Verses on Various Occasions · Chapter
Advent—Lauds explained
A hymn for Advent Lauds that calls the soul to awaken from its earthly slumber, announces the coming of Christ as a forgiving Lamb, and anticipates His return in judgment while offering praise to the Trinity.
What happens
A hymn for Advent Lauds that calls the soul to awaken from its earthly slumber, announces the coming of Christ as a forgiving Lamb, and anticipates His return in judgment while offering praise to the Trinity.
Themes in this chapter
Sin and Redemption
The hymn calls sinners to hasten for forgiveness, emphasizing Christ's role as a pardoning Lamb.
The Church and Tradition
The structure of Advent Lauds reflects the liturgical tradition of the Church's daily prayer.
Characters to notice
- Christ
Announced as the coming Lamb from Heaven who grants pardon and returns in light.
- Sinner
Earth-bound soul called to awake and hasten to be forgiven.
- Father, Son, and Paraclete
Praised as the eternal Three and One in Heaven.
Key passages
“Hark, a joyful voice is thrilling, And each dim and winding way Of the ancient Temple filling; Dreams, depart! for it is day.”
Listen, a joyful cry resounds, filling every dark and twisting path of the old Temple; illusions, vanish! because the light has come.
The opening lines announce the arrival of Christ, dispelling the shadows of the old covenant.
“Lo! to grant a pardon free, Comes a willing Lamb from Heaven; Sad and tearful, hasten we, One and all, to be forgiven.”
Behold! A Lamb who willingly comes from Heaven to offer free forgiveness; let us, sorrowful and weeping, hurry together to receive pardon.
Christ is depicted as the sacrificial Lamb who freely offers redemption, calling all to repentance.