Long Ago Prophets Knew was featured on an Advent themed episode of Songs of Praise which I watched last night.
I want to explore Advent themed songs for this week, at least.
A relatively contemporary set of words authored by Fred Pratt Green, set to Gustav Holst’s arrangement of Personnet Hodie, the expectancy of the verses is balanced by the personal challenge inherent in the chorus. (There are other word sets for Personnet Hodie as well. Looks like a useful tune to know)
We might even have a look at this on Sunday night at mgpc.
Here’s the lyrics:
1
Long ago, prophets knew
Christ would come, born a Jew,
come to make all things new;
bear his people’s burden,
freely love and pardon.
[Refrain:]
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes,
when he comes,
who will make him welcome?
2
God in time, God in man,
this is God’s timeless plan:
He will come, as a man,
born himself of woman,
God divinely human. (Refrain)
3
Mary hail! Though afraid,
she believed, she obeyed.
In her womb, God is laid:
till the time expected,
nurtured and protected. (Refrain)
4
Journey ends! Where afar
Bethlehem shines, like a star,
stable door stands ajar.
unborn Son of Mary,
Savior, do not tarry!
Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!
Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!
When he comes,
when he comes,
we will make him welcome!
Words © 1971 Hope Publishing Company
Here’s a Songs Of Praise rendition.
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