Paul Manz was a prolific church music composer who left us with a large repertoire of organ and choral music. I have several of his organ collections. He mainly wrote hymn-based settings for the organ, and his collections are must-haves for many organists. E’en So Lord Jesus is undoubtedly his most well-known and most-performed anthem. Just about every church choir in America knows this gorgeous piece. Although it was not conceived as an Advent text, per say, it’s fittingly appropriate for this Sunday’s lessons.

At the top of the music are inscribed the words, For John. This anthem was written by both Paul and Ruth Manz in 1953. At the time, their three-year-old son was critically ill. Ruth Manz wrote, “I think we’d reached the point where we felt that time was certainly running out, so we committed it to the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus quickly come'”. While at his son’s bedside, Paul Manz began sketching out the notes of this anthem. Ruth wrote the text, based off of words from the book of Revelation. The good news is that their son did recover and the couple attributed the recovery to the power of prayer.

What fascinates me about this story, and consequently this anthem, is how artistic expression can be triggered by challenging circumstances. We are often fearful of painful experiences, but so many times life breaks us “open” through challenge. Within this opening, hearts can pour out expressiveness. Many composers in history had tragic stories which prompted them to create masterpieces that we all enjoy. This anthem is a perfect example of how art can heal us. By sketching notes on a staff, Manz transmutes the pang of suffering into the peace of God. Somehow, the music illustrates God’s healing energy. Tragedy can be so gut-wrenching, that once the inner core is “squeezed,” the dimension to artistically express oneself is exposed. This anthem is a perfect example of that creative quality that is often exposed by our utter desperation for God’s grace, especially in times of despair.

We’ve all had these kinds of painful experiences in life. This anthem tells a story that we can all relate to. If you love someone and have lost them or have seen them suffer, you understand. But rather than dwelling on the scars, let music help you to dwell on the mystery of love that is always present within. Be reminded that on the other side of tragedy lies God’s grace, healing, and eternal peace. Soli deo Gloria!