Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 246)
1 Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding!
“Christ is near,” we hear it say.
“Cast away the works of darkness
all you children of the day!”
2 Wakened by the solemn warning,
from earth’s bondage let us rise;
Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling,
shines upon the morning skies.
3 See the Lamb, so long expected,
comes with pardon down from heav’n.
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
one and all, to be forgiv’n;
4 So, when next he comes in glory
and the world is wrapped in fear,
he will shield us with his mercy
and with words of love draw near.
5 Honor, glory, might, and blessing
to the Father and the Son
with the everliving Spirit
while unending ages run!
Text: Latin hymn, 1632; Music: William H. Monk; Public Domain
Devotion
We, the dearly beloved people of God, are desperate for a word of hope. Our current environment is filled with voices that sew doubt, hate, fear, and anger. Though we try to block out the negativity through prayers, breathing practices, nature, and community, it can feel almost impossible to avoid. We, as humans and as people of faith, desire a word of hope that is unconditional.
Our selected hymn for this Advent season begins with an attention grabber: HARK! We are called out of our stupor to listen—there is important news ahead. The invitation to listen continues with an intriguing, bold statement: The thrilling voice is sounding!
This Advent season, my prayer is that your reflection on the theme hymn and attendant readings quiets the voices of this world around us as we open our ears to the true voice. Only the voice of God’s promises to you through Jesus Christ can quell fear, bring new life, and hold you steadfast.
Prayer
God of the thrilling voice, quiet our minds and the outside noise this Advent season that our focus may be on you as we prepare for the promise of a Savior. Amen.