“Give me some of that old time religion” is the way an old gospel song from 1873 begins. For many people the old songs of the faith are the best and touch the heart in such a special way that the sentiment expressed in that old gospel song rings true for them. This Advent season we hear the old songs all around us. The great Christmas hymns and carols are playing in stores and malls all around the country these pre-Christmas days. And though some people will say they tire of them quickly, I believe there is still that part of each person’s memories that perks up at the familiar tunes that have come to mean so much. And I’ll admit that even though hearing the Christmas songs before Halloween was too early for me, I still love the songs.
Here at Bethlehem however we are trying to save those good old songs for the actual Christmas season while we sing some songs that are even older. This church year which began on November 29 with the first Sunday of Advent we began what we call the Year of Luke. From now on the readings for our Sunday and Wednesday services will revolve primarily around the Gospel of Luke. That provides us, especially in Advent, with some wonderful opportunities to sing songs with very old lyrics in addition to our customary Advent hymns. This Advent we will be singing the lyrics of songs that were sung just days after Jesus was born, months prior to Jesus’s birth, and even centuries before Caesar Augustus’ Rome was ever established and created a world census that would send Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. As I like to say, that is some old time religion for sure!
Each week we will be singing a song in particular which I recommend to all of you as we move closer to the celebration of Christmas. The lyrics are right in your Bible, Luke 2:29-32. We don’t know the tune anymore, but we all have the words. And perhaps you have already been singing this song as part of your own liturgies. This song has become known in so many traditions as the Nunc Dimittus which are the Latin words with which it begins. The song is Simeon’s song that poured out of his heart as he beheld and then held the baby Jesus less than two months after our Savior was born.
“Lord, now lettest thou thy
servant depart in peace,
according to thy word;
for mine eyes have seen thy
salvation which thou hast
prepared in the presence of
all peoples,
a light for revelation to the
nations, and for glory to thy
people Israel.”
(Lk. 2:29-32 RSV)
And the ancient songs continue each week. On the week of December 6 we will include the song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79) commonly known as the Benedictus. On the week of December 13 we will sing portions of Isaiah’s song (Isaiah 12:2-6). And on the week of December 20 we will sing Mary’s song the great Magnificat. (Luke 1: 46-55)
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God
my Savior,
for he has regarded the
lowliness of his servant.
Surely from now on all
generations will called me
blessed;
For the Mighty One has done
great things for me,
And holy is his name.”
Luke. 1: 46-49 NRSV
I encourage all to open the pages of your Bibles this Advent. While the world prepares for Christmas, take some time yourselves and prepare for Christ. May these old time songs from sacred scripture enrich your season.
Each month a member of the Cook County Ministerium will offer Spiritual Reflections. This month our contributor is Reverend Mark Ditmanson of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.
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