"He was not that Light; but was sent to bear witness of that
Light."
ST. JOHN i. 8.
Awake, O ye nations, and, shaking
The slumber of death from your eyes,
Behold the fair morn in its breaking,
The SUN of all glory arise.
He comes, mist and dimness dispelling;
The shadows and clouds flee away:
Ho! all, that in darkness are dwelling,
Spring up, and rejoice in the day!
Ye dying, life's waters revealing,
He 'll show you to fountain and streams:
Ye wounded, for you he brings healing;
Come out and repose in his beams.
Come, all ye disconsolate, hailing
Your King in his beauty and might;
His raiment mount Ebal is veiling;
Mount Gerizim shines with his light.
O praise him, ye weary, in wonder
To feel your hard burdens unbound!
Ye captives, your bars fall asunder;
With shoutings leap forth at the sound.
Your names on his breastplate he 's wearing;
They 're set as the seal of his ring;
Ye nations, your highways preparing,
Receive, and be glad in your King!