We wait in hope for hope to come (website only)

We wait in hope for hope to come:
promised of old; the righteous one.
Help us to watch, expect and pray
and then to greet Messiah’s day.

We read the story of your plan:
this world redeemed by heaven’s Son.
Grace breaks upon the present time;
mercy and hope through David’s line.

We hear the prophet’s voice ring clear:
‘changed hearts and lives are needed here’.
So, when the Spirit fires your Church,
make us a sign for all who search.

We go to share this great Good News:
heirs of the promise – we will choose
to live in hope that all may sing
praises to Christ, the infant king.

Words © 2013 Gareth Hill Publishing/Song Solutions CopyCare, 14 Horsted Square, Uckfield, TN22 1QG www.songsolutions.org

Metre: 88.88 (Long Metre)

Suggested tunes: Gareth suggests "Deep Harmony" (StF 90); "Niagara" (StF 596) is more upbeat; "O Waly Waly" (StF 607) adds a reflective, arguably more personal, dimension to the words.

Ideas for use

This hymn draws together some of the key themes of Advent into a succinct form. You might consider using it as your "theme song" for the season – singing it each Sunday of Advent. This is a good way of helping a congregation to become familiar with a new hymn. In this case, the repetition will reinforce the Advent message of watching, expecting and praying.

Gareth’s hymn has the advantage that, as well as the three tune options already suggested above, the verses are written in a metre (88.88) that will allow you wide scope to find a tune that most suits your congregation.