The Music of Advent – Part 2

The Music of Advent – Part 2                                    

From the Judean wilderness one could hear the cries of John the Baptist, “… Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. … Prepare the way of the LORD …” (Matthew 3:2-3). 

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Whether from curiosity or a yearning heart, crowds gathered to see and hear this unusual man, clothed in camel’s hair and known to eat locust and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). John was Jesus’ own cousin and the one Isaiah prophesied of as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness” (Isaiah 40:3: Matthew 3:3). 

This John is the baptizer the hymn writer, Charles Coffin, is speaking of, announcing “that the Lord is nigh. Awake and harken, for he brings glad tidings of the King of kings!”*

Coffin, (1676-1749), rector of the University of Paris, wrote many hymns and poems, mostly in Latin. “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry” was translated into English between 1837 and 1841 by John Chandler, one of the most successful translators of the day.

Be blessed as you read the lyrics and listen to this old hymn:  

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh.
Awake and harken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings!

2 Then cleansed be every life from sin:
make straight the way for God within,
and let us all our hearts prepare
for Christ to come and enter there.

3 We hail you as our Savior, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward.
Without your grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.

4 Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and make us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine
and fill the world with love divine.

5 All praise to you, eternal Son,
whose advent has our freedom won,
whom with the Father we adore,
and Holy Spirit, evermore.   (Public Domain)

Enjoy listening on YouTube:    https://youtu.be/N2_30G2fJmU

In the comment section, below, please tell us your favorite Advent hymn and special memories or traditions you enjoy.

May God richly bless you during this glorious season.

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford