Sunday was Trinity Sunday, and again I sang some of my favorite hymns with my husband in our living room as we participated in our congregation's livestream. I often look for the name of the composer and the hymn tune name, and sometimes see if I can find the story behind the writing of a hymn. This hymn intrigued me because of the hymn tune name.
The text was written by Reginald Heber in the early 1800s using scripture from Isaiah and Revelation in his text. John Dykes wrote the hymn tune known as Nicaea which was named as a tribute to the First Council of Nicaea where the doctrine of the Trinity was formalized to oppose the heresies of Arius in 325.
Holy, Holy, Holy
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!
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 shalt be.
Holy, Holy, Holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man, thy glory may not see: Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power in love, and purity. 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!
I don't know if Mr. Heber had any idea that we would be singing his writing or Mr. Dykes' music 200 years later, but God knew when he gave them the talents to write and compose as they did. We can thank God for the talents and abilities that he has given each of us and ask that we find ways to use them for His Glory.
I hope you enjoy the hymn sung by the King's College Choir
-Ellen Pratt, School Ministries Staff Assistant