Keble: What sudden blaze of song

Tuesday, December 17, 2013
    Commemoration of Eglantine Jebb, Social Reformer, Founder of ‘Save the Children’, 1928
Meditation:
    Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
    —Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
Quotation:
    What sudden blaze of song
        Spreads o’er th’ expanse of Heav’n?
    In waves of light it thrills along,
        Th’ angelic signal given—
    “Glory to God!” from yonder central fire
Flows out the echoing lay beyond the starry choir;

    Like circles widening round
        Upon a clear blue river,
    Orb after orb, the wondrous sound
        Is echoed on for ever:
    “Glory to God on high, on earth be peace,
“And love towards men of love—salvation and release.”
    ... John Keble (1792-1866), The Christian Year [1827], G. W. Doane, ed., Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1842, p. 35-36 (see the book)
    See also Luke 2:13-14; 19:38; Ps. 85:9-12; 96:11-13; Isa. 44:23; 49:13; Eph. 3:20-21; Phil. 2:9-11; Rev. 5:13
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, You have sent Your salvation.

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