Savior, long Thy saints have waited—
Centuries have passed away
Since the promise first was given
Of a glo­ri­ous Advent day.
Grey and old the world is growing,
Loud the scoffer’s boast is heard;
But our hearts are peaceful knowing
We may rest upon Thy word.

Refrain

Surely I come quickly!
Surely I come quickly!
Surely I come quickly!
Amen, Lord Je­sus, come!

Lo! the fig tree buds and blossoms;
Lo! the shadows flee away;
Glad we lift our heads expectant,
Brief will now be Thy delay.
Thou to raise the dead art able,
O’er the grave Thou didst prevail;
Heav’n and earth may prove unstable,
But Thy word can ne­ver fail.

Refrain

Precious, precious parting promise!
Sweetly linger in our ears,
Brightly gleam amid our darkness,
Gently soothe away our fears;
Ever nerve us for the conflict,
Ever fill our souls with joy;
Christ will come and will not tarry—
Nothing can our hope destroy.

Refrain