Oh Realm of Light

Oh realm of light! whose morning star
To Bethlehem�s manger led the way,
Not yet upon our longing eyes
Shines the full splendor of thy day:
Yet still across the centuries fall,
Both strong and sweet, our Lord�s command;
And still with steadfast faith we cry,
�Behold, the kingdom is at hand!�

Oh realm of Heav�n! whose dawn began
With love�s divine, incarnate breath,
Our hearts were slow to understand
The lessons of that life and death:
Yet though with stammering tongues we tell
Redemption�s story, strange and sweet,
The world�s Redeemer, lifted up
Shall draw the nations to His feet.

Oh realm of peace! whose music clear
Swept through Judea�s starlit skies,
Still the harsh sounds of human strife
Break on thy heavenly harmonies;
Yet shall thy song of triumph ring
In full accord, from land to land,
And men with angels learn to sing,
�Behold, the kingdom is at hand!�