Savior of the Nations Come (Hymn)

Savior of the Nations Come is a timeless Christian hymn that proclaims the Incarnation of Christ, His victory over sin and death, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Rooted in Scripture, this powerful Advent song invites believers to worship Jesus as the promised Savior who brings salvation to all nations.

VERSE 1
Savior of the nations, come,
Virgin’s Son, make here Thy home!
Marvel now, O heaven and earth,
That the Lord chose such a birth.

VERSE 2
Not of flesh and blood the Son,
Offspring of the Holy One;
Born of Mary ever blest,
God in flesh is manifest.

VERSE 3
Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child
of the Virgin undefiled!
Though by all the world disowned,
Still to be in heaven enthroned.

VERSE 4
From the Father forth He came
And returneth to the same,
Captive leading death and hell,
High the song of triumph swell!

VERSE 5
Thou, the Father’s only Son,
Hast o’er sin the victory won.
Boundless shall Thy kingdom be;
When shall we its glories see?

VERSE 6
Praise to God the Father sing.
Praise to God the Son, our King.
Praise to God the Spirit be
Ever and eternally.

Story Behind the Song

In the 4th century, Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, composed the Latin hymn “Veni, Redemptor Gentium” to affirm the divinity of Christ amidst the Arian controversy, which questioned Jesus’ divine nature. This hymn became a cornerstone of early Christian worship. [1]

In the 16th century, Martin Luther translated Ambrose’s hymn into German as “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,” aiming to make theological truths accessible to the common people. This translation was included in the first Lutheran hymnals published in 1524. [2]

The hymn has been a significant part of Advent worship for centuries, inspiring various musical settings, including works by Johann Sebastian Bach. [3]

Today, “Savior of the Nations, Come” continues to be sung during Advent, inviting believers to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation and the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation.