Having the soul of a poet, James Montgomery (1771-1854) wrote nearly 400 hymns. He followed in the footsteps of Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley. Six of his hymns are included in The United Methodist Hymnal.
One of Montgomery’s poems, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,” is one of my favorite Christmas hymns. It has been published in 753 different hymnals, which means it must be a favorite hymn of others as well. The words speak to me in this Advent season and I share the hymn with the you this morning.
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 captives free;
to take away transgression, and rule in equity.
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.
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.
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.
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