On Jordan's bank

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as "Gaudete Sunday". The word "gaudete" coming from the first word of the proper Introit of the day. The word translates as "rejoice," and indicates a somewhat "lighter" mood in the days of preparation and penitence. Today is also called "Rose Sunday", as the proper color of the priest's vestments and other liturgical hanging's is a rose pink - another form of "lightning" the more penitential color of purple. Notice also the one "pink" candle in the Advent wreath. Today also marks the final appearance of St. John the Baptist in the Advent season.

This is the 15th in the Advent-Hymn-of-the-Day project, and the words of this famous hymn, "Jordanis oras praevia", were originally written by Charles Coffin (1676-1749), and translated by John Chandler (1808-1876). As in the case of "Hark! a herald voice is sounding", posted several days ago, you will notice a slightly different translation than the words you are probably accustomed to. The music was adapted from a Chorale in "Musicalisches Hand-Buch"Hamburg 1690. The harmony for the 5th verse is by T. Tertius Noble (1867-1953), organist of Ely Cathedral, York Minster, & St. Thomas Church in NYC.

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Come then and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings from the King of kings.

Then cleansed be every Christian breast,
And furnished for so great a guest!
Yea, let us each our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.

For thou art O salvation, Lord,
Our refuge and our great reward;
Without thy grace our souls must fade,
And wither like a flower decayed.

Stretch forth thine hand and heal our sore,
And make us rise, to fall no more;
Once more upon thy people shine,
And fill the world with love divine.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee
Whose Advent sets thy people free,
Whom, with the Father, we adore,
And Spirit blest, for evermore. Amen.