The United Methodist Hymnal

203

Hail to the Lord's Anointed

1.	Hail to the Lord's Anointed, 
	great David's greater Son!  
	Hail in the time appointed, 
	his reign on earth begun!  
	He comes to break oppression, 
	to set the captive free; 
	to take away transgression, 
	and rule in equity.

2.	He comes with succor speedy 
	to those who suffer wrong; 
	to help the poor and needy, 
	and bid the weak be strong; 
	to give them songs for sighing, 
	their darkness turn to light, 
	whose souls, condemned and dying, 
	are precious in his sight.

3.	He shall come down like showers 
	upon the fruitful earth; 
	love, joy, and hope, like flowers, 
	spring in his path to birth. 
	Before him, on the mountains, 
	shall peace, the herald, go, 
	and righteousness, in fountains, 
	from hill to valley flow.

4.	To him shall prayer unceasing 
	and daily vows ascend; 
	his kingdom still increasing, 
	a kingdom without end. 
	The tide of time shall never 
	his covenant remove; 
	his name shall stand forever; 
	that name to us is love.

WORDS: James Montgomery, 1821; W. H. Monk, 1868, alt.
MUSIC: W. H. Monk, 1868, alt.
Scripture: Psalm 72
Theme: Christ's Gracious Life: Promised Coming; Christian Year: Advent; Christian Year: Christ the King; Freedom and Liberation; Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ: Love of; Jesus Christ: Name of; Justice; Kingdom Of God; Processionals; Salvation