Before Christ
Long did both kings and prophets wait
To see the Lord of glory great
Appear, to answer that great end
To prove the fallen sinner’s friend
Before Christ came
Of Him the prophets long foretold
The fathers wished him to behold
Him all the nations did desire
And angels wished Him to admire
Before Christ came
Before Christ came
Their prophecies are now fulfilled
The glorious mystery revealed
The Child is born, the Son is giv’n
The Prince of life is come from Heav’n
His name is Jesus Christ the Lord
The great and everlasting Word
He came to execute the plan
To save the fallen race of man
He is the Lord from Heaven come
Our human nature to assume
Our sins to bear, His blood to shed
And bruise and crush the serpent’s head
He left His glorious throne above
And comes with pity, grace, and love
He comes to call the sons of men
And turn them to their God again
We praise Thee, O Thou King of peace!
Who art our life and righteousness
Thou virgin’s Son, Thou David’s Star
No creature can Thy love declare
All such are truly dead in sin
Who feel themselves not moved within
To join with Christians here on earth
To show and praise the Savior’s birth
Let all who dwell with hosts on high!
Engage His praise to magnify
With all the efforts they can raise
Thus join to sing the Savior’s praise