DIY Advent: Song of Songs

In the season of Advent, we look to how Christ comes to his church. Couples are invited to celebrate the beauty of Advent at home, in a way that will also enrich your marriages in Christ.

The devotion book Song of Songs: An Advent Devotional for Couples is based on the longest poem in the Bible, a song between a loving husband and wife, as well as a song between God and his people. This booklet gives daily reading and discussion suggestions for couples to use together, as you eagerly look to the coming of Jesus, your heavenly Bridegroom.

Read the Devotional Online

The congregations of Faith Lutheran, Oregon, WI and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Albert Lea, MN have made these booklets available to their congregations as part of a “DIY Advent program,” where families are encouraged to celebrate Advent not only at church, but at home. Candles and simple wreathes complete the “DIY” part, so each family can light the proper candle at home during the weeks of Advent.

Supplemental Media for Each Week of Advent

As part of many of the devotions, listening suggestions are included. Most of these are hymns or Advent/Christmas carols which are based on the Song of Songs. You might be surprised at just how many songs have been inspired by Solomon’s poetry – it is called the “Song of Songs” for a reason!

The listening suggestions are embedded below for easy access.

Advent 1 – Song of Songs 1:1-16

Thursday: “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”

Although not based on Song of Songs, this victorious Advent hymn “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending” (ELH 98) describes the joy we have over our Bridegroom coming.

Advent 2 – Song of Songs 2:1-4:7

Tuesday: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

The medieval hymn “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” (“Behold, a Branch is Growing” ELH 121, CW 47) associates the Rose of Sharon (Song. 2:1) with Christ Himself.

Wednesday: “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPNSRd2ORZA

“Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” is a Christmas carol based on Song of Songs 2:3

Thursday: “Rise Up My Love, My Fair One”

“Rise Up My Love, My Fair One” by Healey Willan (1880-1968) is an Advent carol based on Song of Songs 2

Friday: “Wachet Auf”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URJy-OjtG9o

J.S. Bach’s BWV 140 (Wachet auf), especially both Recitatives and Aries (Duets). The most famous of Lutheran composers, Bach weaves together imagery from Song of Songs in with the parable of the wedding banquet (or Ten Virgins) from Matthew 25, as well as the wedding bliss of the heavenly Jerusalem from Revelation. The chorale (hymn) is often used Advent in the Lutheran Church (“Wake, Awake” ELH 544 / CW 206).

Saturday: Prayers from the Office of Compline (See the final prayer on pg. 139 in CW).

The phrase from Song of Songs, “until the day lengthens and the shadows flee” has been used in a form for nightly evening prayer in this ancient service from the 6th century.

Advent 3 – Song of Songs 4:8-6:10

Tuesday: “Jesus, Your Church With Longing Eyes”

The Advent hymn “Jesus, Your Church with Longing Eyes” (CW 9)

Wednesday: “Christ Hath a Garden Walled Around”

“Christ Hath a Garden Walled Around.” The writer of “Joy to the World,” Isaac Watts, also wrote hymns on each chapter of Song of Songs. This is perhaps among the most clear and beautiful in imagery.

Thursday: “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”

The Advent hymn “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” (ELH 91/92, CW 3/4) gives voice to our expectation of the Advent of Jesus.

Saturday: “The Magnificat”

The “Magnificat,” the song of Mary after she received Jesus by faith, upon hearing the words of the angel.

Advent 4 & Christmas – Song of Songs 6:11-8:14

Friday: “The Advent of Our King”

Listen for the text “O Zion’s daughter rise” in the hymn “The Advent of Our King” (ELH 99)

Christmas: “E’en so, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come.”

Although not a Christmas hymn, the modern Lutheran hymnwriter Paul Manz wrote this hymn imploring Christ to come quickly: “E’en so, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come.”