Trinity Sunday Unifying Theme: |
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| Scripture | Theme | Hymns |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 6:1-8 | Purified and sent by God | 358: Dear
Lord and Father of Mankind 436: The Voice of God Is Calling 438: Forth in Thy Name, O Lord 444: O Young and Fearless Prophet |
| Psalm 29 | Blessed by God the Father | 64: Holy,
Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty 79: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name 92: For the Beauty of the Earth 680: Father, We Praise Thee |
| Romans 8:12-17 | Filled by God the Spirit | 465: Holy
Spirit, Truth Divine 500: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart 539: O Spirit of the Living God |
| John 3:1-17 | Saved by God the Son | 85: We
Believe in One True God 267: O Love, How Deep 369: Blessed Assurance |
Abstract ideas can be difficult to explain, but once they are understood and accepted they can serve as bedrock concepts. Consider "thought." We know that we think, but how can we explain thought? It is so abstract! Much of the thought process may stem from very simple ideas like identification of similarities and differences. Where the thought process goes from there, though, seems virtually limitless. Some thoughts are fleeting. Others are more profound. When we encounter thoughts or ideas that have stood the test of time to touch the minds and hearts of people of different languages, cultures, and backgrounds, we are necessarily compelled to consider that perhaps we are dealing with real, sustainable bedrock concepts.
This week is Trinity Sunday. The doctrine of the Trinity of God is abstract in many ways, but it is a bedrock concept of Christianity. It is through the Trinity that we understand God as Creator, Savior, and Sustainer. It is reflected in the words of the Apostles Creed which helps us put this understanding into words. The words bind us in a common expression, and they help the church grow as a community of faith.
This week's featured hymn traces its roots back to the fourth century when the Apostles Creed was written. It is based on the Latin hymn of praise Te Deum Laudamus, which translated means "Thee, o God, we praise." In many ways it reflects a poetic setting of the Creed. The hymn has been in continuous use since it was first written. In the 18th century (over a thousand years after it was written) a German versification of Te Deum was published by Ignaz Franz in Katholisches Gesangbuch. Then the words were translated to English two centuries later by Clarence Walworth. Walworth was born in a Presbyterian home, studied for Episcopalian ministry, and then was called to ordination in the Roman Catholic Church. The hymn has stood the test of time. It has touched the minds and hearts of people of many different languages, cultures, and backgrounds. Its words carry bedrock concepts of our faith. Consider the millions of souls who have sung these words. As you read, ponder your fellowship with the community of faith which is the Christian church.
| 1. Holy God, we praise
thy name; Lord of all, we bow before thee; all on earth thy scepter claim; all in heaven above adore thee. Infinite thy vast domain; everlasting is thy reign. |
2. Hark the glad
celestial hymn angel choirs above are raising; cherubim and seraphim, in unceasing chorus praising, fill the heavens with sweet accord: Holy, holy, holy Lord. |
| 3. Lo! the apostolic train joins thy sacred name to hallow; prophets swell the glad refrain, and the white-robed martyrs follow. And from morn to set of sun, through the church the song goes on. |
4. Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit: three we name thee, though in essence only one; undivided God we claim thee, and adoring bend the knee while we own the mystery. |
Let the closing line be yours today. Own the mystery on this Trinity Sunday.
God bless you--
Lection at HymnSite.com
God bless you!
| Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT. |