Hymns, Hymnody, Translations and a few assorted
Exegetical and Historical Thoughts thrown in
Exegetical and Historical Thoughts thrown in
Advent; Gabriel; Mary; Zacharias; Daniel; original text; original tuneHere is a hymn I wrote for Advent a few years ago. Also made an Advent sermon series out of the idea. The basis came after realizing that the first appearance of the angel Gabriel was not in Luke 1, but in Daniel 8. This hymn incorporates the Old Testament history and words of Gabriel to Daniel, as well as highlighting the differences between Zacharias' reaction to Gabriel vs. Mary's reaction. (I did put a PDF of the hymn tune at the bottom. Sadly, I am not able to put up an audio file on my plan to let you know how the song goes.) HE PRIEST, WHO AT GOD'S ALTAR 1) The priest, who at God’s altar, His lot, the incense smoke to burn Was sadly prone to falter. To doubt, his mind was swift to turn. He would not heed the tidings The angel Gabriel came to say Nor trust the sacred writings The prophets spoke, back in their day. 2) To Daniel, at his station, Proud Gabriel first with message came And spoke of most vile nations Who, for a time, the world would reign. But God would bring about this: The rule of men would not endure. The strength of states proved weakness, The reign of Christ through faith proves sure. 3) Now Zacharias, silent, Until his infant son was named. No word, none blest nor violent, Could by his stymied tongue be framed. But on that day, his finger Wrote down the name the angel told. “His name is John! – the bringer Of news of Christ, the Son of old!” 4) His mouth was then unmuzzled, His tongue, once bound in chains, now free. For faith had solved this puzzle, Belief resolved this mystery. Now open our lips, Father, Our mouths henceforth to show Your praise. With daring faith, unbothered, The pure confession ever raise. 5) When Gabriel spoke to Mary, The faithful virgin loved the Word. Oh, how extr’ordinary! Her Son would be the Coming Lord! And they would call Him, “Jesus,” For He would save His people well, From ev’ry sin, He frees us From fear of Satan, death and hell. 6) Oh, let our hearts be ready When God, to us, His teachings send And not with doubt, unsteady, Or hardness in our hearts, offend. But that repentant being, We find God’s Word to bring relief, Though Christ our Lord, unseeing, We cling to Him in firm belief. 7) This Word of Christ, deliver In ev’ry sermon that we hear That guilty hearts that shiver, By faith, are freed from all their fear. O Father, let us praise You And glorify Your promised Son, With Holy Spirit, raise You A hymn of praise, ‘til life is done. 7878 D Text: Copyright © Robert J. H. Mayes, Dec. 19, 2018. All rights reserved. Tune: BURNT RESIN, by Robert J. H. Mayes, Dec. 19, 2018 Categories
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorRev. Robert J. H. Mayes is a justified sinner through faith in Christ. He is a husband, father, an LCMS pastor, musician, and has a strong interest in Lutheranism, Christ-centered Scriptural exegesis and the hymns of the Church. In his spare time, he likes to watch the Kansas City Chiefs. Archives
May 2022
CategoriesImportant Links- - LCMS website - Nebraska dist. - CPH - Issues, Etc. - Lutheran Public Radio - PRDL (Post Reformation Digital Library) Other Hymn sites - What you need to know about hymns - Public domain Lutheran hymns - Mark Preus - Matthew Carver - Walther's Hymnal (ed. Carver) - Stephen Starke - Starke hymns vol. 1 & vol. 2 - Alan Kornacki Jr. - Kathryn Ann Hill - Robin Fish, Jr. - Kurt E. Reinhardt - Center for Church Music (Concordia Chicago) |