Savior of the Nations Come

The theme of Luther’s hymn, Savior of the Nations Come, is the glory displayed by Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. Verse two does an exceptional job of presenting the glory of Christ’s birth. It says: “Not by human flesh and blood, by the Spirit of our God, was the Word of God made flesh – Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.” Even though Christ was fully man, “Woman’s offspring,” He was also fully God, “the Word of God made flesh.” Luther goes on to add in verse three, “Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child!” Christ’s birth was remarkable because He didn’t have to come to earth as a lowly baby or at all. But His love for us is unconditional and immutable and so He sacrificed his position in Heaven to redeem the lost. “Marvel now, O heaven and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth,” as stated in verse one reveals that Christ had the power and authority to come as a powerful king yet He chose the most humble state possible, a helpless baby. Above all, Christ’s glory was shown through His death and resurrection. Verse four says: “From the Father forth He came and returneth to the same, captive leading death and hell – High the song of triumph swell!” This verse shows that Christ triumphantly defeated sin and death through His own death and that He rose victoriously to return to His glorified position in Heaven. I think that to an extent every hymn has pathos, and Luther’s hymn is no exception. As Christians, we should be overjoyed listening to this hymn, telling us of all the marvelous works Christ has done for us. We should be excited to hear that Christ chose to live among us, offered Himself in our place, died our death, defeated sin and the devil, and that because of Him we will be in Heaven one day.