The watchers on the mountain proclaim the Bridegroom near; go forth as he approaches, with alleluias clear. The marriage feast is waiting; the gates wide open stand. Arise, O heirs of glory; the Bridegroom is at hand.
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I am always amazed at how the Lutheran hymnody is able to beautifully and meaningfully reflect Scripture in so many ways. The truths expressed through words and music can be as relevant to us today as to the Israelites, God's chosen people of old.
In Biblical times, a tower of the flock (v. 1) was literally a structure from which shepherds could watch their sheep. Today's reading refers to the Tower of Ader. It was located just outside of Bethlehem, where the Jews expected the Messiah to be revealed, fulfilling God's promise to restore the line of David ("the former dominion").
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Although Micah prophesied an actual redemption of Israel (from 70 years' captivity in Babylon - v. 10)
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, it is easy to see why these verses are included in our Advent readings.
Like the Israelites, we too are waiting for redemption from our earthly bondage - bondage that takes different forms for God's people around the world. For some, it may be actual slavery. For others, it may manifest as fear or failure, discrimination or despair, lack of resources or loss of relationships, or anything else that keeps us from fully embracing the hope and joy we have in Jesus.
Could it be that the watchers on the mountain in our Advent hymn are those very "shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks by night" who were foretold in this prophecy?
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Can this hymn remind us that Jesus, the Bridegroom, redeems us from the sin that chains us down, so we can go forth singing the same Alleluias as the angels on that first Christmas? Can we in turn proclaim Christ to the world, so that all who are bound may be released and enter the gates to join the Feast that has no end?
As we await the coming of the Messiah, in a world that often leaves us worn and weary, we can sing and pray with faith...
