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!

What a beautiful song for us to sing as we rise up early in the morning to honor the One we call “Holy.”

Notice that the hymn invokes God three times—holy, holy, holy—designating the importance of these adjectives. So often Jesus said, “Verily, verily” or “Truly, truly” before he gave  a statement. Double importance. It would be like saying to our children, “Listen!” And then quietly  repeating, “Listen,” just to be sure they were ready to hear something important. In the NIV version of the Bible, it is translated, “I tell you the truth.” For instance, Jesus said to Nicodemus,

“[Truly, truly or] I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3

When Isaiah had his dramatic call in the temple, he saw the seraphs flying to and fro and heard them calling out,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

That’s a triple “Holy!” Three times important. Perhaps representative of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

So let’s consider what “Holy” means. Would you say, righteous and pure, powerful and mighty? Or all-knowing—the One who can even keep count of the hairs on our heads? I would say “awesome,” but it is so over-used and misused. Perhaps we could say the One who fills us with awe.

At the same time that He is Almighty, our hymn reminds us that He is also merciful. Caring and understanding, hurting right along with us. Ready to forgive and offer grace, ready to hold us in His comforting arms.

“Holy” is like magnificent music brought to a rousing crescendo with the full blast of organ and orchestra (especially trumpets), with choir and congregation, and voices lifted high.

“Holy” is voices blending softly, unaccompanied and in lovely harmony. Or a gentle flute holding it’s last note to seal the message.

Whatever Holy is, it brings to mind God Himself—God beyond us, but in us. God around us, but through us. Praise be to His Holy Name!

When you have your quiet time today or tomorrow, perhaps you would like to sing this hymn. If no one is around, sing it loud with gusto! Then sing it soft with heartfelt reverence. Early in the morning, seek your holy God.

~ Joyce ~