“Savior of the Nations, Come” (ELW 263)
Devotion
Savior of the nations, come;
virgin's son, make here your home.
Marvel now, O heav'n and earth:
God has chosen such a birth.
Not by human flesh and blood,
but the mystic Breath of God,
was the Word of God made flesh,
fruit of woman, blossom fresh.
Wondrous birth—oh, wondrous child—
from his throne, a virgin mild!
Very God, and Mary's son,
eager now his race to run!
From God's heart the Savior speeds,
back to God his pathway leads;
out to vanquish death's command,
back to reign at God's right hand.
Now your manger, shining bright,
hallows night with newborn light.
Night cannot this light subdue;
let our faith shine ever new.
Praise we sing to Christ the Lord,
virgin's son, incarnate Word!
To the holy Trinity
praise we sing eternally!
"Savior of the Nations, Come" Text copyright 2006 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. No further reproduction or distribution allowed without the written permission of Augsburg Fortress.
The first verse of the ancient Advent hymn (and one of Martin Luther's favorites) "Savior of the Nations, Come" sets the tone for Advent. "Savior of the Nations, come; virgin's son, make here your home. Marvel now, O heav'n and earth: God has chosen such a birth." We begin Advent with this deep affection: marvel. To marvel is first to be speechless or silent as we contemplate a new, wondrous, unexpected happening. We can't comprehend in any known categories what is happening. Marvel fills our being as we contemplate the mystery of God who continually comes to us, in humble ways, in mercy, with immeasurable goodness. God's presence is not always immediately seen or known. Some people miss it entirely yet God is never far away, God is in every and any moment. The mysterious-like melody of this Advent hymn both intrigues and reassures: it gives voice to our marvel.
Prayer
O God, open our hearts to marvel, in silence and in joy that we may recognize the many ways in which you come to us. Amen.