Hymn of the Week: May 29, 2022
by David Sinden, Organist & Director of Music
St. Peter‘s Episcopal Church, Ladue
Hymn 483: “The head that once was crowned with thorns”
As a student organist, my introduction to the hymn “The head was crowned with thorns” came from a marvelous recording from St. Thomas Episcopal Church, New York.
This hymn begins with a stark contrast between two crowns: one of cruelty and suffering versus one of heavenly exaltation.
Every Sunday, in the words of the Nicene Creed, we recite this contrast in the story of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. This Sunday, following the Feast of the Ascension, the lines “he ascended into heaven / and is seated at the right hand of the Father” will find particular resonance for many.
The second stanza of the hymn echoes these words of the creed.
The highest place that heaven affordsis his, is his by right,the King of kings, and Lord of lords,and heaven’s eternal Light;
Like the ascension itself, this hymn bridges the gap between those who “dwell above” and “all below.” This hymn helps remind us that, through Jesus' resurrection and ascension, we are “citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God” (Phil. 2:19).
The head that once was crowned with thornsis crowned with glory now;a royal diadem adornsthe mighty victor’s brow.
The highest place that heaven affordsis his, is his by right,the King of kings, and Lord of lords,and heaven’s eternal Light;
the joy of all who dwell above,the joy of all below,to whom he manifests his loveand grants his name to know.
To them the cross with all its shame,with all its grace is given;their name, an everlasting name;their joy, the joy of heaven.
They suffer with their Lord below,they reign with him above,their profit and their joy to knowthe mystery of his love.
The cross he bore is life and health,though shame and death to him:his people’s hope, his people’s wealth,their everlasting theme.Thomas Kelly (1769–1855)
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