For He Comes

We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of the earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the wonder of your creatures, large and small; and for all the loveliness that surrounds us.   –BCP

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. –Ps 19

Let the sea roar and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord, for he comes. –Ps 98

There are countless other passages of Scripture and books of prayer I could cite, but these suffice. The Lord has made all things and his Creation is a reflection of his creativity, beauty, love, and joy. We live in a unique place in America where we experience both the seas and the mountains, along with forests and all their creatures. The psalmist uses the language of the created world to express the wonderfully inordinate praise offered to God. It is not only humanity, those made in the image of God, that hymn his praise. All creation joins in the chorus. The hymn reminds us this praise is not even confined to the earthly sphere, but the heavenly voices join as well. 

O ye heights of heav'n, adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing:
all dominions, bow before him
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev'ry voice in concert ring, 
evermore and evermore!

Why all this praise? In the words of Psalm 98 it is: for he comes. Tomorrow (Sunday) we gather as the people of God–in person or online–to join this heaven-and-earthly chorus. What a joy.

Grace & Peace