This edition was prepared by Wilfrid Jones — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hail to the Lord who comes
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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Hail to the Lord who comes by Wilfrid Jones — Lyrics
Hail to the Lord who comes,
comes to his temple gate,
not with his angel host,
not in his kingly state:
no shouts proclaim him nigh,
no crowds his coming wait.
But borne upon the throne
of Mary's gentle breast,
watched by her duteous love,
in her fond arms at rest;
thus to his Father's house
he comes, the heavenly guest.
There Joseph at her side
in reverent wonder stands;
and, filled with holy joy,
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About Hail to the Lord who comes
This sacred anthem for SATB voices in English sets a contemplative text reflecting on the humble arrival of the Lord. The music opens with a sense of quiet anticipation, perhaps mirroring the gentle scene described in the lyrics. The SATB voicing allows for rich harmonic textures as the piece unfolds, building in intensity to reflect the profound theological meaning of the Incarnation. The text speaks of Christ's arrival not with earthly power but cradled by Mary, a tender image of the divine entering the human realm. It moves towards a powerful declaration of Christ as the "great First-born" and "light of all the earth," whose coming redeems humanity. This setting offers a moving musical experience, suitable for seasons like Advent or Christmas, or any occasion focusing on the Nativity.
