For today’s first reading from Isaiah. Written to the tune ST. FLAVIAN (“Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days”), then set to music by Paul Zach, featured on the Art & Theology blog.
He comes, the Lord's anointed one, and we shall see his face as clear as if the rising run poured out the light of grace. He comes, and we shall hear his voice not as some mystic sound but tones that make the heart rejoice when love long lost is found. He comes, not to the wise and great, but to the bound and poor, so low himself that potentates must kneel to pass his door. He comes, with favor in his hands, our empty souls to fill, to make a highway through the sands and bid the storms be still. He comes, and we shall go to him set free from ancient chains, adorned in mercy's diadem to glory in his reign. He comes, the Lord, as one of us; he comes to judge the earth: How wonderful, how glorious his long-awaited birth!
