Our worship this morning is going to feel a touch of heavenly reality that I was not expecting so soon. It is customary that every Sunday when we gather as a Church to recite various portions of ancient Creeds and Biblical verities. We recite the Nicene Creed, biblical portions are read, affirmed, and sung, and before we sing the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy!), we lead into it by the following words:
“Truly it is fitting, right, wholesome and beneficial that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to You O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God. Therefore, with angels and archangels, with all the company of heaven, and with all the Church on earth, we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing…”
I have too often paused to consider the earthly reality of those around me (“That We Should at All Times…”) lifting their expectations to sing the praises of the Triune God. That reality will be altered significantly this morning.
Today, that portion of the service will carry unique meaning by the greater reality that Gregg Strawbridge is now an additional choir member in “the company of heaven.” He now joins in sacred harmony among a more prestigious choir than the earthly one; among a choir translated into glory and eternality; among a company no longer impacted by Adam’s sin whose voices no longer suffer, and whose melodies always prove true and worthy. Today, the friend of so many on earth sings with us, and we, in our earthly and faltering voices are privileged to join him with the Sanctus chorus:
Holy, holy, holy,
Lord, God of hosts,
heaven and earth are full of your glory,
Hosanna in the highest,
Blessed is he who comes
in the Name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest!
Today, we laud and magnify the Triune God with Gregg and a great multitude of heaven. May that reality instill reverence and awe among the saints. May his flock at All Saints Presbyterian in Lancaster, PA taste and see that the Lord is good!
Come, let us worship and bow down!
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