Saturday, December 6, 2008

Prepare the Royal Highway

"The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  It is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way'--'a voice of one calling in the desert, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him." '  And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."  (Mark 1:1-4)  

1.  Prepare the royal highway;
     The King of kings is near!
     Let ev'ry hill and valley
     A level road appear!
     Then greet the King of Glory
     Foretold in sacred story:
          Hosanna to the Lord, 
          For He fulfills God's Word!

2.  God's people see Him coming:
     Your own eternal king!
     Palm branches strew before Him!
     Spread garments!  Shout and sing!
     God's promise will not fail you!
     No more shall doubt assail you!
          Hosanna to the Lord,
          For He fulfills God's Word!

3.  Then fling the gates wide open
     To greet your promised king!
     Your king, yet ev'ry nation
     Its tribute too should bring.
     All lands, bow down before Him!
     All nations, now adore Him!
          Hosanna to the Lord,
          For He fulfills God's Word!

4.  His is no earthly kingdom;
     It comes from heav'n above.
     His rule is peace and freedom
     And justice, truth, and love.
     So let your praise be sounding
     For kindness, so abounding:
         Hosanna to the Lord,
         For He fulfills God's Word!  

2 comments:

Orianna Laun said...

What was the reason for the rhythm change from LW to LSB with this hymn? I like the LSB rhythm as it has more of a dance-like feel, as opposed to the more walking feel in LW.

amelithpastor said...

If I am recalling correctly, I believe the LSB version is the original version of the tune. I too like it much better than the isorhythmic version from LW. It is truly more dance-like, as you noted.