On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry (Perry version)
1 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh:
awake and listen for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings.
2 Let every heart be cleansed from sin,
make straight the way for God within,
and so prepare to be the home
where such a mighty guest may come.
3 For you are our salvation, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward
without your grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
4 To heal the sick, stretch out your hand,
and make the fallen sinner stand;
shine out, and let your light restore
earth's own true loveliness once more.
5 To you, O Christ, all praises be,
whose advent sets your people free;
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Spirit evermore!
Jordanis oras praevia Charles Coffin (1676 - 1749) translated by John Chandler (1806 - 1876) adapted by Michael Perry (Word and Music) (1942 - 1996)
© Word and Music/Jubilate Hymns Ltd.
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