In the Service of Holy Communion, after the bread and wine are consecrated and before they are distributed, we sing the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), which is based on the words of John the Baptist pointing his disciples to Jesus and saying: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

We sing these words to remind us that we are about to partake of much more than mere bread and wine, for Christ gives to us in the Sacrament to partake of His very body and blood which were given and shed for us upon the cross for the remission of our sins.

As the ancient believers partook of the sacrificial lamb at the Passover, we partake of Christ, God’s Son in human flesh who was sacrificed for us to make full atonement for all our sins. This holy food Christ wills to give to baptized and confessing believers who rightly examine themselves, are penitent and trust in His name.

In the Agnus Dei, we appeal to Jesus, our Messiah and Savior, for mercy and forgiveness and to grant us the peace of sins forgiven.

O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us!
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us!
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, grant us Thy peace! Amen.