O Thou, On Whom the Nations Wait

For Advent

December 22, called O Rex Gentium

Source: William Cooke and Benjamin Webb, eds., The Hymnary – A Book of Church Song (London: Novello, Ewer and Co., 1872), #124, p. 103.

This is one in a series of seven hymns based on the Seven Great “O” Antiphons.

See: Notes on Veni, Veni, Emmanuel

O King of the Gentiles, and their Desire, the Corner-stone, Who madest both one: come, and save man, who Thou has made out of the dust of the earth.

O Thou, on Whom the nations wait,
    And kingdoms far away,
Who midst the Gentiles shall be great,
    Whom all men must obey:

Behold the lands where Satan reigns,
    Upon his cruel throne;
That sit in darkness and in chains,
    And worship wood and stone.

Thine ancient heritage behold,
    Thy faithful Abraham's seed;
And join them to the holy Gold
    Wherein Thy ransomed feed.

Lead sinners from the paths of sin,
    Let scorners hear Thy voice;
And let all heretics come in:
    And make Thy Church rejoice!

We wait in faith, we wait in prayer,
    Until the happy morn
When Thou didst come our flesh to shae,
    And for our sakes be born.

To Thee, the Mighty and the Just,
    O Father, glory be;
To Thee, in Whom the isles shall trust;
    And, Holy Ghost, to Thee. Amen.

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