O quickly come – A hymn for Advent

Introduction

The hymn, O quickly come, dread Judge of all: words by Lawrence Tuttiet, 1825 – 1897, (number 13 in the New English Hymnal) offers a framework around which to think and pray over the four Sundays and weeks of Advent. Each of the four verses has its own theme: God as Judge; God as King; true Life; sure Light. These remind us of the Second Coming at the End Times: the traditional focus for the season of Advent.

The four reflections each offer a verse of the hymn, some texts to contemplate and suggestions for prayer.

If you wish to hear the hymn tune you can find it as follows:

to the tune Vater unser (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RETEKEqpDBI or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IObuwhH9FrQ)

to the tune Melita (the tune for Eternal Father strong to save … for those in peril on the sea) can also be used https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kJlncfbJJo

4th Sunday of Advent

O quickly come, sure Light of all
For gloomy night broods o’er our way;
And weakly souls begin to fall
With weary watching for the day.
O quickly come, for round Thy throne
No eye is blind, no night is known.

‘Light dawns for the righteous and joy for the upright in heart’. [Psalm 97. 11]
When the Lord comes, he ‘will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness’. [1 Corinthians 4. 5]
‘God is light and in him is no darkness at all’. [1 John 1. 5]
‘Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour’. [Matthew 25. 13]

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.                                           (Te Deum)

Light of the world, send your brightness
that your  coming may dawn on all
who live in darkness and the shadow of death.

 Heavenly Father; you have created a universe of light:
forgive us when we return to darkness.
Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world:
cleanse and heal our blinded sight.
Holy Spirit, you give us light in our hearts:
renew us in faith and love.

Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal:
have mercy on us.