O Heavenly Word
SAB Choir and Organ (or piano). An easy and effective Advent or Christ the King anthem with a lovely canonic tune reminiscent of the Tallis Canon. The descant on the last stanza can be played by an instrument. Text by John Mason Neale.
O heavenly Word, eternal Light,
Begotten of the Father’s might;
Who, in these latter days, was born,
For blessing to a world forlorn.
Our hearts enlighten from above,
And kindle with thine own true love;
That we, who hear thy truth today,
All wrong desires may cast away.
O let us not, for evil past,
Be driven from thy face at last;
But with the saints for evermore,
Behold Thee, love Thee, and adore.
to God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, ever One;
Praise, honor, might and glory be,
From age to age eternally. Amen.