"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 27 November 2016 "Savior of the Nations, Come" (ELW 263)

"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 27 November 2016 "Savior of the Nations, Come" (ELW 263)
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"Savior of the Nations, Come" (ELW 263)
1. 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.
2. Not by human flesh and blood,
but the mystic Breath of God,
was the Word of God made flesh,
fruit of woman, blossom fresh.
3. Wondrous birth--oh, wondrous child--
from his throne, a virgin mild!
Very God, and Mary's son,
eager now his race to run!
4. 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.
5. Now your manger, shining bright,
hallows night with newborn light.
Night cannot this light subdue;
let our faith shine ever new.
6. 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.
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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. 
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.
Dirk G. Lange
Associate Dean, Graduate Theological Education and Fredrik A. Schiotz Chair of Missions and Professor of Worship, Luther Seminary

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"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Saturday, 26 November 2016 "O Lord, How Shall I Meet You" (ELW 241)
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"O Lord, How Shall I Meet You" (ELW 241)
1. O Lord, how shall I meet you,
how welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you,
my hope, my heart's delight!
Oh, kindle, Lord most holy,
your lamp within my breast
to do in spirit lowly
all that may please you best.
2. I lay in fetters, groaning;
you came to set me free.
I stood, my shame bemoaning;
you came to honor me.
A glorious crown you give me,
a treasure safe on high
that will not fail or leave me
as earthly riches fly.
3. Love caused your incarnation;
love brought you down to me.
Your thirst for my salvation
procured my liberty.
Oh, love beyond all telling,
that led you to embrace
in love, all love excelling,
our lost and fallen race.
4. Rejoice, then, you sad-hearted,
who sit in deepest gloom,
who mourn your joys departed
and tremble at your doom.
All hail the Lord's appearing!
O glorious Sun, now come,
send forth your beams so cheering
and guide us safely home. 
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The readings for this week have anticipated the season of Advent with their themes of God's "timing" and of "waiting" in hope for the fulfillment of God's promises. Paul Gerhardt's Advent hymn knows about this waiting: "Oh how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright?" It speaks of a longing and thirst only to be satisfied when the Lord comes to set us free. It hopes in a love that is beyond all telling, in a light that will dawn anew in our hearts in the coming of one whose appearance will be like the rising of the sun. Even in the midst of our waiting is it possible that the good news of this coming one can inspire our "sad hearts" to rejoice in the confidence that God's salvation is coming to lead us home. 
Oh love beyond all telling, inspire us to rejoice at your coming. Dawn with your light in the darkness of our waiting with your promise that you come to lead us home. Amen.
James L. Boyce, '71
Emeritus Professor of New Testament and Greek, Luther Seminary

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