Gloria in Excelsis Deo!”; With a song in my heart; thoughts from our music director, Rick Roberts.

Good Terrific Tuesday Morning!
 
I sure am glad the nasty weather moved on.  A little chilly this morning, but I understand we will be in the 70″s Christmas Day.  Hurrah!
 
Today we will focus on the hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High”.

 
This wonderful hymn was written by James Chadwick in 1862.  Chadwick, an Anglo-Irish Roman Catholic, served as the Bishop of Newcastle and Hexham, England.  It is believed he was inspired by Psalm 98.  The tune, “Gloria”, was composed by the American organist, Edward Barnes.  The Latin “Gloria, in excelsis Deo” is translated to “Glory to God in the Highest”.  Let’s take a look at Psalm 98:        


You can understand how this beautiful scripture influenced Chadwick. The vision of breaking forth with song of the promised Saviour is very clear.  I can see the Shepherds experiencing the message of the angels, fearful at first, then jubilant as they raced to Bethlehem’s stable.  

How beautiful are these verses of Psalm 98.  The references to the sea, the rivers, the mountains, and all of nature is resplendent in images celebrating the Messiah.  Can you imagine all the world’s inhabitants joining in with all nature to sing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo!”
 
I would like to participate in that concert.  
 
“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.”  (Psalm 95:1)
 
Have a blessed day.
 
With a song in my heart,
Rick
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