As promised, hymns for Advent II Series C from my collected works on the Revised Common Lectionary..
John the Baptist and his fiery sermon are the subjects of the hymns.
Old Testament Malachi 3:1-4
66 448 66
In fire we see a light
That cleanses us of night
It burns away
Impurities
And breaks into the brightest day.
It fills our hearts with faith
And stills our fear of death.
We tremble when we hear
That God will soon appear
in shining light
made clean and bright.
And who can stand before the sight
that fills our hearts with faith,
and stills our fear of death.
The fire will cleanse and kill
our disobedient will.
and make us clean.
So once again,
We will be rid of shame and sin.
Come, fill our hearts with faith,
And still our fear of death.
Epistle: Philippians 1:3–11
“Repent,” We Hear the Baptist Cry LMD
1. "Repent," we hear the Baptist cry,
and all the rush around us dies.
The prophets long ago have said
there is a better day ahead: the Word will take on human form,
become our flesh and then be born. In Bethl’hem’s manger, we will meet
the one who makes us whole, complete!
2. The advent candles and the star tell us he’s coming from afar. A new beginning filled with joy is born within this little boy. We cannot see how this will end but know our Lord will soon descend,
be born in us so we can meet the one who makes us whole, complete.
3. Lord, make us ready for that day when you will come to us and say:
“My own, my dear beloved one, in you my work is wholly done.” So look to him, behold his face that shines on you with love and grace;
prepare your hearts so you can meet
the one who makes us whole, complete.
Gospel: Luke 3:1-4
86 86 88 with Refrain
1. Within our dry and desert hearts
We hear a strange voice cry
An ancient tongue that fills the dark
And lights the rimless sky.
It says, "Prepare, prepare the way
Prepare, prepare, do not delay."
R/Lift your voice, sing rejoice,
Jesus comes to you this day!
2. We hear the bells of Christmas ring
In all the busy streets,
But not the Advent of our king
Whom we may fear to meet.
For when he comes all things will change
The old familiar things made strange
R/
3. Still through our festivals of light
Christ comes to set us free,
To break the bondage of our night.
That day all flesh will see
Salvation of our God appear
His bright refining fire draw near
R/
