And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts.
-Haggai 2:7
Congregations always enjoy a spirit of levity for Advent hymns. Everyone sings that much louder than usual, in whatever key they can manage. And I wouldn’t call it dancing, per se, but congregations are demonstrably more foot-happy than at any other point in the calendar! This year I’ve been particularly struck by the political imagery of the traditional Advent hymns. The Wesley brothers never shy away from such things, of course. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing has been sung a few times already this Advent, and this year I can’t help contemplating the opening stanza to verse four: “Come, Desire of Nations, Come!” Such an evocative, insistent phrase! A perfect Advent lyric — hopeful and anticipatory. Under the elegant Wesley pen one is perhaps excused for forgetting the scriptural context of the lyric.
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