Hail to the Lord who comes

Verse 1

Hail to the Lord who comes, comes to his temple gate, not with his angel host, not in his kingly state: no shouts proclaim him nigh, no crowds his coming wait.

Verse 2

But borne upon the throne of Mary's gentle breast, watched by her duteous love, in her fond arms at rest; thus to his Father's house he comes, the heavenly guest.

Verse 3

There Joseph at her side in reverent wonder stands; and, filled with holy joy, old Simeon in his hands takes up the promised child, the glory of all lands.

Verse 4

Hail to the great First-born, whose ransom-price they pay, the Son before all worlds, the child of man to-day, that he might ransom us who still in bondage lay.

Verse 5

O Light of all the earth, thy children wait for thee: come to thy temples here, that we, from sin set free, before thy Father's face may all presented be.