This is the day the Lord hath made; He calls the hours His own; Let heaven rejoice, let earth be glad, And praise surround the throne. 2. To-day He rose and left the dead, And Satan’s empire fell; To-day the saints His triumph spread And all His wonders tell. 3. Hosanna to th’ anointed King, To David’s holy Son! Help us, O Lord; descend and bring Salvation from Thy throne. 4. Blest be the Lord, who comes to men With messages of grace; Who comes in God His Father’s name To save our sinful race. 5. Hosanna in the highest strains The Church on earth can raise! The highest heavens, in which He reigns, Shall give Him nobler praise. Isaac Watts, 1719. ADVENT. 130 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8 Comfort, comfort ye My people, Speak ye peace, thus saith your God; Comfort those who sit in darkness, Mourning ’neath their sorrow’s load; Speak ye to Jerusalem Of the peace that waits for them; Tell her that her sins I cover, And her warfare now is over. 2. For the Herald’s voice is crying In the desert far and near, Bidding all men to repentance, Since the kingdom now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way! Let the valleys rise to meet Him And the hills bow down to greet Him. 3. Make ye straight what long was crooked, Make the rougher places plain; Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits His holy reign; For the glory of the Lord Now o’er earth is shed abroad, And all flesh shall see the token That His Word is never broken. J. Olearius, 1671; C. Winkworth, tr., 1862. 131 8, 7, 6 l Jesus came, the heav’ns adoring, Came with peace from realms on high; Jesus came for man’s redemption, Lowly came on earth to die; Alleluia! Alleluia! Came in deep humility. 2. Jesus comes again in mercy, When our hearts are bowed with care; Jesus comes again in answer To an earnest, heartfelt prayer; Alleluia! Alleluia! Comes to save us from despair. 3. Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing, Bringing news of sins forgiv’n; Jesus comes in sounds of gladness, Leading souls redeemed to heav’n; Alleluia! Alleluia! Now the gate of death is riv’n. 4. Jesus comes in joy and sorrow, Shares alike our hopes and fears; Jesus comes, whate’er befalls us, Glads our hearts and dries our tears; Alleluia! Alleluia! Cheering e’en our failing years.