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!