444 Jesus Christ our Lord
1. Blessed be the God of Israel,
who comes to set us free;
he visits and redeems us,
he grants us liberty.
The prophets spoke of mercy,
of freedom and release;
God shall fulfill his promise
and bring his people peace.
2. He from the house of David
a child of grace has given;
a Savior comes among us
to raise us up to heaven.
Before him goes his herald,
forerunner in the way,
the prophet of salvation,
the harbinger of Day.
3. On prisoners of darkness
the sun begins to rise,
the dawning of forgiveness
upon the sinner’s eyes.
He guides the feet of pilgrims
along the paths of peace.
O bless our God and Savior
with songs that never cease.
Words: Michael A. Perry (b. 1942), alt; para. of The Song of Zechariah Music:Thornbury, Basil Harwood (1859-1979)