Advent 2023 #1—Soon May Your Kingdom Come

One of the traditions observed by writers of what we call “Christmas Carols” is combining a celebration of Christ’s first advent with joyful anticipation of his second advent; “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” is a good example of this. Another tradition is connecting Israel’s anticipation of its anointed king and savior with Christ’s arrival; “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” are examples of this. Today’s Advent Carol combines both of these traditions. May your heart resound as you celebrate and anticipate his arrival!

Soon May Your Kingdom Come

(An Advent song to the tune of “Soon May the Wellerman Come.”)

There once was a town in Israel
Where David’s shepherd family dwelled;
Though small in stature, so they tell,
God crowned him as the king.

Soon may your kingdom come,
When righteousness and love have won.
One day, when the sinning is done,
Your praises we will sing.

As David reigned upon the throne,
God promised him a royal son.
His reputation would be one
To which we all could cling.

Soon may your kingdom come,
When righteousness and love have won.
One day, when the sinning is done,
Your praises we will sing.

A thousand years of trial and pain,
The kingdom fell and rose again;
But still they waited to obtain
The joy God’s king would bring.

Soon may your kingdom come,
When righteousness and love have won.
One day, when the sinning is done,
Your praises we will sing

Then in Bethlehem one starry night
Angelic praise burst forth in light
That made the shepherds start with fright
As God announced the king..

Soon may your kingdom come,
When righteousness and love have won.
One day, when the sinning is done,
Your praises we will sing.

The gospel he proclaimed was clear:
“God’s kingdom is now very near;”
The Son God promised had appeared
So he could reign as king.

Soon may your kingdom come,
When righteousness and love have won.
One day, when the sinning is done,
Your praises we will sing.

Then Jesus died upon the cross.
His subjects thought that all was lost;
But resurrection guaranteed
The throne was his indeed!

Soon may your kingdom come,
When righteousness and love have won.
One day, when the sinning is done,
Your praises we will sing.

Soon may your kingdom come,
When righteousness and love have won.
One day, when the sinning is done,
Your praises we will sing.