Scripture Verse

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Luke 2:32

Introduction

portrait
William B. Collyer
1782–1854

Words: Will­iam B. Coll­yer, Hymns Part­ly Col­lect­ed and Part­ly Orig­in­al (Lon­don: 1812), num­ber 966.

Music: Hurs­ley Ka­thol­isch­es Ge­sang­buch (Vi­en­na, 1774). Adapt­ed from the Me­tri­cal Psal­ter, 1855 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

The dawning day at length appears,
The day foretold by ancient seers;
And over nature’s gloomy night
Prevails the morning’s rising light.

The nations watch the promised ray,
Whose blushes kindle into day,
And see, with eager, anxious eye,
Its saffron tint spread over the sky.

He comes! He comes! the Sun appears,
Eclipsing reason’s darkened spheres!
He shines above the eastern hills,
And every heart with transport fills!

While India’s sons, adorned with gold,
The source of light and life behold;
Released from superstition’s chains,
No bloody rite their altars stains.

The sun upon the Persian’s head,
His scorching rays no more shall shed;
Burning amid unclouded skies,
He sees a fairer orb arise.

Behold the nations wait Thy light,
To scatter their remaining night;
To every clime extend Thy ray,
O source of everlasting day!