Faith Practice, the Exercise

A Hymn for Meditation

Hark, the glad sound!hymnal

Hark, the glad sound! The Savior comes,
The Savior promised long;
Let every heart prepare a throne
And every voice a song.

He comes the prisoners to release,
In Satan’s bondage held.
The gates of brass before him burst,
The iron fetters yield. 

He comes the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of his grace
To enrich the humble poor.

Our glad hosannas, Prince of peace,
Your welcome shall proclaim,
And heaven’s eternal arches ring
With your beloved name.

                Philip Doddridge

  • This joyful hymn of in celebration of Christmas includes the phrase “The Savior promised long.” Can you think of three places in the Old Testament where the Savior is promised?
  • Isaiah spoke of the promises named in the second verse. The fulfillment is described in the New Testament. Do you know where Christ claimed the fulfillment of this prophecy? (See Luke 4:16-21) What stories about Jesus show how he fulfilled it?
  • Have you prepared a throne for the Savior in your heart? What does it mean? (See Luke 9:23 and 1 Corinthians 3:16)
  • What image from the story of Jesus’ birth comes to mind when you read the final verse? What do you do at Christmas that welcomes Christ this way?