An Eternal Chorus: Reflections on Theodulf’s “All Glory, Laud and Honor”
In the timeless hymn “All Glory, Laud and Honor,” Theodulf of Orléans invites us to join our voices with the ancient chorus of praise that welcomed Christ into Jerusalem. Through his masterful lyrics, Theodulf bridges the gap between the distant past and our present, reminding us that the King who once rode on a humble donkey still reigns supreme in the hearts of His people.
The hymn opens with a declaration of allegiance: “All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer King.” In these words, we acknowledge Christ as our sovereign, the One to whom all praise is due. Theodulf then paints a vivid picture of the scene in Jerusalem, where even the children cried out, “Hosanna!” Their sweet voices, untainted by the cynicism and doubt that often plague adult hearts, recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah, the “King of Israel” and “David’s royal Son.”
As we sing these words, we are reminded that true worship is not confined to the walls of a church or the pages of a hymnal. Like the angels who praised Christ on high and the people who laid palms before Him, we are called to make our lives a constant chorus of praise. Whether in times of joy or sorrow, triumph or trial, our prayer and praise should continually rise before the throne of grace.
Theodulf’s lyrics also speak to the transformative power of Christ’s passion. The same crowds that sang hymns of praise would soon cry out for His crucifixion. Yet even in the face of such betrayal, Christ remained the “good and gracious King,” accepting the worship of those who would ultimately reject Him.
As we reflect on this profound truth, may we be inspired to offer our own “prayers we bring” to the One who “in all good delightest.” May our worship be more than a Sunday morning ritual, but a daily outpouring of gratitude and love for the Redeemer who rode into Jerusalem to save us.
In a world that often feels divided and disillusioned, Theodulf’s hymn stands as a timeless reminder of the unity we share in Christ. As we lift our voices together, echoing the praises of the Hebrew people and the heavenly host, we join a chorus that spans centuries and continents – a chorus that will one day resound in the streets of the New Jerusalem, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
So let us sing with renewed fervor, offering “all glory, laud, and honor” to our Redeemer King. May Theodulf’s words inspire us to live lives of worship, to walk in the footsteps of the One who humbly rode into Jerusalem, and to look forward with hope to the day when we will join the eternal chorus of praise around His throne.
