A Further Look at our Liturgy

‘Glory to God in the Highest’

In our service this week we sing “Glory to God in the highest” which is the English translation of the Latin Gloria in Excelsis, a very ancient hymn originating in the church of the third or fourth century. If the “Lord, have mercy” is our cry as beggars before God, the Gloria in Excelsis lifts us up to heaven. In its very first lines we join with the angels by singing with them the song they sang at the birth of Christ: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, among those with whom he is pleased.”

The Trinitarian structure of the Gloria in Excelsis recalls the Apostles Creed, reminding us that praise of God is more than just our personal expression of worship – but it’s always a confession of true faith.

God the Father is praised, thanked and blessed because of his great glory and saving work. Christ the Son is worshipped for taking the sins of the world away and now praying for us at God’s right hand. The Holy Spirit who teaches and leads people to faith is also acknowledged.

The hymn then concludes in praise where it started: with “the glory of God the Father.” Ought we not glorify God simply for his glory?

Pastor Darryl