WE LONG TO SEE THEE SO

"We Long to See Thee So" is a gentle, yearning hymn that captures the quiet anticipation of the Advent season. Set to a traditional French melody, the piece builds on a feeling of patient waiting. When the choir sings the opening lines, you can almost feel the slow ticking of the clock as the parish prepares for the joy of the Nativity. It is an ideal choice for those final Sundays before Christmas, when the purple vestments are out and the congregation is ready to welcome the infant Christ.

The verses are short and tender, expressing a deep desire to witness the angels' glory and join the shepherds on their journey. The repeated refrain, "O come! O come! O come!", acts as an urgent but sweet plea for the Saviour's arrival. Because the harmony is written in straightforward solfa notation, it is quite accessible for a parish choir to pick up during busy rehearsal weeks. Singing this during the preparation of the gifts or as a communion reflection helps focus everyone's mind on the true reason for the season—waiting for "baby Jesus" because "we have no King but Thee."