O Lord, How Shall I Meet You (ELW 241)
1 O Lord, how shall I meet you,
how welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you,
my hope, my heart’s delight!
Oh, kindle, Lord most holy,
your lamp within my breast
to do in spirit lowly
all that may please you best.
2 I lay in fetters, groaning;
you came to set me free.
I stood, my shame bemoaning;
you came to honor me.
A glorious crown you give me,
a treasure safe on high
that will not fail or leave me
as earthly riches fly.
3 Love caused your incarnation;
love brought you down to me.
Your thirst for my salvation
procured my liberty.
Oh, love beyond all telling,
that led you to embrace
in love, all love excelling,
our lost and fallen race.
4 Rejoice, then, you sad-hearted,
who sit in deepest gloom,
who mourn your joys departed
and tremble at your doom.
All hail the Lord’s appearing!
O glorious Sun, now come,
send forth your beams so cheering
and guide us safely home.
Devotion
Our hymn was composed by the 17th century German pastor and hymn writer Paul Gerhardt (1607–76). Although that was an era of Lutheran orthodoxy, formality, and theological rigor (of which Gerhardt was supportive), the hymn exudes warmth, a personal relationship with Christ, and the joyful expectation of the Advent season. Moreover, it does not leap over the season into Christmas. But with subtle restraint, it hints at what is to come.
As we look ahead to the celebration of the Nativity in the spirit of this hymn, we are reminded of God’s abundant love, surpassing any other love we have known. And as we contemplate that love, our delight in Christ’s coming to be among us is kindled. We go forth in this season with confidence in the love of God, which sets us free from sin and leads us onward in love for others.
Prayer
“Kindle, Lord most holy, your lamp within my breast, to do in spirit lowly all that may please you best.” Amen. (from stanza 1)