Saturday prior to Proper 28

 

Luke 21:25-36 - Our reading is the inspiration for the hymn; “The Day is Surely Drawing Near.” As the Church year comes to a close, so we look to the time of Christ’s second coming. We need not fear these days for we are confident of Him who orders our days and directs our path.

This coming Sunday we will be singing the seven verse hymn, “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” The text for “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” was composed by Bartholomäus Ringwaldt (1532-99). The melody in our hymnal is the original one. The setting is the one used in The Lutheran Hymnal, which explains how most of our members have come to know the hymn. Ringwaldt was one of the most prolific hymn writers of his generation. In addition to this hymn, the hymn “O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace” (LSB 693) in our hymnal was written by him.

Like most all early hymns, the title of the hymn is simply the first line of the hymn. The text follows.

The day is surely drawing near
When Jesus, God’s anointed,
In all His power shall appear
As judge whom God appointed.
Then fright shall banish idle mirth,
And flames on flames shall ravage earth
As Scripture long has warned us.

Through all of our trials in life, Christians can encourage brothers and sisters in the faith by reminding one another of our glorious future. The final stanza is one of encouragement and hope.

O Jesus Christ, do not delay,
But hasten our salvation;
We often tremble on our way
In fear and tribulation.
O hear and grant our fervent plea:
Come, mighty judge, and set us free
From death and ev’ry evil.

Collect for Proper 28 –Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You.  Dispel from us the works of darkness and grant us to live in the light of Your Son Jesus Christ, that our faith may never be found wanting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Sources

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.