THE COMING OF THE LORD

"The Coming of the Lord" by Pepper Choplin is a vibrant, rhythmic anthem that captures the urgent, joyful anticipation of the Advent season. Drawing its text from the prophetic calls to "make the highway straight" and "lift up your heads, O gates," the piece moves with an energetic pulse that keeps both the choir and the congregation leaning forward. It is a perfect fit for the early weeks of Advent, setting a tone of active preparation rather than passive waiting.

As the anthem unfolds, the vocal parts weave together familiar scriptural promises—the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, and the lame leaping for joy. Choplin brilliantly layers the classic "O come, O come, Emmanuel" melody over the driving rhythmic motif, creating a moment in the choir loft where ancient longing meets immediate, joyful expectation. The dynamic shifts and syncopated entrances require the choir to stay alert, mirroring the very message of the song: staying awake and ready for God's glory to descend.

Singing this piece feels like an invitation to wake up the whole parish. By the time the final, triumphant "Rejoice! Emmanuel, our God will come to us" rings out, the music has built a palpable sense of hope. It is a wonderful choice for an Entrance or Offertory during Advent, reminding everyone in the pews that the waiting is almost over and the promised Lord is on His way.