Our Worship – Lesson 36 – The Gloria in Excelsis

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 in the highest to God.” 

What do these words have to do with our worship?

Christ has entered into our midst (Introit).  We sang praise to our present God for who He is (Gloria Patri) and asked His mercy for every need (Kyrie).  We now join the angels in singing praise to God for what He has done.  The focus of the Gloria in Excelsis is the ministry of Jesus on our behalf.  This, like all of our worship, keeps our focus on Christ, crucified and risen.

What does the Bible say about this?

Psalm 96, 98, 100 are a few examples of Psalms of praise.  They praise God for the wonders of His works, especially salvation.

Luke 8:8-14 – The angel reveals the birth of the Savior to the shepherds, after which the angels sing glory to God.

Revelation 4 – Those gathered around the throne praise the Father for the wonders of His creation.

  Revelation 5 – The Lamb who was slain (Jesus) is praised for opening the seals by redeeming His people.

Revelation 7:9-17 – The whole multitude of heaven praises the Lamb for salvation and the wonders of heaven.

Suggestions

Sing salvation’s song.  Remind each other that you join the host of heaven in singing praises to God, especially for sending Jesus to save us.  You may want to use the following hymns from Lutheran Service Book: 427, 525, 527, 528 549, 700.

Object Lesson

  Sing verse 2 of “Jesus Loves Me.”  “Jesus loves me, He who died heaven’s gates to open wide.  He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in.  Yes, Jesus loves me (3 times), the Bible tells me so.”  Tell that this is praising Jesus for dying for our sins.  Also tell that when we sing the part of the worship service that begins, “Glory be to God on high,” we are joining the angels and all believers (on earth and in heaven) in singing praise to God for saving us.

Prayer

Lord God Almighty, we thank you for all your blessings, especially for saving us by the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Remind us of these blessings each day, and let us sing salvation’s song with our fellow Christians and the host of heaven.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.