[20] The Promise Draws Near

[Verse 1 — (Year A imagery: The sign of Emmanuel / Joseph’s dream)] A virgin bears a holy light, A child of promise given; Emmanuel in darkest night, God’s heartbeat come from heaven. Joseph wakes to grace untold, A whispered word so clear: “The name you give is God-with-us— Rejoice, the Lord is near.” O come, O Light of every land, Our hope, our song, our cheer; In flesh You come with saving hand— Rejoice! The Lord is near. [Verse 2 — (Year B imagery: God’s covenant / Mary’s Magnificat)] A promise made in David’s line, Fulfilled in lowly greeting; A maiden sings the ancient rhyme, Her heart with mercy beating. The proud fall low, the humble rise, Her song resounds in fear: “My soul proclaims the faithful One— Rejoice, the Lord is near.” O come, O Light of every land, Our hope, our song, our cheer; In flesh You come with saving hand— Rejoice! The Lord is near. [Verse 3 — (Year C imagery: Bethlehem’s smallness / the will of God / Mary’s assent)] From Bethlehem, so small and still, A shepherd-king is waking; God forms a heart to do His will, A world made new in making. “Let it be,” young Mary cries, A “yes” for all to hear: “The Mighty One has done great things— Rejoice, the Lord is near.” [Refrain] O come, O Light of every land, Our hope, our song, our cheer; In flesh You come with saving hand— Rejoice! The Lord is near. [Christmas Final Verse] Now angels sing the newborn King, And heaven’s joy is ringing; The Word made flesh, our offering, To Him our hearts are singing. Glory be to God above, And peace to all held dear: For Christ is born in manger love— Rejoice, the Lord is here. O come, O Light of every land, Our hope, our song, our cheer; In flesh You come with saving hand— Rejoice! The Lord is near. [tag] For Christ is born in manger love— Rejoice, the Lord is here.