A CAROL FOR ADVENT
Reading edition
"Behold, thy King cometh unto thee."--MATTHEW xxi. 5.
Behold, thy King is coming Upon this earth to reign, To take away oppression And break the captive's chain; Then trim your lamps, ye virgins, Your oil of love prepare, To meet the coming Bridegroom Triumphant in the air. Behold, thy King is coming, Hark! 'tis the midnight cry, The herald's voice proclaimeth The hour is drawing nigh; Then go ye forth to meet Him, With lamps all burning bright, Let sweet hosannahs greet Him, And welcome Him aright. Go decorate your churches With evergreens and flowers, And let the bells' sweet music Resound from all your towers; And sing your sweetest anthems, For lo, your King is nigh, While songs of praise are soaring O'er vale and mountain high. Let sounds of heavenly music From sweet-voiced organs peal, While old and young assembling Before God's "Altar" kneel; In humble adoration Let each one praise and pray, And give the King a welcome This coming Christmas Day.