Long before the world’s creation,
Ere you had made stars or space,
Then you loved us, Gracious Father,
As you saw what we could be.
And you chose us for salvation,
And you destined us by grace
To become your faithful children,
Filled with glory, wise and free.

At one moment, long selected
In your own eternal plan,
You descended, Loving Savior,
To assume our mortal frame.
And although we then rejected
The incarnate Son of Man,
You redeemed us in your passion;
By your death you cleansed our shame.

When our hearts in hesitation
Have refused to follow you,
You have touched us, Holy Spirit,
And your hand has drawn us on.
For you will our transformation
Into saints and heroes true.
Guide us, make us Christ’s disciples,
As we see your kingdom dawn.

Words: James Ayers, © 1991. Tune: Hyfrydol, Rowland Hugh Pritchard, 1831 [“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”]