I have been pondering a common problem at this time of year; the fact that people sometimes see publicity for an "Advent Carol" service, and think that they might actually sing some carols, which is often not the case for specifically Advent services (except maybe "O Come Emmanuel"). This is why I often call them "Advent processions" or "A service of Darkness to Light". (of course you actually have to have a procession, or go from darkness to light to call it that.)
In any case, a number of the traditional Advent hymns are not that well-known. So my solution to this problem is to write a hymn to a well-known carol tune. I went for "Once in Royal" because it has a mournfulness about it, that seems to suit the themes of Advent.
So anyway here we are. Feel free to use in services, streaming, projection, printing etc. and if you want to "tweak" it for your circumstances go ahead!
On our world of doubts and darkness,
greed and vio-lence, war and pain
prophets cry out in their sorrow,
“Come towards the light again.
Cease your greed and share your bread.
Pave the highway of our God”.
Root of Jesse, souls are restless.
Graft our lives upon your law.
Day-Star, light salvation’s pathway;
in our hearts the ice can thaw:
He will melt our hearts of stone;
transformed minds reflect his own.
Key of David, sin has bound us:
Our addictions weigh us down
with the chains of guilty mem-ories;
shedding tears, enough to drown.
Come O King, break down the bars
and release us, True Messiah!
Come Redeemer of our cosmos,
come Redeemer of our world.
Lord of Love, restore the broken,
come, O Wisdom, God’s true Word.
In the East your light will dawn;
God-With-Us will soon be born.
SMW 2024
