Advent hymns have taken on new resonance in 2020, as Christians pray “Come, Lord Jesus!” with ever more eagerness and urgency. In this “Hymn Sing with Sarah” episode, Sarah leads Erin, Bri, and Rachel in a discussion of Advent hymns, old and new. Drawing from the results of a Facebook group poll, the ladies identify which Advent hymns are most beloved and talk more generally about what makes an Advent hymn an Advent hymn.

Sarah then digs deeply into the history and meaning of several popular hymns, including “O Come, O Come Emanuel” and “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.” She ends by sharing the heart-rending backstory to Jochen Klepper’s WWII-era hymn text “The Night Will Soon Be Ending.”

Sensitive content: This episode of The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge podcast touches on the Holocaust and the topic of suicide, beginning around 42 minutes. You are a loved and redeemed child of God, and you are not alone. If you are struggling and need to speak with someone right away, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. Jesus loves you.

Connect with the Lutheran ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and follow Sarah (@mrsbaseballpants), Rachel (@rachbomberger), Erin (@erin.alter), and Bri (@grrrzevske) on Instagram.