Saviour of the Nations Come

 “Saviour of the Nations Come” is attributed to St. Ambrose of Milan. In Latin it was called “Veni, Redemptor Gentium” circa 397.  St. Ambrose was a 4th century Bishop best known for his influence in the conversion of St. Augustine.

First B Bells are playing a piece for our Christmas Eve service tonight called Advent Passacaglia. 

The Advent Passacaglia is a musical setting of the hymn “Saviour of the Nations Come”.  It was written by composer Dieterich Buxtehude in 1680. The composition, set in a minor key, has a slow, solemn tone throughout.  We are playing an arrangement by Linda R. Lamb.  Her arrangement is a tune for handbells and handchimes beginning with a bass pattern.  Variations are added before the tune “Saviour of the Nations, Come” is introduced. 

“Saviour of the Nations, Come” was first written in Latin and later translated into German, English, and other languages. Martin Luther wrote the German version of this hymn in 1524 and the English version was written by William Morton Reynolds in 1851. Called in German,  “Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland”, the hymn is based on Luke 2:11-14 which describes the birth of Jesus.  The hymn is a call to all people to come and celebrate the birth of Jesus and His love for all mankind. 

Here are the English lyrics of the German hymn.

 1.  Saviour of the nations, come; 

                                         Virgin's Son, here make Thy home!

                                         Marvel now, O heaven and earth,

                                         That the Lord chose such a birth.

 2. Not by human flesh and blood;            5. Thou, the Father's only Son,

By the Spirit of our God                               Hast over sin the victory won. 

Was the Word of God made flesh,            Bound less shall Thy kingdom be;

Woman's offspring, pure and fresh.         When shall we its glories see?

3. Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child      6. Brightly doth Thy manger shine,

Of the virgin undefiled!                               Glorious is its light divine.

Though by all the world disowned,          Let not sin overcloud this light;

Still to be in heaven enthroned.                Ever be our faith thus bright.

4. From the Father forth He came            7. Praise to God the Father sing,

And returneth to the same,                        Praise to God the Son, our King,

Captive leading death and hell                  Praise to God the Spirit be

High the songs of triumph swell!              Ever and eternally.

Have a blessed Christmas Eve everyone.  Merry Christmas!

# living life abundantly  # published author  # travelling tuesdays