Monday, Second Week of Advent

Vespers Hymn

Once he came in blessing, all our ills redressing;
Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us, hope and freedom gave us.

Still he comes within us, still his voice would win us;
From the sins that hurt us, would to Truth convert us:
Not in torment hold us, but in love enfold us.

Thus, if you can but name him, not ashamed to claim him,
But will trust him boldly not to love him coldly,
He will then receive you, heal you, and forgive you.

One who can endure, a bright reward secures.
Come, then, O Lord Jesus, from our sins release us;
Let us here confess you till in heaven we bless you.

Jan Roh

We are working through an Advent calender with our three-year-old son again this year, and it has been exciting to see him be captivated by the whole thing. Not one of the candy/chocolate ones, but a nativity picture where each door opens to a verse from either Luke or Matthew. He is enjoying the story being told in this way, but also the challenge of counting how many doors we have opened on the picture!

I like the second verse from the hymn above, "Still he comes within us, still his voice would win us from the sins that hurt us, would to Truth convert us: not in torment hold us, but in love enfold us." It reminds me of the liberating intent of the work of the Spirit of Christ in us. It reminds me of the need to listen to his voice, that I might not be hurt by sinning against God or other people. And also not hurt others by sinning against them, because that seems to always be part of the same thing.