Hark, the Glad Sound! (ELW 239, verse 4)
Devotion
1Hark, the glad sound! The Savior comes,
the Savior promised long;
let ev’ry heart prepare a throne
and ev’ry voice a song.
2He comes the pris’ners to release,
in Satan’s bondage held.
The gates of brass before him burst,
the iron fetters yield.
3He comes the broken heart to bind,
the bleeding soul to cure,
and with the treasures of his grace
to enrich the humble poor.
4Our glad hosannas, Prince of peace,
your welcome shall proclaim,
and heav’n’s eternal arches ring
with your beloved name.
Who would have thought that peace would be so loud? When we imagine a sense of peace, it usually includes some momentary silence from the noise our busy lives create. In this season of Advent and for those in colder climates, perhaps we picture a gently falling snow while we sit wrapped in a blanket by the fire. But Christ's entry into the world warrants a loud rejoicing!
This classic Christmas hymn confirms our calling to a raucous celebration of the Prince of Peace and his arrival. A new ruler has come to power, but in the most unexpected way — arriving as a vulnerable baby born to a lowly woman named Mary. And can you just imagine making those heavenly eternal arches ring? Certainly, that's no easy task! It might take some massive and unified singing, like that of every voice in creation bellowing together the name of Christ as King. Wouldn't that be a special thing to witness in our lifetime?
Prayer
Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! Lord God, give the whole world the voice to sing your peace and love this Christmas and always. Amen.