Hymn of the Day: “Comfort, Comfort Now My People” ELW 256
Text: Johann G. Olearius(1631-1711) tr. Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878)
Tune: FREU DICH SEHR
The text for the Hymn of the Day is a versification of Isaiah 40:1-5, the passage that opens the final large group of prophecies in Isaiah 40-66. Many of these prophecies express consolation and hope that Judah's exile in Babylon is almost over. That is certainly the tone of 40: 1-5-words of comfort forecasting a new reign but also words that call for proper preparation–that is, repentance.
The original German hymn text was written by Johannes Olearius in 1671 for St. John the Baptist's Day, June 24. He published it in his huge collection of hymns, Geistliche Singe-Kunst. The collection contained more than twelve hundred hymns in its first edition and it is considered one of the largest and most important German hymn-books of the 17th century. The hymns may best be described as useful, being for times and seasons previously overlooked and filling up many gaps in the various sections of the German hymn-books. They are mostly short, many of only two verses, simple and easy to comprehend, often happy in expression and catching, and embodying in a concise form the leading ideas of the season or subject. Many were speedily adopted into German hymn-books, and a considerable number are still in use.
The tune associated with this hymn text has two names: GENEVAN 42 and FREU DICH SEHR. The title that is used depends on the church tradition through which a particular hymnal acquired the tune. Those from a Reformed background call it GENEVAN 42, because it was used for Psalm 42 in the French Genevan Psalter. It is likely that Louis Bourgeois (1510-1559) either composed or adapted this tune for the Genevan Psalter. Lutherans call the tune FREU DICH SEHR because those are the opening words of a funeral hymn that this tune was paired with in Rhamba's Harmoniae sacrae (1613).
Catherine Winkworth translated the text into English in 1863. Winkworth is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women.
Offertory: “Come Quickly, Lord Jesus” Mark Schweizer (1956-2019)
A native of Florida, Mark Schweizer received music degrees from Stetson University in Deland, Florida and the University of Arizona including a doctoral degree in vocal performance. He returned to teach at Stetson University from 1982 to 1985 followed by eight years on the music faculty of Louisiana College. Mark lived in North Carolina where he served as editor of St. James Music Press. He is the author of fifteen “Liturgical Mystery” novels, as well as other books, and several opera and musical librettos. His musical compositions can be found in the catalogs of many publishers.
The text is by the composer, referencing the "O Antiphons."
O come now Lord Jesus, our Dayspring, our Cheer,
And lift up our spirits by your Advent here.
The herald is calling, his cry we obey,
In deserts and valleys, “Prepare God a way.”
O come, Root of Jesse, O come now and free
Your people, Your children, from death’s tyranny.
The poor and the needy who suffer great wrong
Give strength and give justice and bid them be strong.
O come Key of David, our hearts open wide.
Our path, guard with safety and lead us on high.
Make straight what was crooked and rough places plain,
Make hard hearts be humble for God’s holy reign.
Come quickly Lord Jesus, as dawn follows night,
Creator, Redeemer, the people’s true light,
Let all things on earth and in heaven adore,
And own you as Savior and King evermore.
Opening Voluntary: “Once He Came in Blessing” (Gottes Sohn ist kommen) John Leavitt (1956)
Michael Weiss, a pastor among the Bohemian Brethren and a contemporary with Luther composed the tune GOTTES SOHN IST KOMMEN (Once He Came in Blessing) and also wrote the text. A well-known hymn tune, GOTTES SOHN IST KOMMEN is set above a lilting counter melody based on “Of the Father’s Love” The repetitive motives and ornamental figures are a recognizable element of John Leavitt’s compositional style.
A composer, performer, and clinician for church and school music literature, John Leavitt continues to teach, lecture, and guest conduct numerous workshops, festivals, and symposia.
Closing Voluntary: "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” (Savior of the Nations, Come), Paul Siefert (1586-1666)
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” is first documented as a Roman Catholic Latin hymn based upon Gregorian chant in manuscript form. This setting is one of a set of variations by Paul Siefert, who was a German composer, organist and music theorist. He was a prolific composer, who was always quarreling with the Kapellmeisters for not doing justice to the performance of his works.