Desire of every nation,
Light of the Gentiles, Thou!
In fervent adoration
Before Thy throne we bow;
Our hearts and tongues adore Thee,
Blest Dayspring from the skies.
Like incense sweet before Thee,
Permit our songs to rise. Thou Herald of the morning,
They who in darkness dwell
Behold Thy brightness dawning
O’er realms of Israel.
With glorious beams unclouded,
Thy all-transcendent light
Dispels the gloom that shrouded
Earth’s dark and dismal night. Arise and shine in splendor,
Thou bright and morning Star!
The Gentiles come to render
Their gifts from realms afar.
The word by prophets spoken
In truth is now fulfilled.
And yearning hearts, once broken,
With sweetest hope are filled. Arise and bring salvation
To all who dwell below,
Let earth in jubilation
Reflect Thy radiant glow.
O long expected Savior,
Thou Hope of Israel,
Let Gentiles gain Thy favor,
And of Thy glory tell. Our Life and Resurrection,
Lord Jesus Christ, Thou art;
O shed Thy light’s reflection
To earth’s remotest part;
Let Gentile tongues confess Thee,
Rejoicing in Thy light,
The ransomed thousands bless Thee,
Thou hast dispelled the night. |
