"Crowns become the Victor's brow."

Hymn: “Look, Ye Saints, the Sight Is Glorious” – Thomas Kelly (1769-1855)
Typical Tune: BRYN CALFARIA

“That dress is very becoming.” That’s probably an archaic phrase for some of you, but it was pretty common when I was younger; every now and then I’ll hear someone say that – usually not to me as I rarely wear a dress – in public!

As an adjective, “becoming” is simply another word for appropriate, suitable… even pretty.

We find the word in scripture in the KJV, Psalm 93:5b: “Holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, forever.” Speaking of archaic! “Holiness becomes thy house, O Lord,” or “It is appropriate that your house be holy.”

This is not one of those hymns we sing a lot, so it may not be terribly familiar to you – some would likely call it archaic as well. I personally think the measure with the eighth notes scares us off! Nonetheless, it is a fine, sturdy hymn that celebrates the victory of Christ over sin, death and the grave; it’s a post-Easter hymn for sure. It’s during that treacherous eighth-note-embellished measure that we sing today’s hymn-line, so in our attention to rhythm, we may miss its meaning; thankfully, we sing it once more at the more stately rhythm!

Enough of the theory lesson. We’re actually saying, “That crown looks good on you, Jesus. It’s appropriate that the One who has conquered the grave should wear the crown of victory.”

On the day I’m writing this, we’re awaiting the birth of Kate and William’s baby: the heir to the throne of England. In a few hours, we’ll hopefully hear of the arrival of the prince or princess – the future king or queen. After Elizabeth, Charles and William have completed their reigns, the long-awaited regent will wear the crown. And for those who support the monarchy, it will be appropriate – or becoming – that he/she wear one of the many crowns on display at the Tower of London.

Our long-awaited King has already come. He didn’t have to wait in some long line of succession. When he returned to the palace of his Father, he took the throne, trading a crown of thorns for an everlasting crown of victory. It is becoming that he should sit upon the throne of glory and wear heaven’s crowns... and that no one is in line to take his place~

At the risk of sounding unbecoming, let me say, “Looking good, Jesus!”

Listen to BRYN CALFAIA Tune
I couldn't find a decent recording of anyone singing THIS text,
but you can at least listen to the tune.