This Is the Spirit's Entry Now Meaning, History, and Theology
"This is the Spirit's entry now"
- Written
- 1972
- Category
- Hymn
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Story
This Is the Spirit's Entry Now is a baptismal hymn by Thomas E. Herbranson set to the tune AZMON by Carl G. Glaser and arranged by Lowell Mason. The hymn celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of baptism and reflects Lutheran theological understanding of water, word, and new birth in Christ.
Overview
This Is the Spirit's Entry Now is a contemporary Lutheran baptismal hymn that celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of baptism. Written by Thomas E. Herbranson, the text reflects the theological language and imagery of Lutheran liturgy.
The hymn emphasizes the visible and audible signs of baptism water, word, and the sign of the cross. These elements point to God's promise that the Spirit enters the believer's life through Christ.
Pastorally the hymn reminds the church that baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. The song invites both congregation and newly baptized believers to recognize the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit.
Historical Background
Thomas Edward Herbranson wrote This Is the Spirit's Entry Now during the twentieth century liturgical renewal within Lutheran churches. This movement sought to restore strong sacramental language and biblical imagery to congregational hymnody.
The text was intentionally crafted for use in baptismal services and confirmations. By pairing a modern theological text with the classic hymn tune AZMON, the hymn bridges historic church music with contemporary liturgical reflection.
The tune AZMON originated with German composer Carl Gotthelf Glaser and was later adapted and popularized in English hymnody by Lowell Mason. Its familiar structure makes it well suited for congregational singing in sacramental worship.
Biblical Foundations
The hymn is deeply rooted in New Testament teachings about baptism and the Holy Spirit. Acts describes baptism as the moment when believers receive the promise of the Spirit.
Paul's writings emphasize that baptism unites believers with Christ's death and resurrection. Through this sacrament Christians participate in the new life that Christ brings.
Other biblical texts describe baptism as a washing of rebirth and renewal by the Spirit. These themes form the theological foundation for the hymn's language about entry into the life of faith.
Verse Explanation
The opening stanza describes the moment of baptism as the entry of the Spirit into the believer's life. The water and the word represent the sacramental signs through which God acts.
The reference to the cross on the brow recalls the traditional baptismal gesture marking the baptized as belonging to Christ. This symbol points to the saving work of Jesus.
The stanza concludes by describing the seal of baptism as both felt and heard. The sacrament engages both physical signs and spoken promises, uniting visible and audible expressions of grace.
Theological Reflection
The hymn reflects a sacramental understanding of baptism. Water and word together convey God's promise and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Another key theme is the doctrine of new birth. Through baptism believers enter the community of faith and receive the assurance of God's grace.
The hymn also emphasizes the visible signs of Christian identity, such as the sign of the cross. These symbols remind the church that believers belong to Christ and live under his promise.
Church Impact
This Is the Spirit's Entry Now has become a meaningful hymn within Lutheran liturgical traditions, particularly during baptismal services. Its theological clarity helps congregations reflect on the meaning of the sacrament.
The hymn contributes to the broader renewal of sacramental hymnody in modern worship. By combining biblical language with classical hymn music, it reinforces the church's teaching on baptism.
In many congregations the hymn is sung during baptisms, confirmations, or services focused on the work of the Holy Spirit.
Musical Notes
The hymn is commonly sung to the tune AZMON, a melody originally composed by Carl Gotthelf Glaser and later adapted by Lowell Mason. The tune follows the common meter pattern used by many traditional hymns.
Its balanced phrasing and moderate tempo make it accessible for congregational singing. Because of its familiarity, many congregations already know the melody from other hymns.
When paired with Herbranson's baptismal text, the tune provides a dignified and reflective musical setting appropriate for sacramental worship.
Application
- Remember baptism as the beginning of life in Christ.
- Celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
- Teach the meaning of baptism to new Christians and children.
- Use baptismal imagery to encourage faith and assurance.
- Reflect on the promises of God spoken through water and word.
Discussion Questions
- What does the hymn teach about the role of the Holy Spirit in baptism?
- Why are water and the word both important in the sacrament?
- How does baptism unite believers with Christ?
- What does the sign of the cross symbolize in Christian life?
- How can remembering baptism strengthen faith and assurance?
Teaching Tips
- Explain the biblical meaning of baptism before singing the hymn.
- Discuss the symbolism of water and the sign of the cross.
- Invite newly baptized members to reflect on the promises of baptism.
- Connect the hymn to Scripture readings about baptism and the Holy Spirit.
- Encourage congregations to remember their own baptism while singing.
Sources
-
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology
-
Hymnary.org
-
The Oxford Handbook of Hymnology
-
Evangelical Lutheran Worship Companion
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Sheet Music
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