Each Sunday, as we lift our voices in worship, we join a chorus that began on a Judean hillside over two thousand years ago. “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth!” These words from Luke 2:14 are the opening lines of the Gloria in Excelsis, sung first by the angels to shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth. Today, we still echo their joy, proclaiming the good news of the incarnation with the same awe and celebration.
Sharing in Heaven’s Worship
The Gloria is more than a hymn, it’s a profound reminder that we do not worship alone. Each time we sing it, we join with the heavenly hosts and the faithful throughout time in praising God. Just as the shepherds received the message of Jesus’ birth with wonder, we receive him anew in our liturgy, marveling at the miracle of God made flesh.
A Resurrection Song
At the heart of the Gloria is the Easter message: “Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God… you take away the sin of the world.” This proclamation of Christ’s victory over sin and death is why the Gloria is a central part of our Sunday worship, the weekly celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. As such, the Church traditionally omits it during more reflective and penitential seasons like Advent and Lent, saving it for those times when joyful praise bursts forth again—at Christmas and Easter.
Ancient Origins, Living Tradition
The Gloria is one of the oldest hymns of the Christian Church, with some scholars dating it as far back as the second century. It became part of the liturgy in Rome around 500 AD, and has held a consistent place in Christian worship ever since.
Interestingly, its placement in the service has varied. During the Reformation, Thomas Cranmer moved it to the end of the service in the Book of Common Prayer. It remained there until the 1979 BCP. Today, in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer, the Gloria has returned to its traditional position immediately following the Kyrie—where it continues to lift our hearts and voices in praise.
A Joyful Proclamation
The Gloria in Excelsis invites us to step into the eternal song of heaven, celebrating the incarnation, passion, and triumph of Jesus Christ. It is a moment in the liturgy when joy overflows—when we, like the shepherds and angels, proclaim: Glory to God in the highest!
THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
