Ancient and Modern ‎#34

34. Earth was waiting, spent and restless

1 Earth was waiting, spent and restless,
with a mingled hope and fear,
faithful men and women praying,
'Surely, Lord, the day is near:
the Desire of all the nations —
it is time he should appear!'

2 Then the Spirit of the Highest
to a virgin meek came down,
and he burdened her with blessing,
and he pained her with renown;
for she bore the Lord's anointed
for his cross and for his crown.

3 Earth has groaned and laboured for him
since the ages first began,
for in him was hid the secret
which through all the ages ran —
Son of Mary, Son of David,
Son of God, and Son of Man.

Text Information

• First Line: Earth was waiting, spent and restless
• Author: Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908)
• Meter: 87 87 87
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Matthew 21:12-13
  ;
  Romans 1:3-4
• Topic: Advent; Annunciation; Church Year: Advent; Church Year: Christmas; Jesus: Names and images for; Loneliness; Mary

Tune Information

• Name: PICARDY
• Harmonizer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
• Meter: 87 87 87
• Key: d minor
• Source: French carol melody
• Copyright: Harmonisation: From The English Hymnal, 1906, Reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.