Sacred Music Online

Now Is The Dawn Of Grace

Words: Robert Loretz
Music: Michael Praetorius
Using the music from the beautiful and peaceful Christmas carol of Michael Praetorius (A Great and Mighty Wonder), the Scriptural words adapted here speak of preparation for the mission of the Messiah achieved by St. John the Baptist, under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the hymn is not only ideal fcr the season of Advent but also for the Christmas season as it unfolds in the readings leading up to the east of Ephiphany, which often emphasise the early mission of Jesus leading up to His baptism in the Jordan.

A voice cries from the desert:
“Prepare for Adonai,
Make straight His royal pathway,
Receive your God most High."
Now is the dawn of grace,
Now is the privileged moment
when God comes to this place.

John offered only water,
Christ gives Spirit and fire.
Existing thus before him,
Our Lord ranks so much higher.
Now is the dawn of grace,
Now is the privileged moment
when God comes to this place.

“Behold the Lamb of God, Who
takes all our sins away.”
And though John did not know Him,
He, John reveals, today.
Now is the dawn of grace,
Now is the privileged moment
when God comes to this place.

The One on Whom the Dove rests,
He shall the Spirit give,
And those who will receive Him
Eternally shall live.
Now is the dawn of grace,
Now is the privileged moment
when God comes to this place.

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