Savior of the Nations, Come – UMH214
Allen Barbee
Everything in our lives is incredibly fast-paced. Our electronics are constantly updating, our buildings are being modernized and built, there’s always a new bestseller to read, and media notifications flood our devices. There is excitement in the newness. But, when we stand beside something old, something that has stood the test of time, our breath is taken away. Maybe this is a family heirloom, an old church, or perhaps a national relic such as the Liberty Bell. Longevity places importance and beauty upon an object.
That’s how I feel when I sing this hymn (UMH214.) The words come from St. Ambrose, who was the bishop of Milan and lived in the fourth century. In the 16th century, Martin Luther put the lyrics to music and translated them from Latin to his language, German. It has continued to be sung in many different languages.
"Savior of the nations, come. Virgin’s Son, here make thy home. Marvel now, O heaven and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth."
When we sing this hymn, we connect to our brothers and sisters across countries, race, and time, who have prayed for centuries in humbleness. We become part of the community that both celebrates the incarnation of Jesus Christ and, with hope, looks toward his second coming.
May the Lord help us to think of Christ’s coming as a gift to the entire world.
