163. We long To See Thee So

"We Long To See Thee So" captures the deep, quiet yearning of the Advent season. The lyrics speak directly to the anticipation of Christmas morning, expressing a simple but profound desire to witness the newborn King and hear the angels sing. It is a piece that fits naturally into the weeks leading up to the Nativity, when the church is draped in purple and the congregation waits in joyful hope. For a choir, singing these words feels like stepping into the shoes of the shepherds, watching the sky and waiting for the promised Savior.

Tony Eluno’s SATB arrangement gives the singers a gentle, steady progression that mirrors the slow passing of time mentioned in the verses. The melody carries a sense of patient expectation, moving smoothly through the stacked harmonies before leading into the earnest plea of the refrain. As the voices unite to sing "O Come, O Come, O Come," the music reminds us that Christ is the only King we seek. It is a fitting and prayerful addition to any choir's Advent repertoire, offering a moment of calm reflection before the grand, joyous celebrations of Christmas.