December 22nd : O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, the cornerstone uniting all people: Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.
Due to copyright, I cannot reproduce the text of this hymn. However, it can be found int he Lutheran Service Book #343 or here.
This hymn was penned by Finnish poet Frans Mikael Franzén in 1812. Born in 1772, he was a professor in Finland, but left in the 1830s for Sweden after Russia conquered his homeland. While in Sweden, he was made a priest and later a bishop, and his poetry was considered a voice of “peace” and “love” amidst a time of great war. Interestingly, his poetry appears to have been much better than his hymnody, and this hymn seems to be the only one that has circulated much at all. He died in service to his flock in 1847, much loved by his people. The original hymn actually had six verses, but when it was translated in 1978, only four verses were included. Franzén adopted a Swedish version of a German Folk tune from 1693 for his hymn, called BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN. The tune was found in a handful of Swedish hymn-books in the later part of the 17th century, though the arrangement we recognize today is from the 20th century. This hymn, perfect for both the Advent season and Palm Sunday, is a wonderful reminder of God’s coming to us as King of all nations, Savior of the world.
Today is the sixth day of the O Antiphons, and on it we remember Christ as the King of the nations: our ruler, foundation, and savior. While Ad Te Levavi Sunday was a couple weeks ago, this hymn is perfect for the Advent season. Through the text, we are reminded of the first coming of our Lord, of John the Baptizer fulfilling the words of Isaiah as he prepared the way, of the triumphal entry, and of the second coming of Christ! (Isa. 40:3, Matt. 3:3; Luke 3:3-6; John 12:12-15) This hymn is a perfect blending of all of Scripture, of prophecy and its fulfillment. While Advent is a time of hopeful waiting, this song is so full of present joy. You feel the Christmas rejoicing, you hear the Palm Sunday exclamations! (Mark 11:10; Luke 2:14) The ways are made straight, the path is strewn with palm and cloak to smooth the rough places, the gates are open! (Isa. 40:3-5; Matt. 21:8; Luke 1:68-79) Let the King of Glory enter! (Psalm 24) Let Him enter our world; let Him enter our hearts! And who is this King of Glory? He is the King of the nations, who rules and saves us, a king like no other. As the last verse tells us, His kingdom is from above and will bring true peace, freedom, justice, truth, love, and kindness. (Isa. 9:1-7, 11:1-10; John 18:36) God’s Word is trustworthy; He keeps His promises (2 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 21:5, 22:6). Salvation has come! The King of kings has been born and dwelt among us (John 1:14). So we shout today our praise that sounded at creation, over Bethlehem, and in Jerusalem: Hosanna to the Lord! God’s Word is fulfilled in Him.
Blessings to you and yours,
~Madelyn Rose Craig
“343.Prepare the Royal Highway.” The Lutheran Service Book. 2006.
Anthology of Swedish Lyrics from 1750-1915. Vol. 9. University of Michigan. 2008. pp. 268-69.
“Bereden väg för Herran.” Svenska Wikipedia.
“FRANZEN, Frans Michael.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. 9th ed. Vol. 9.
Cronholm, Neander Nicolas. A History of Sweden from the Earliest Times to the Present Day. Vol. 2. 1902. p. 328.
Madelyn Rose Craig 