Simple Short Daily Prayer Books Series Book 2

Advent Season Christian Songs P5

Hymn 345: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
Hymnal Note: The voice of John the Baptist proclaims that Christ's coming is near— news that thrills the longing hearts of all believers.
Text: Latin c. 5th-10th cent translated Edward Caswall, 1814-78 alt.
Music: William H. Monk 1823-89

Verse 1: Hark! A thrilling Voice is sounding! "Christ is near." we hear it say.
"Cast away the works of darkness all you children of the day!"

Verse 2: Startled at the solemn warning let the earthbound soul arise.
Christ its sun all sloth dispelling shines upon the morning skies.

Verse 3: See the Lamb so long expected comes with pardon down from heav'n.
Let us haste with tears of sorrow one and all to be forgiv'n.

Verse 4: So when next He comes in glory and the world is wrapped in fear.
He will shield us with His mercy and with words of Love draw near.

Verse 5: Honor, glory, might, dominion to the Father and the Son with the ever living Spirit while eternal ages run!

Hymn 346: When All The Word Was Cursed
Text: Johann Gotfried Olearius, 1635-1711 translated Paul E. Kretzmann 1883-1965.
Music: Ahasverus Fritsch 1629-1701.

Verse 1: When all the world was cursed by Moses' condemnation.
(Author of Prayer Book Note: "'Moses' condemnation'? really?!" The Bible makes it clear sin began before Moses was even born with Adam & Eve even so Moses did make plenty of mistakes but still sin was already tightly mixed within the world._Lumna10.)
Saint John the Baptist came with words of consolation.
With true forerunner's zeal the greater One he named
And Him as yet unknown as Savior he proclaimed.

Verse 2: Before he yet was born he leaped in joyful meeting confessing Him as Lord whose mother he was greeting.
By Jordan's rolling stream a new Elijah bold
He testified of Him of whom the prophets told.

Verse 3: Behold the Lamb of God that bears the world's transgression
Whose Sacrifice removes the Devil's oppression.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away our sin
Who for our peace and joy will full atonement win.

Verse 4: O grant dear Lord of Love that we receive rejoicing
The words proclaimed by John our true repentance voicing
That gladly we may walk upon our Savior's way
Until we live with Him in His Eternal Day.

Hymn 347: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
Text: Johann Olearius 1611-84; translated Catherine Winkworth 1827-78
Music/Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, Geneva 1551.

Verse 1: "Comfort, comfort ye My people. Speak ye peace." thus saith our God.
"Comfort those who sit in darkness mourning 'neath their sorrows' load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them.
Tell her that her sins I cover and her warfare now is over.

Verse 2: Yea, her sins our God will pardon blotting out each dark misdeed.
All that well deserved His anger He no more will see or heed.
She hath suffered many a day now her griefs have passed away.
God will change her pining sadness into ever springing gladness!

Verse 3: Hark the herald's voice is crying in the desert far and near.
Calling sinners to repentance since the Kingdom now is here.
O that warning cry obey! Now Prepare for God a way!
Let the valleys rise to meet Him and the hills bow down to greet Him.

Verse 4: Make ye straight what long was crooked. Make the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble as befits His holy reign for the glory of the Lord.
Now o'er the earth is shed abroad and all flesh shall see the token that His Word is never broken.