Christ, our head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one;
holy Zion's help forever
and our confidence alone.
2. To this temple, where we call you,
come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
come, with all your lovingkindness,
hear your people as they pray;
and your fullest benediction
shed within these walls today.
3. Here bestow on all your servants
what they seek from you to gain;
what they gain from you, forever
with the blessed to retain;
and hereafter in your glory
evermore with you to reign.
4. Praise and honor to the Father,
praise and honor to the Son,
praise and honor to the Spirit,
ever three and ever one:
one in might and one in glory
while unending ages run!
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This ancient hymn translated into English by J.M. Neale is an enthronement hymn of unusual power. Its clear confession is that the sure foundation, the rock out of which we are hewn--the rock of our salvation--is none other than Jesus of Nazareth. So as we stand and join in giving praise and honor to this One, enthroned above the flood and king of all things (Psalm 29), we are reminded that Christ Jesus is the precious stone who was chosen only to be rejected. Christ Jesus is the One who died for us, laid down his life and then was raised again, now to be the head of the corner (1 Peter 2). Christ Jesus is the keystone, the head of the corner. Christ Jesus is the steadfast loving-kindness of God come among us to bless us with forgiveness, to be our confidence forever. Christ Jesus is our Lord.
Praise and honor, O God, be to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Jennifer Obermueller, '99
Pastor, St. John's Lutheran Parish of Bendena & Lancaster, Kansas
The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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