Advent hymn: When Isaiah spoke a word

When Isaiah spoke a word of holy grace

Of a child born for the people of his place,

Hope and peace and promise filled that sacred space

At the working of God’s almighty hand.

When the angel Gabriel came to Nazareth town,

Mary’s faith was kindled, God’s great hope to crown;

Joy and peace and promise all came pouring down

Through the working of God’s almighty hand.

When to Bethlehem she came that holy day,

Carrying that child just as our Lord did say,

Love and peace and promise joined her on the way,

For the working of God’s almighty hand.

Let us all give thanks for Who was born that night,

And for Mary’s journey – faith that came to sight,

And that death and darkness all were put to flight

By the working of God’s almighty hand.

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, December 2018 (after liturgy by Anna Traynham)

MUSIC: Tune CRANHAM, Gustav Holst, 1906, adapted