Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest (LSB 498/499)
Feast of Holy Trinity (both 1 year and 3 year series)
The author of this text, Rabanus Maurus (776-856), was a Benedictine monk who was called to be the Archbishop of Mainz. His hymn to the Holy Spirit teaches the work and comfort of the Holy Spirit. As each Christian is a temple of the LORD, so we sing and pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to dwell in us. The Spirit upholds us by his sevenfold gifts so that saints would behold God through his word. Though saints on earth often are weak, the Spirit comes to uphold and strengthen all in faith.
Many do not realize that Maurus’s hymn is the hymn of above all hymns to be used at the call, ordination, and installation of pastors.
Two tunes are provided, Veni Creator Spiritus—a simplification of the original chant—and Komm, Gott Schöpfer—a further simplification of the original chant. Both tunes are in the same key. Thus, it is appropriate to alternate singing between congregation (Komm, Gott Schöpfer) and choir/soloist (Veni Creator Spiritus).
Rev. Thomas E. Lock serves as Kantor/Assistant Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Denver, Colorado.