The music for the modern Advent hymn, "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come" was written by the American composer Paul Manz, with lyrics adapted from the Book of Revelation by Ruth Manz, his wife.
The two composed the song in 1953 at the bedside of their three-year-old son, John, who was at death's door with a childhood illness.
John survived, and the hymn stands out at Advent as one that not only integrates the ramifications of Christ's birth, death, resurrection, and Second Coming, but evokes the hopefulness and desperation of those who wait for Him.
"E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come"
Peace be to you and grace from him
Who freed us from our sins,
Who loved us all and shed his blood
That we might saved be.
Sing holy, holy to our Lord,
The Lord, Almighty God,
Who was and is and is to come;
Sing holy, holy, Lord!
Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein,
Rejoice on earth, ye saints below,
For Christ is coming, is coming soon!
E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come,
And night shall be no more;
they need no light nor lamp nor sun,
For Christ will be their all. |
