Advent (Day 19)

Dec 19, 2013

People, look east!

The guest is on the way …

 

A hymn for this, the third Thursday of Advent.

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“People, Look East”

 

People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Guest is on the way.

Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there.
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Rose is on the way.

Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the bird, is on the way.

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim,
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as the sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Star, is on the way.

Angels announce with shouts of mirth,
Him who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.

 

Words: Eleanor Farjeon, 1928
Music: ‘Besançon’, traditional French carol

5 Comments

  1. Gwen Acres

    Love, The Lord, is on the way.

    Says it all! Hallelujah and Amen!

    Reply
    • Christie Purifoy

      Yes, such good news! Thank you for being here, Gwen.

      Reply
  2. kelli

    “one more light the bowl shall brim”
    love being introduced to such beauty here- thank you!

    Reply
  3. Diana Trautwein

    This one I know – and LOVE. Thanks so much for reminding me. I’ve just loved your series, Christie. Thanks so much for all of it.

    Reply
    • Christie Purifoy

      An Advent point for you, Diana! Ok, kidding, but I’d never heard this hymn before this year. I love it, too!

      Reply

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