Advent hymns

In each generation throughout history God has raised up poets and musicians who have given us hymns reflective of our time and place.  From the many wonderful treasures in our hymnal to our very own Saint George’s Hymn that was created just a few years ago by contemporary poet, Susan Palo Cherwien.  Hymnody throughout the ages helps us sing our whole faith.   

We sing because we are transformed. For all generations, God has been and is our dwelling place and in Christ all things are made new. We sing of God as our mighty fortress and our comforter.  We sing the whole story of our faith – how small our span of life, how vast God’s eternity, how Christ plunged into our swift stream of time, and how in Christ we transcend our speck of time.  

During this Advent season, I encourage you to spend some time with our great Advent hymns (numbers 53-76 in our hymnal). Often these get overlooked as we rush to hear or sing our beloved Christmas carols and we miss the depth and wonder – the mystery and beauty – that these Advent gems offer us.  Take a look, give a listen and allow yourself to be immersed in the great mysteries of this time.  For perhaps this might be the most wonder-filled time of the year.   

I share with you this more recent hymn from the Spanish tradition.  It has become one of my many favorites of the Advent season. May it be our prayer today and always.

            All earth is hopeful, the Savior comes at last!  

    Furrows lie open for God’s creative task:

            This, the labor of people who struggle to see

            How God’s truth and justice set everybody free.

            People of Israel, you heard the prophet tell:

            “A virgin mother wil bear Emmanuel”; 

            She conceived him, “God with us,” our brother, whose birth

            Restores hope and courage to children of this earth.

            Mountains and valleys will have to be prepared;

            New highways opened, new protocols declared.

            Almost here! God is nearing,

            In beauty and grace!

            All clear every gateway, in haste, come out in haste!

            We first saw Jesus a baby in a crib.

            This same Lord Jesus today has come to live 

            In our world; he is present, in neighbors we see

    Our Jesus is with us, and ever sets us free.              

-        Alberto Taulé, tr. Madeleine Forell Marshall

Soli Deo Gloria,

Ben Keseley, Minister of Music