Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” – Reginald Heber (1783-1826)
Tune: NICAEA
Our God truly is “one of a kind.” No one else is perfectly holy. I think that goes without saying… but it cannot go without singing!
Every congregation of all denominations knows – and probably loves – this great hymn that reminds us of the “otherness” of God. It points us to that mysterium tremendum: that overwhelming mystery of who God is.
Besides God, there is none perfect. Only God is holy.In the words of St. Nicolas Cabasilas, our God is
- more affectionate than any friend,
- more just than any ruler,
- more loving than any father,
- more a part of us than our own limbs,
- more necessary to us than our own heart.
This one-of-a-kind holy otherness is what attracts many of us to God. We stand awestruck in God’s presence, finding it unfathomable that there should be One like this. Sturdy hymns like “Holy, Holy, Holy” usher us into that presence; few jazzed-up arrangements maintain that sense of awe – same words, same basic melody, but not the same astonishment!
Beyond that, however, we are equally amazed that such a holy Other could be interested in us… that God would condescend to humankind to draw us to himself. It is awe upon awe – wonder of wonders – truly amazing!
Such awareness puts us in our place and raises him to his rightful place: high and holy. Besides him, there is none other qualified. Perfect in power, in love and purity.
Acappella Singing of This Hymn (Church of Christ)
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