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