The Lutheran church enjoys a long tradition of identifying one “Hymn of the Week” for every Sunday of the church year. Such a hymn should reflect the unifying theme of the service, and is intended to be sung on that Sunday every year. In this series, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew gives us a brief overview of the Hymns of the Week for the coming month
The Season of Advent When you walk into church on December 1st, you may notice a visual change. The green paraments (the colored tapestries on the altar, pulpit, and lectern) have been replaced by purple ones (or in some churches, blue). You may see a wreath with five candles on it at the front of the church. We have entered the season of Advent, the first season in the church year. The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” The season of Advent is a time of repentant preparation for the coming of the world’s Savior. The four Sundays in Advent focus our thoughts on the coming of our Savior Jesus and prepare us for the celebration of His birth.
- December 1 On the First Sunday in Advent we contemplate the truth that Jesus is the Savior whom the Lord foretold through the prophets of the Old Testament. The hymn of the week for this Sunday is “Savior of the Nations, Come”. (TLH 95; LSB 332) This ancient Advent hymn by St. Ambrose connects the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Savior to their New Testament fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. This Savior would be true man as well as true God, and He would come in humility, but with salvation from death and hell for lost mankind.
- December 8 The Second Sunday in Advent focuses on Christ’s final return in glory and the Savior’s admonition to be ready for that day. We can look forward to that day with eager hearts and with faithful lives. Our hymn for this weekend is “The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us”. (TLH 67; LSB 514) The hymn recalls Jesus’ many warnings to be ready for His final return, as well as the rich blessings and joys which He gives on that Day.
- December 15 On the Third Sunday in Advent we see how the Lord prepared for the Messiah’s coming through John the Baptizer, the “Forerunner” of the Savior. Just as the Lord prepared for the Savior’s coming, so should we! In the hymn “Hark, a Thrilling Voice is Sounding“, (TLH 60; LSB 345) we hear the words of John calling us to repentance and pointing us to the forgiveness that only Jesus brings.
- December 22 The Fourth Sunday in Advent reminds us of the nearness of our Savior’s coming and all that He has done for our salvation. This wonderful truth leads us to rejoice in Him and the meaning of His work for us. The familiar words of the Latin hymn “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel” (TLH 62; LSB 357) describe the work of Jesus Who came to “ransom,” “free,” “save,” “cheer,” and “make safe.” For all of this, sinners have good reason to “rejoice” at the coming of our Immanuel!
The Season of Christmas The slightly somber and repentant themes of Advent have prepared our hearts for the joyful celebration of God’s promises fulfilled in the Christmas season. White, the color of purity and light, replaces purple in our churches. The darkness of sin is overcome by the Light of the world, Who takes on human flesh to be our Savior.
- December 25 On Christmas Day we celebrate the fact of Jesus’ birth. God becomes human in order to carry out our salvation. Paul Gerhardt’s “Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising” (TLH 90; LSB 375) is a hymn of joy celebrating the birth of Jesus and the freedom from sin, death, and Satan which He would accomplish for the world.
- December 29 On the First Sunday after Christmas we give thanks for the gifts that Jesus has won for us. In our hymn of the week, “Praise God the Lord, Ye Sons of Men”, (TLH 105; LSB 389) we respond in praise to our Triune God Who has provided for us this “great exchange,” taking our sin and giving us His righteousness!
is a pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota.
