Advent Comes: A Carol

A substantial rewrite as an Advent Carol of a poem I wrote a few weeks ago. The tune "Irby" is that of Once in Royal David's City. I was very humbled to have it performed by Andrew Parker at the St Aubin On the Hill Christmas Carol Concert.

Advent Comes (Tune: "Irby")

Light in slums of that great city
Light in farm yard, cattle shed
Mother now conceived a baby
Sleep and dreaming, sound in bed
Touched by angels, touch so mild
As if touched by little child.

Stars shine brightly, light our heaven
Planets meeting, signs for all
From the humblest farmyard stable
To Cathedral choir stall
For the poor and mean and lowly
Signs and wonders of the holy

Born anew, in second childhood
Spirit gives us words to say
Blessings on your pregnant mother
Comes the time, the birthing day
Come the promise that should be
Coming of the Lord to me

Advent comes, this yearly pattern
As from infancy we grew
We were little, weak and helpless,
Advent hope makes all things new
Signs and portents in our sadness
Promised hope and Word of gladness

And we wait again to see him
Through his own redeeming love
Healing touch, so quiet and gentle
Spirit coming from above
Come to Bethlehem, come on
Land of strife where peace has gone

Wars and migrants, world unstable
Time to change or time to die
Peace he brings, the hope of heaven
And our voices sing on high
We were lost, but now are found
Love in heaven touches ground