LSB 332, Savior of the Nations, Come is a favorite hymn during the season of Advent. Learn the story behind the tune, text, and translation of this beloved hymn.

Peter Reske is Senior Editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House.

Learn more about the Lutheran Service Book and the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns.

Show Notes:

In a previous episode on Advent hymns, discussion on LSB 332 Savior of the Nations, Come was missing. This episode covers this specific hymn in depth. Look at the history of the text, tune, and translations of the hymn to get a full picture of the beauty of the hymn.

Enjoy this bonus episode of the Concordia Publishing House podcast where Peter Reske speaks to the depth and richness of the history of Savior of the Nations, Come.

Questions Covered:

• Why is this hymn an Advent favorite?
• Who is credited on this hymn and why are there so many people on that list?
• What are the characteristics of this hymn that can be credited to Ambrose?
• How similar is the Latin chant tone to this hymn?
• What is Luther’s role in this hymn?
• What does the history of the hymn tell us about the Church?
• What are the themes and imagery of this hymn?
• How does the doxology fit into this hymn and its history?
• Have we lost any meaning in the translation?

About the Guest:

Peter C. Reske, senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, holds degrees in English literature and historical musicology from Marquette University and The Pennsylvania State University. He was the editor of Lutheran Service Book and its attendant resources.

About the Host:

Elizabeth Pittman is the senior manager of public relations at Concordia Publishing House. She received degrees from Valparaiso University and the University of Missouri School of Law. It should come as no surprise that Elizabeth is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus. Her life is very busy raising three active sons with her husband.