Prepare the way, O Zion

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent, and this marks the eighth in the series of Advent-Hymn-of-the-Day.

This is an anonymous, late 17th century Swedish melody, in what I'd call a rather "rustic style", so I've attempted to play it in a sort of "secular" manner. I did a full verse as an introduction with what I call a sort of "terraced reed" dynamics.

The words are by Franz Mikael Franzen (1772-1847), and the translation is a composite adaption by Charles F. Price (b. 1920).

The tune, "Bereden Vag for Herren" appeares in "Then Swenska Psalmboken", 1697, and the harmony comes from "Karalbok for Svenska Kyrkan", 1939.

Next Sunday, we hear more about John the Baptizer, so you can expect a number of related hymns coming up.

Prepare the way, O Zion,
Your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley
A level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory,
Foretold in sacred story.
Oh, blest is Christ that came
In God's most holy Name.

He brings God's rule, O Zion;
He comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom,
And justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding,
For grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ that came
In God's most holy Name.

Fling wide your gates, O Zion;
Your Savior's rule embrace.
His tidings of salvation
Proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow before Him,
Their voices will adore Him.
Oh, blest is Christ that came
In God's most holy Name.