Desire of Every Nation

Above:  Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, January 6, 2010

Image Source = Bill Monk, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

Words (1921) by Anna Bernadine Dorothy Hoppe (1889-1941)

Hymn Source = The Hymnal and Order of Service (1925), The Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod

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1.  Desire of every nation,

Light of the Gentiles, Thou!

In fervent adoration

Before Thy throne we bow;

Our hearts and tongues adore Thee,

Blest Dayspring from the skies.

Like incense sweet before Thee,

Permit our songs to rise.

2.  Thou Herald of the morning,

They who in darkness dwell

Behold Thy brightness dawning

O’er realms of Israel.

With glorious beams unclouded,

Thy all-transcendent light

Dispels the gloom that shrouded

Earth’s dark and dismal night.

3.  Arise and shine in splendor,

Thou bright and morning Star!

The Gentiles come to render

Their gifts from realms afar.

Thy word by prophets spoken

In truth is now fulfilled,

And yearning hearts, once broken,

With sweetest hopes are filled.

4.  Arise and bring salvation

To all who dwell below,

Let earth in jubilation

Reflect Thy radiant glow.

O long expected Saviour,

Thou Hope of Israel,

Let Gentiles gain Thy favor,

And of Thy glory tell.

5.  Our Life and Resurrection,

Lord Jesus Christ, Thou art;

O shed Thy light’s reflection

To earth’s remotest part;

Let Gentile tongues confess Thee,

Rejoicing in Thy light,

The ransomed thousands bless Thee,

Thou hast dispelled the night.