ADVENT I

This hymn is one of Martin Luther’s first hymn translations, written shortly before Advent in 1523. It is a close translation of the Advent hymn by Ambrose, “Veni redemptor gentium,” dating from the end of the fourth century. This hymn is usually associated with the First Sunday in Advent. Historically, it has also been part of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This hymn is closely associated with John 1:14 “The Word became flesh”. The Word made Flesh ate, drank, slept, awakened, slept, and had emotions.

I. Sin Rules the world

A.   Man cannot fulfill the law and is therefore      helpless in obtaining the righteousness.

    1.  Wages of Sin is death

    2. One sin condemns a person to death and   damnation.

    3. Man never had a chance; he was born into sin (Original Sin).

B.   Man is in need of a Savior to rescue him.

    1.  Advent is a season of repentance and hope.

    2.  Hope exists only through the promised Savior.

II. Savior of the Nations Come

A.   Born of a Virgin

    1. Marvel how the Lord chose such a birth.

    2. Born not by human flesh and blood, but by the Spirit of God.

B. Lived a Perfect life

    1.  Born pure and fresh, without original sin, to conquer sin.

    2. Fulfilled the Law

    3. Disowned by the world.

C. Victory over Sin

    1. From the Father forth He came and returneth to the same.

    2. Captive leading death and hell – High the song of triumph swell.

    3. Hast o’er sin the victory won.

D.   Our Savior comes to us

    1. Brightly doth Thy manger shine, glorious is its light divine.

    2. He comes to us in our Baptism.

    3. He comes to us in the Lord’s Supper.