Hymn 63 - On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry

This week we study the hymn "On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry" (Hymn 63 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Charles Coffin in the eighteenth century. One of the unique features of Coffin's hymns is that he wrote them in Latin, even though it was a "dead language" when he penned it. This shows the importance that Latin played in the theological language of the Church.

This hymn is found in the Advent section of our hymnal, and highlights the ministry of John the Baptizer who came to prepare the way for Jesus. 

Coffin's point in writing this hymn is that John's work of 21 centuries ago, is just as needed for us today as it was then. We too, need to heed and "harken" to the message of the Baptizer who preached repentance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Join us as we study this hymn about our need to prepare for the Savior, not by decorations or goodies, but through sincere faith and repentance over sin, eagerly looking forward to the coming of Jesus because we NEED Him! "Prepare my heart, Lord Jesus!"