Savior of the Nations, Come

The Second Sunday of Advent
December 8, 2019
Our hymnal contains Advent hymns by a variety of authors from around the world and throughout church history. One of today's hymns - "Savior of the nations, come" - was written by Martin Luther, a central figure in the Protestant Reformation. Written shortly before Advent in 1523, it is a translation of an earlier Latin Advent hymn, "Veni redemptor gentium," written by St. Ambrose in the 4th century. 

 Martin Luther also adapted the ancient plainsong melody associated with this hymn, removing more complex melismas (groups of several notes per word or syllable) and creating a better fit with his German text. The new tune - "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" - became one of the most widely sung Advent hymns. 

 Many great composers from the Baroque period through modern times have written organ and choral compositions based on this tune. Today, we will hear two of these organ settings by Dietrich Buxtehude and Johann Walther. Hear a recording of Buxtehude's setting: Organ chorale: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, as well as a typical Baroque vocal setting by Heinrich Schutz: Schutz: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
The singer is accompanied by early instruments typical of those used in the composer's lifetime to recreate an authentic sound.

 The hymn was carried to the United States by German immigrants and was sung each Advent in Lutheran churches. Hear an excellent recording of the chorale, sung in German by a German choir: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland 

 The hymn was added to The Hymnal 1982 as part of an ecumenical effort to include Lutheran chorales, one of the important sources of Christian hymnody.

Through our hymns, we explore the history, theology, and important themes of each season. Take a few moments to read the small print below each hymn and notice the diversity of texts and tunes from many times and places.


Music for the Second Sunday of Advent
December 8, 2019

 Hymns
76   On Jordan's bank, the Baptist's cry (Winchester New)
54   Savior of the nations, come (Nun komm, der Heiland Heiden)
56   O come, O come, Emmanuel (Veni, veni, Emmanuel)
75   There's a voice in the wilderness crying (Ascension)
66   Come, thou long expected Jesus (Stuttgart)
Service Music
S-102   Trisagion
S-411   Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
S-130   Sanctus
S-169   Fraction anthem

 Anthems
Comfort, Comfort Now My People     -arr. Richard Proulx
Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree     -Elizabeth Poston

 Organ Voluntaries
Organ chorales: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland   -Dietrich Buxtehude and Johann Walther

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