Saturday, November 20, 2010

Victoriana

OK so the hymn below is a bit of Victorian mush but do we get excited about going to Church? Do we see it as God's house, a place of meeting and thanksgiving - or something else?

We love the place, O God,
wherein thine honor dwells;
the joy of thine abode
all earthly joy excels.

It is the house of prayer,
wherein thy servants meet;
and thou, O Lord, art there
thy chosen flock to greet.

We love the sacred font;
for there the Holy Dove
to pour is ever wont
his blessing from above.

We love thine altar, Lord;
O what on earth so dear?
For there in faith adored,
we find thy presence near.

Worth pondering on a Saturday evening - how does the prospect of church tomorrow hit us. Groanings, excitement, duty, joy - probably a recipe of different pieces. But this coming together in time and place is a gift and a blessing, not simply human beings doing our thing - but God doing God's thing, in God's house with us, God's holy people.

Definitely worth pondering.

No comments: