Savior of the Nations, Come

Words: Ambrose of Milan, Martin Luther · Music: Martin Luther, Seth Calvisius · 1524

Verse 1
Savior of the nations, come;
virgin's Son, make here thy home!
Marvel now, O heav'n and earth,
that the Lord chose such a birth.

Verse 2
Not by human flesh and blood,
but the Spirit of our God,
was the Word of God made flesh—
woman's offspring, pure and fresh.

Verse 3
Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child
of the virgin undefiled!
Though by all the world disowned,
still to be in heav'n enthroned.

Verse 4
From the Father forth he came
and returneth to the same,
captive leading death and hell—
high the song of triumph swell!

Verse 5
Thou, the Father's only Son,
hast o'er sin the vict'ry won.
Boundless shall thy kingdom be;
when shall we its glories see?

Verse 6
Brightly doth thy manger shine,
glorious in its light divine.
Let not sin o'ercloud this light,
ever be our faith thus bright.

Verse 7
Praise to God the Father, sing,
praise to God the Son, our King.
Praise to God the Spirit be
ever and eternally.

Words: Ambrose of Milan, 4th c.; Martin Luther, 1524; tr. composite | Music: Plainchant, adapt. Martin Luther, 1524; harm. Seth Calvisius, 1597

Advent · God, Power of · Jesus, Adoration of · Jesus, Advent of