Day 22 Gloria, Hosanna in Excelsis!

 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” 

(Mark 11:10)

Some years back, I had the opportunity to be in Munich, Germany at Christmas time.  I remember walking out of the house I was staying in on Christmas morning to the sound of the church bells ringing.  It was a glorious sound to hear.  This is a simple carol calls us to join heaven and earth in praise for our Savior’s birth.  The refrain is “Gloria, Hosanna in exelsis!”

Gloria is Latin glory (to God)

Hosanna is a Hebrew word of praise which means, “I believe.”

In exelsis is a Latin phrase which means, “in the highest.”

So, the phrase is an affirmation of giving glory to God in the highest.

Join with the highest heavens and earth this Christmas by singing, “Gloria, Hosanna in exelsis” for our Savior has come.

DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH

 Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav’n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv’n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

 E’en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And “Io, io, io!”
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!