The Lord began a work in John

The Lord began a work in John, 

then dwelling in the wilderness.

Repentance was the word he gave 

to those all bound in sin’s distress.

“Prepare the way now for the Lord, 

            and make his paths all straight and true.”

 

The Lord began a work in you

            before you e’er could know or say, 

And that same Lord will see that work

            until the coming of that day, 

That day of Christ, our saving Lord, 

            whose word is faithful, just and true.

 

Now as this work in you goes on,

            we pray your love may overflow

With knowledge and with insight sure,

            that you might see the way to go;

Onward to Jesus Christ, our Lord,

            who keeps you blameless, pure, and true.

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, January 2021, after Luke 3:1-6 and Philippians 1:3-11 (Advent 2C)

MUSIC: Tune SUSSEX CAROL, English carol; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1912

 

 

Part of the Advent Hymnary project