Sometimes Luther just doesn’t get the props he deserves for his catholic vision of Salvation, seen especially in hymns like Savior of the Nations. The 3rd verse, the most cosmic, is especially beautiful to me.
Savior of the nations, come!
Virgin’s Son, make here your home.
Marvel now, both heaven and earth,
that the Lord chose such a birth.Wondrous birth! Oh wondrous child
of the Virgin undefiled!
Mighty God and Mary’s son,
eager now his race to run!Thus on earth the Word appears,
gracing his created spheres;
hence to death and hell descends,
then the heavenly throne ascends.Come, O Father’s saving Son,
who o’er sin the victory won.
Boundless shall your kingdom be;
grant that we its glories see.
We here wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
the Land of Unlikeness
Thanks for this post, Dan. What a great hymn–I especially like your emphasis on its cosmic scope. Also, congrats to you on your upcoming paper presentation.
Best wishes,
Cynthia
Very good hymn!
My hermeneutic of suspicion radar wonders whether praising Luther here makes up for your recent pro-quasi-Calvin vote (even if amended by a pro-quasi-Petrine vote).