December 12, Sem. Solomon Spangler

Lift up your heads, you everlasting doors And weep no more! O Zionʼs daughter, sing, To greet your coming King; Now wave the victorʼs palm And sing the ancient psalm: “Lift up your heads, you everlasting gates!” Your King awaits!

Who is this King of great and glorious fame? What is His name? Lord God of Sabaoth, Of whom the prophets wrote, Whose chosen, humble steed Declares Him king indeed! Hosanna, Lord! Messiah, come and save From sin and grave.

Who may ascend Mount Zionʼs holy hill To do Godʼs will? The One whose unstained hands Can meet the Lawʼs demands, Whose purity within Reveals One free from sin. Come, praise this King who claims the cross as throne— Praise Him alone!

“Worthy is Christ!” The Lamb who once was slain Now lives to reign. He rules our earthly ways As Lord of Ancient Days— O, join the endless song Sung by the ransomed throng: “Worthy is Christ!” The Lamb be praised again! Amen! Amen!

This hymn primarily addresses Christ as King. This title emphasizes Christ’s sovereignty and power, but even within this focus, there are multiple aspects that the hymn unpacks for us. A king is one who orders and governs the land. The king determines right and wrong and ensures justice is carried out when a criminal transgresses the law. In the words of the hymn, Christ “rules our earthly ways.” We are called to live according to God’s Word.

But our king is no tyrant. The good king is not only one who rules the land, but also protects His people and hears their petitions. Just so, our Lord hears our petitions when we plead, “Messiah come and save, from sin and grave.” Although we deserve only death for our sins, God has mercy on the repentant and offers forgiveness through His Son. It is through Christ alone that we find forgiveness of our sins. It is only in “The One whose unstained hands can meet the Law’s demands” that we find salvation and hope, for our hands are stained with the guilt of blood. But in Baptism, we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection. He has taken our stain upon himself in His death and resurrection.

Christ Academy: High School Student, 2014-2015