2019 Journey

January 7-13

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty

Written by Reginald Heber (1783-1826) in 1826. The lyrics were written to be used on Trinity Sunday; a Sunday set aside to celebrate the Triune Nature of God. I don't remember any teachings about Trinity Sunday in any of the churches I attended. That doesn't mean there were no teachings, maybe I wasn't paying attention. Observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost by “Christian churches the world over” according to one of my sources.

I don't know if the lyrics were spoken or sung traditionally, but in 1861 (35 years after Heber penned the words), John Bacchus Dykes (1323-1876) set the words to music, based on a tune then known as NICAEA.

The words are drawn directly from Revelation 4:1-11. Here it is, followed by my own observations:

Verse 1

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;

Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Verse 2

Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim, falling down before Thee,

Which wert and art and evermore shall be.

Verse 3

Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,

Though the eye of sinful man They Glory may not see;

Only Thou art Holy; there is none beside Thee;

Perfect in Pow'r in Love and Purity.

Verse 4

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea;

Holy, Holy, Holy!merciful and mighty;

God in three persons, Blessed Trinity.

Verse 1: opening praise,  Revelation 4:8

Verse 2: This is what's going on in Heaven right now and for all eternity. Revelation 4:9

Verse 3: Perfect description of our perfect God: Perfect in Power= Holy Spirit; Love=God; "It's not what He does, it's who He IS" (Joyce Meyer) Purity=Jesus

Verse 4: Brings to mind Psalm 96:11-12 'Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad: Let the sea roar, and all its fullness: Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.'

One more thought – it seems more than fitting that this is the first hymn in most of the hymnals I've used.

Here is a link to an arrangement presented by the First Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. I appreciate the orchestra, but love the a Capella section. I noticed that they did alter some of the original lyrics. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/0SHDNs7Dt5M