Advent marks the Christian new year.
Given that most of us feel like we’re dragging ourselves toward the finish line of year’s end, Christmas (holidays for some), and then January, the expectancy of Jesus’ first and second comings should energise with the stamina of those just beginning, not those longing for the end.
Come Thou Redeemer Of The Earth is John M. Neale’s English translation of a Latin composition (dating back to the fourth century) by Ambrose of Milan. Coupled most commonly with the tune Puer Nobis, it is notable as a very nuanced expression of praise for the coming of our Saviour who is fully God and fully man.
Due to its heritage, it is a hymn for the whole Christian church.
Lyrics can vary a little, but these seem pretty common.
1.
Come, Thou Redeemer of the earth,
And manifest Thy virgin birth:
Let every age adoring fall;
Such birth befits the God of all.
2.
Begotten of no human will,
But of the Spirit, Thou art still
The Word of God in flesh arrayed,
The promised Fruit to man displayed.
3.
The virgin womb that burden gained
With virgin honor all unstained;
The banners there of virtue glow;
God in His temple dwells below.
4.
Forth from His chamber goeth He,
That royal home of purity,
A giant in twofold substance one,
Rejoicing now His course to run.
5.
From God the Father He proceeds,
To God the Father back He speeds;
His course He runs to death and hell,
Returning on God’s throne to dwell.
6.
O equal to the Father, Thou!
Gird on Thy fleshly mantle now;
The weakness of our mortal state
With deathless might invigorate.
7.
Thy cradle here shall glitter bright,
And darkness breathe a newer light,
Where endless faith shall shine serene,
And twilight never intervene.
8.
All laud to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the Holy Paraclete.
Not a lot of recordings of this one around. This youtube is one of the better of those available. It’s taken from the end credits of the movie Doubt, of all things. Hopefully it will start at 33seconds where the song begins.
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