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!�
