in the world.
