This week we study the hymn "On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry" (Hymn 63 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Charles Coffin in the eighteenth century. One of the unique features of Coffin's hymns is that he wrote them in Latin, even though it was a "dead language" when he penned it. This shows the importance that Latin played in the theological language of the Church.

This hymn is found in the Advent section of our hymnal, and highlights the ministry of John the Baptizer who came to prepare the way for Jesus. 

Coffin's point in writing this hymn is that John's work of 21 centuries ago, is just as needed for us today as it was then. We too, need to heed and "harken" to the message of the Baptizer who preached repentance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Join us as we study this hymn about our need to prepare for the Savior, not by decorations or goodies, but through sincere faith and repentance over sin, eagerly looking forward to the coming of Jesus because we NEED Him! "Prepare my heart, Lord Jesus!"

This week we study the hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come" (Hymn 95 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by the Church Father, Ambrose in the fourth century. This is one of the oldest hymns in our hymnal, and highlights the nature of Jesus as our coming Savior. 

This hymn is found in the Christmas section of our hymnal, although it is placed in the Advent section of many hymnals. We will see that it fits appropriately in either season, as it points to the coming of Jesus, as well as vividly and shamelessly professing the true nature of the Savior as true God and true man. 

This becomes more vivid when we understand that Ambrose and the church of his time were combating the error of Arianism, which taught that Jesus was not true God. This was the error that was condemned in the Nicene Creed in 325, but which continued the plague the Christian church for many more years, and which is still taught in some churches today. For this reason, the Biblical truths confirmed and proclaimed in this hymn are just as important today as they were 1600 years ago!

Join us as we study this hymn about the coming of our Savior, who was both true God and true Man, and as we consider the wonderful implications of this truth for us. "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him" (1 John 4:9). Thanks be to God!

This week we study the hymn "The Advent of Our King" (Hymn 68 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by French hymn writer Charles Coffin who wrote this hymn in the mid 1700's.

This hymn is found in the Advent section of our hymnal, which is the season of the Church Year we will be entering this weekend. This hymn is not a prayer, but rather a confession of what the Bible teaches about Jesus. This hymn confesses that Jesus is King, that He is both True God and True Man, and that He is coming again as Judge of all. It also connects the major themes of Advent (which means "coming"), one of which is repentance. This hymn is a call to Christians to put off the works of the flesh, knowing what Jesus has done for us, and that He is coming again! 

Join us as we study this hymn about the coming of our Savior, both as a Child, and as the King of Kings, and as we come before Him with humility and joyful praise. "Behold, your King is coming to you!" (Zechariah 9:9).

This week we study the hymn "O'er the Distant Mountains Breaking" (Hymn 606 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by English hymn writer John Monsell who wrote this hymn in the mid 1800's.

This hymn is found in the Judgment section of our hymnal, which will be part of our focus on this coming Sunday, the Last Sunday in Trinity, and the last Sunday of the church year. This hymn is a prayer that the Lord would help us to be ready for His return through faith and in joyful anticipation. 

The hymnwriter reminds us of the Savior's promise to return. Even before His death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus told His disciples "I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3). He also reminds us that we don't know when He will return, so we should constantly be ready, knowing that each day we are closer to our salvation.

Join us as we study this hymn about the Last Day, our Savior's return, and as we are reminded of all that He has done to open heaven for us. With hearts of faith and joy, eagerly be led by the Spirit to pray: "Come, Lord Jesus!"

This week we study the hymn "We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator" (Hymn 568 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by English hymn writer Julia C. Cory who wrote this hymn in the late 1800's.

This hymn is found in the Harvest and Thanksgiving section of our hymnal, which is especially fitting as it reflects on the nature and work of our Triune God, and the Christian's joyful response to all His blessings of body and soul. This hymn is a prayer of praise addressed to the LORD God by those who believe in Him. 

The hymnwriter reminds us that the true God is a God of creation and redemption. He is a God who has been with our spiritual ancestors, guiding them and protecting them through the trials that will confront the child of God in this fallen world. That same God will be with us, just as He has been with those who have gone before us.

Study this hymn with us, as reminded of all that the LORD has done for us and are motivated to "shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation" to "Come before His presence with thanksgiving" and to "shout joyfully to Him with psalms" (Psalm 95:1-2).

LORD, stir up in us, Your people, thankful hearts for all You have done, and give us a desire to come before You with joy to join our voices with our fellow believers to sing Your praise. Amen!