63 Advent

1. O heavenly Word, eternal Light,

begotten of the Father's might,

who in these latter days wast born

for blessing to a world forlorn;

2. pour light upon us from above,

and fire our hearts with ardent love,

that, as we hear thy truth today,

all wrong desires may burn away;

3. and when, as judge, thou drawest nigh

the secrets of our hearts to try,

to recompense each hidden sin

and bid the saints their reign begin;

4. O let us not, for evil past,

be driven from thy face at last,

but with thy saints for evermore

behold thee, love thee, and adore.

*5. To God the Father, God the Son,

and God the Spirit, ever One,

praise, honor, might, and glory be

from age to age eternally.

Words: Latin, ca. 7th cent.; tr. Hymnal 1982. Music: Verbum supernum prodiens, plainsong, Mode 2, Nevers MS, 15th cent.