O Thou Redeemer

   O Thou Redeemer

O Thou Redeemer of Israel,

 So Holy, yet so hated;

A Light to all the Gentiles--

 The Light so long awaited.

 

Before He was born,

 He was mentioned by Name;

Formed from the womb

 To be Servant, He came.

 

In His mouth, a sharp sword;

 In His hand, a gold rod:

With oil of gladness

 Is He anointed by God.

 

As a root from dry ground

 Before Him He’ll grow;

Sorrow and grief

 He often shall know.

 

Though men so despised Him,

 And nations abhorred Him,

Yet kings did arise,

 And princes adored Him.

 

To the prisoner He saith,

 Go forth!  Thou art free!

And when thou art hungry

 He’ll surely feed thee.

  

He guides those that thirst

 By the cool water springs;

To the afflicted and desolate

 Salvation He brings.

 

Every valley He exalteth;

 All the mountains makes away;

Behold the glory of God

 Revealed as bright as day.

 

Sing and be joyful,

 O heavens and earth;

Break forth into singing

 At His miraculous birth!

 

Arise and shine!

 He sendeth thy Light!

For thou shalt reflect

 His glory so bright!

 

Though having not seen Him,

 We still dearly love

This same lowly Jesus

 From heaven above.

 

With unspeakable joy

 And glory untold,

We await His coming,

 His dear face to behold!

 

1996