Baltimore-Washington Conference UMC

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Two Hymns for Advent

Posted by Guest Author on Dec 10, 2018

Few things can move the heart more than music. As we celebrate Advent, the Rev. Fred Crider lifts up two hymns he wrote for the season.

By Fred Crider*

“All People Shall See It” is set to the tune “Ash Grove” (see UMH #664 “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing.”) Based on one of the traditional Advent lections, the theme here is one which I first recall being lifted up in sermons by African-American preachers during the civil rights era, which emphasized that: The glory of the Lord will be revealed when ALL people see it, or look for it, together. That’s anticipation for sure. (The lyrics of the hymn are below.)

The other hymn, “Speaking From the Lofty Pulpit,” is set to “Nettleton” (see UMH #400 “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”) It is about the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s Advent devotional theme “God’s Word.” It uses the story from the book of Nehemiah, chapter 8, where Ezra the priest reads the book of the law of Moses to the returned exiles, expectantly gathered in the city square. Only one stanza in length, it touches on the Good Word that God had not abandoned them as a people, and they would now be expected to align their lives with that Word, doing so with joy (“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh.8:10b).

Although clearly not a traditional Advent lection, this Old Testament event, like Advent, is a precursor to a coming celebration: The Feast of Booths, (or Tabernacles) which recalls their ancestors living in make-shift huts in the wilderness.

Hymns can heighten our sense of anticipation. If we truly believe we gather in worship to actually meet the Spirit of the crucified, risen and ever-living Christ, then everything we sing and do in worship leads us toward increasing that exciting expectation and that joyous anticipation.

For example:

When we gather to praise: “Come Christians Join to Sing,” or “Lord I Lift Your Name on High;”
In time of confession and prayer “Amazing Grace,” or “Sanctuary;”
During the proclamation of the word: “O For a Thousand Tongues,” or “Pass It On;”
For our thanksgiving and response: “Let Us Break Bread Together,” or “Here I Am Lord;” and
With the Benediction: “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing,” or “A Charge To Keep I Have.”

Some hymns and songs engage the heart and refresh the soul. Others feed the mind and challenge us to live out the words we sing. And all of them point to that grace revealed in the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ … that grace by which we live abundantly now and anticipate living eternally. Thanks be to God!

All People Shall See It

Suggested Tune: (The Ash Grove, 6 6 11. 6 6 11 D) Welsh Folk Tune #664 UMH

“Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:5 NRSV

All people shall see it, when those of right spirit
act justly and kindly to friend and to all.
For God’s word proclaims it, and hope will sustain it;
The Word who is coming will issue that call.
When we treat each other, as sister and brother,
God’s reign will break in and all lands shall be healed.
God’s vast congregation, each race and each nation,
shall sing when the glory of God is revealed.

At Christ’s incarnation we join celebrations,
rejoicing with wonder at God’s love for all.
While peace songs are sounding from angels surrounding,
the Virgin’s new boy-child will sleep in a stall.
In Bethlehem’s stable God chose to enable
a long-promised baby to bring saving power.
The roles are inverted, as grace is asserted;
the last become leaders; God’s kingdom will flower.

He asks us for caring and kind, selfless sharing
so poor ones and wealthy may feel they belong.
When none are excluded then all are included
in joyously singing the angel’s new song.
Together, God’s people shall see splendid glory,
the prophets’ great vision will then come to be.
For Christ now unites us, His Spirit invites us
to live in the wonder of God’s Jubilee!

Speaking From the Lofty Pulpit

Suggested tune: 87.87 (“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” #400)

“The priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly…(and) stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose.” (Nehemiah 8:2b & 4a)

Speaking from the lofty pulpit
Ezra read the holy law,
till the people bowed in wonder
filled with grief, then joy and awe.
So may we with rapt attention
focus on the saving Word
till we know and love and sing it,
living out what we have heard.

*The Rev. Fred Crider is a retired Elder in the BWC. See more of his hymns at https://www.fredshymns.com.

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