# Advent—Lauds explained — Verses on Various Occasions

> Chapter companion for Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cliii-advent-lauds
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters