"Savior of the Nations, Come"

     The hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come" focuses on Christ's coming to Earth, both when he was born of the virgin Mary as a man and when he will come again as our Lord and Savior.  Luther states, "Marvel now, O heaven and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth."  Luther is in awe of Christ's humility and selflessness in leaving Heaven's glory to come to Earth, being born into the worst possible conditions.  He also writes of Christ's sinless life; his awe-inspiring miracles; and his conquering of sin, death, and the devil.  In addition to writing about Christ's birth and life on earth, Luther addresses the glory of heaven that awaits believers.  He claims, "Boundless shall Thy kingdom be... [and] Glorious is its light divine," expressing his anticipation of heaven's grandeur.

     To place emphasis on Christ's glory and purity, Luther frequently uses description, making Christ's righteous characteristics stand out.  In the 2nd stanza, Luther describes Jesus as "pure and fresh," giving the reader a visual representation of Christ.  Later on, he describes Christ's glory, saying "High the song of triumph swell."  The reader can picture the praise of Christ's righteousness growing and "swelling," as he returns to Earth.