Behold, I come.
Revelation 3:11
Words: William H. Jewitt, in Carols for Use in Church, by Richard R. Chope (London: William Clowes & Sons, 1894), number 92.
Music: Freeman George B. Lissant (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Jewitt or Lissant (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
He cometh, Father, as He came of old
’Neath earthly veil concealed from mortal sight,
Though now we hear no angel harps of gold,
Nor see the glory of the heavenly light:
Look Thou in love, as on that wondrous birth
On this, His good will gift of peace to earth.
Thou comest, Lord, and as in Bethlehem’s stall
Our gifts and greetings here we offer Thee.
Here spread a veil, then low adoring fall,
Where as in Mary’s arms by faith we see
God’s highest glory, graciously enshrined
In this Thy gift of peace to all mankind.
He cometh! Spirit blest, Thy truth impart,
Brooding in love upon the bread and wine,
Make them, we pray, make every faithful heart,
Like Mary’s, meet to hold the Guest divine,
God’s highest glory veiled from mortal ken
In this, His promised gift of peace to men.
He cometh, Father, here to seek His own,
Thy Word made flesh—He deigns ’mid us to dwell
Thou comest, Lord, from Thine eternal throne
By Thy sweet Spirit’s power, Emmanuel,
And round Thy feet, we hymn Thy glory still
With angel songs of peace and great good-will.