Advent // Week 3 // Dec. 11-17

“Comfort, comfort O my people;
speak of peace,” so says our God.
“Comfort those who sit in darkness,
groaning from their sorrows’ load.
Speak to all Jerusalem
of the peace that waits for them;
tell them that their sins I cover,
that their warfare now is o’er.”

Hear the voice of one who’s crying
in the desert far and near,
calling people to repentance
for the kingdom now is here.
O that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
let the Valleys rise to meet him
and the hills bow down to him.

Then make straight the crooked highway;
make the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble,
ready for his holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
now o’er earth is spread abroad,
and all flesh hear love spoken
that his word is never broken.

Lyrics: Johann Olearius, 1671; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.// Music: Seth Thomas Crissman, 2022 // Vocals: Rachel Mast and Kristina Yoder