What is the Gloria in Excelsis? The “Gloria in Excelsis” is a song of praise to God. This song of praise begins with the words of the angels in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” The Latin words “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” literally mean “Glory … [Read more…]
What is the Kyrie? The Kyrie is a prayer for mercy. It is short for the Latin, “Kyrie, eleison”, which means “Lord, have mercy.” The three phrases of the Kyrie remind us that our cries for mercy are heard and answered by the Triune God. This cry for mercy is not just about our sins, … [Read more…]
What is the Gloria Patri? The Gloria Patri is the response at the end of the Introit. It includes the words, “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.” or some variation. What … [Read more…]
What is the Introit? “Introit” is Latin meaning “entrance hymn.” In the early church, the Invocation, Confession and Absolution took place at the back entrance of the sanctuary where the Baptismal Font was located. The pastor would then enter the sanctuary during the Introit as a reminder to the congregation that Christ was coming into … [Read more…]
What is Confession and Absolution? Confession and Absolution is a gift God has given to the church. We join in confession of our sins and receive the assurance, from God through the pastor, that our sins are forgiven. What does Confession and Absolution have to do with our worship? Worship is an interaction … [Read more…]
Why do we say the words, “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost?” We are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Saying these words as we begin our worship reminds us of the covenant God made with … [Read more…]
Why do pastors wear robes? Pastors wear robes because the priests in the Temple wore robes. In order to enter into the Holy of Holies in the Temple, the high priest had to wear a pure white robe, reminding Israel of the purity of Israel through God’s grace given to them in the Messiah. What … [Read more…]
What was the Temple? The Temple in Jerusalem was the house of God. It was initially built by Solomon to replace the tabernacle (tent of meeting) that had followed the children of Israel in their journey from Egypt to the promised land. The Temple had an outer court called the court of the women. It … [Read more…]
What is a synagogue? The word synagogue means “gathering around.” The synagogue was a place of worship where the men would gather around the Rabbi (teacher). They would listen to the Word of God, then take the Word they had learned home to teach to their families. Therefore, the synagogue was a gathering around God’s … [Read more…]
Why is the fish a Christian symbol? When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, He told them he would make them “fishers of men” (see Matthew 4:19-22). Early Christians embraced that title with the fish symbol. Also the Greek word for fish (icquv~) came to stand for Ihsou`~ Cristo~ qeou` uiou` sovthr, which means Jesus Christ … [Read more…]