“Be silent, all people, before the LORD; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” (Zechariah 2:13, NRSV)
Sunday morning's meditation was on the hymn, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence." In this time of Advent, we pray, Lord, that you might prepare us for Your coming to be with us in human vesture. Help us to hear the voice of John crying out in the wilderness, preparing Your way. As we consider the frightful imagery of the hosts of heaven, rank on rank, coming to vanquish the powers of hell, we wonder in amazement at your pending arrival as a tiny baby in a manger. Amen.
Let all mortal flesh keep silence
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in his hand
Christ our God to earth descending
Comes our homage to demand.King of kings yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth he stood,
Lord of lords in human vesture,
In the body and the blood,
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heavenly food.Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads it vanguard on the way
As the Light of Light, descending
From the realms of endless day,
Comes the powers of hell to vanquish
As the darkness clears away.At his feet the six winged seraph,
Cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the presence
As with ceaseless voice they cry:
"Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!"