O Christ! Come Back to Save Your Folk

Author: Calvin Seerveld

Calvin Seerveld (b. 1930) was professor of aesthetics at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto from 1972 until he retired in 1995. Educated at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan; the University of Michigan; and the Free University of Amsterdam (Ph.D.), he also studied at Basel University in Switzerland, the University of Rome, and the University of Heidelberg. Seerveld began his career by teaching at Bellhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi (1958-1959), and at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois (1959-1972). A fine Christian scholar, fluent in various biblical and modern languages, he is published widely in aesthetics, biblical studies, and philosophy. His books include Take Hold of God and Pull (1966), The Gr… Go to person page >

Scripture References:
st. 3 = Rev. 7:17, Rev. 21:4
st. 4 = Luke 18:42, Ps. 35:5

Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) wrote this text in 1983 for a Christian Reformed congregation in his home city of Toronto, Ontario. Seerveld's impetus for writing the text was his belief that during Advent Christians should focus on Christ's second coming as well as on his first. All five stanzas are a prayer for Christ's return. Seerveld uses fresh language based on traditional biblical images of the Lord's making a new heaven and a new earth.

Written to match 0 HEILAND, REISS DIE HIMMEL AUF, this text was first published in the 1987 Psalter Hymnal.

Liturgical Use:
During Advent when the focus is on Christ's return.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook