Third Sunday in Advent

When Christ the Lord would come on earth,
His messenger before Him went,
The greatest born of mortal birth,
And charged with words of deep intent.

The least of all that here attend
Hath honor greater far than he;
He was the Bridegroom's joyful friend,
His Body and his Spouse are we.

A higher race, the sons of light,
Of water and the Spirit born;
He the last star of parting night,
And we the children of the morn.

And as he boldly spake Thy word,
And joyed to hear the Bridegroom's voice;
Thus may Thy pastors teach, O Lord,
And thus Thy hearing Church rejoice.