Sharper Iron — The Hymns of Advent: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns

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Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #348, “The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns.”

This hymn by John Brownlie helps us to meditate on Christ’s second coming through the imagery of the dawn of the morning. Picture the sun’s first rays lighting the hills; the glory of Christ’s second coming far surpasses that. Jesus came the first time as a little child to bear our sin and be our Savior; His second coming will be crowned with great glory. As bright and as glorious as Christ’s resurrection on Easter was, Christ’s second coming will be even brighter and more glorious. On that Day, we will see the beauty of His face, and so we pray for Him to come quickly as our King.

“The Hymns of Advent” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming. The hymns of Advent teach that this is more than getting ready for Christmas; the Word of the Lord sung in hymnody helps us to receive Christ as He comes to us now in the means of grace and when He comes again in glory on the Last Day.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Lutheran Service Book 348

1 The King shall come when morning dawns
And light triumphant breaks,
When beauty gilds the eastern hills
And life to joy awakes.

2 Not as of old a little child,
To bear and fight and die,
But crowned with glory like the sun
That lights the morning sky.

3 Oh, brighter than the rising morn
When Christ, victorious rose
And left the lonesome place of death
Despite the rage of foes.

4 Oh, brighter than that glorious morn
Shall dawn upon our race
The day when Christ in splendor comes
And we shall see His face.

5 The King shall come when morning dawns
And light and beauty brings.
Hail, Christ the Lord! Your people pray:
Come quickly, King of kings!

Text: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns
Author: John Brownlie, 1859-1925
Tune: CONSOLATION
Arranger: Paul J. Grime, b. 1958