1 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh;
awake, and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings from the King of kings.

2 Then cleansed be every breast from sin;
make straight the way for God within;
prepare we in our hearts a home,
where such a mighty Guest may come.

3 For Thou art our salvation, Lord,
our Refuge and our great Reward;
without Thy grace we waste away,
like flow'rs that wither and decay.

4 To heal the sick stretch out Thine hand,
and bid the fallen sinner stand;
shine forth, and let Thy light restore
earth's own true loveliness once more.

5 All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee,
whose Advent doth Thy people free;
whom with the Father we adore,
and Holy Ghost for evermore.