Wednesday, June 27, 2012

June 27 – Come Ye Before Him and Rejoice!




          Now, and for the first time during a Coronation service, as the organ lifted up the melody to the “Old Hundredth” . . . Psalm 100 . . . the voices of all those in attendance joined the anthem, “All people that on earth do dwell . . .”

All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice!

          Rejoice they did, as Elizabeth made her way with the Bishops to the Altar.  She relinquished the Sceptres and her new Crown, and presented an ancient oblation of one altar cloth and a wedge of gold.

          The new Duke of Edinburgh joined her.  The only reference made to him during the ceremony occurred as the Archbishop prayed for him, especially blessing the dignity and honor of his service in the Name of the One to whom belong all power and dignity.  Elizabeth and Philip were taking communion together at the altar of her crowning.

As they knelt in prayer, the atmosphere changed once more in the Abbey.  The cameras were turned off during their sacrament.  The glory and splendor of the Coronation bowed deeply before the glory and splendor of this Communion, and Philip and Elizabeth were alone with God.   


A Crowning Communion
by Rotherham Web

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