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When Morning Dawns
During Advent, we are looking back and looking forward. We recall the coming of Jesus into the world as a baby. But we also look with hope for His coming again.
This hymn, The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns, is based on ancient Greek texts. The setting is expectant. We are waiting for the dawn and the coming of the King. Are you waiting for the light? There are times in life when it can be difficult to even imagine that the darkness will lift. The holiday season can be so difficult during times of grief. Maybe you have lost a job…or just feel that you have lost your way.
Have hope. You will get through this. I want to assure you…you are not alone. You are loved by a mighty God. A God who knew you and the struggles you would face before you were even born. Today I am also praying for each of you that are struggling with a loss. This chapter in your life is not the end of the story. Not even close. The King is coming. The light will dawn and you will experience joy again. So today, for a few minutes, lay aside your burden and rest in the reassurance that the King is coming to bring light and beauty to your life. Here are the lyrics to this great hymn:
The King shall come when morning dawns,
And light triumphant breaks;
When beauty gilds the eastern hills,
And life to joy awakes.
Not as of old a little child
To bear, and fight, and die,
But crowned with glory like the sun
That lights the morning sky.
O brighter than the rising morn
When He, victorious, rose,
And left the lonesome place of death,
Despite the rage of foes.
O brighter than that glorious morn
Shall this fair morning be,
When Christ, our King, in beauty comes,
And we His face shall see.
The King shall come when morning dawns,
And earth’s dark night is past;
O haste the rising of that morn,
The day that aye shall last.
And let the endless bliss begin,
By weary saints foretold,
When right shall triumph over wrong,
And truth shall be extolled.
The King shall come when morning dawns,
And light and beauty brings:
Hail, Christ the Lord! Thy people pray,
Come quickly, King of kings.
+ The Anglican Anchoress