Scripture Verse

The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:8

Introduction

Words: Lau­ra C. Nourse, in Ca­rols of Joy (Spring­field, Ohio: J. L. Rust, 1882), num­ber 84.

Music: Pa­la­wan Frank M. Da­vis, 1882 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Nourse (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Frank M. Davis (1839–1896)

Lyrics

He is coming! swell the chorus!
Strike the loud exultant strain!
He whose mercy hovers o’er us,
Comes to earth her promised king.
Earthly monarchs bow before Him,
Saints and sinners bend the knee,
Angels stooping low adore Him,
Jesus comes, and earth is free.

Refrain

He is coming, coming, coming,
See His chariot rends the sky.
Hear His voice in notes of warning,
He is coming by and by.

He is coming—pomp and glo­ry—
Angel hosts His regal train!
Jesus born in Bethlehem lowly
Comes His kingship to pro­claim.
Sinners quake with fear before Him,
Satan’s minions all are fled;
Death’s unnumbered hosts adore Him,
Life and hope and joy are wed.

Refrain

He is coming! Hail with gladness
Every sign in earth and sky!
Death is conquered with its sadness,
Sin and sinners all must die.
He is coming! Light and splendor,
Perfect love and lasting peace;
Bow, ye nations, low in wonder,
Crown Him Prince, ye saved by grace.

Refrain