On Jordan’s bank the baptist’s cry
announces that the Lord is nigh:
awake and listen, for he brings
good news of Christ, the King of kings.
2. Let every soul be cleansed from sin,
make straight the way for God within;
prepare in every heart a home
where such a mighty guest may come.
3. For you are our salvation, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward;
without your grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
4. To heal the sick, stretch out your hand,
and make the fallen sinner stand;
shine out, and let your light restore
earth’s own true loveliness once more.
5. To you, O Christ, all praises be,
who comes to set your people free;
whom with the Father we adore
and with the Spirit evermore.