The introits for Advent (The Lutheran Hymnal, pp. 54-55) have been written into poetic form by Gerhardt Mueller of Luther Memorial Church, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The hymn stanzas are written to be sung with the melody of O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee (TLH #58). The author, a choir director and retired teacher, writes: “The congregation could sing the Introit for the four Sundays or the choir could sing them in unison or four-part. It would provide a bit of variety to the liturgy during the four Advent Sundays. They could also be used in home devotions.”
Advent I — Psalm 25:1-4
Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul: O my God, I trust in Thee. Let me not be ashamed: let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on Thee: be ashamed. Show me Thy ways, O Lord: teach me Thy paths.
I lift my soul to Thee, Lord; O God, I trust in Thee. Let me not be asham-ed Before mine enemy. O may He not o’ertake me Nor triumph o’er my soul; Teach me Thy ways and paths, Lord, That I may reach the goal.
Advent II — Isaiah 62:11 & 30:30, Psalm 80:1
Daughter of Zion: behold, thy Salvation cometh. The Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard: and ye shall have gladness of heart. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock.
Behold, Daughter of Zion, Salvation now draws near; The Lord will speak His message That all may rightly hear. Grant us a heart with gladness, Shepherd of Israel, dear, Thou leadest us like Joseph, With Thee we have no fear.
Advent III — Philippians 4:4-6, Psalm 85:1
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men: the Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing: but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. Lord, Thou hast been favorable unto Thy land: Thou has brought back the captivity of Jacob.
Rejoice, rejoice, ye Christians, Again I say: Rejoice! Lead lives of moderation, The Savior is at hand; Be full of care for nothing, Address the Lord in prayer. He leads us out of prison, Brings Jacob safely there.
Advent IV — Isaiah 45, Psalm 19:1
Drop down, ye heavens, from above: and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open: and bring forth salvation. The heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament showeth His handiwork.
Drop down with grace, ye heavens, Drop down now from above. And let the skies show favor With righteousness and love. Let earth bring forth salvation, Let His bright light arise! The heav’ns declare His glory, The firmament His praise.