Advent 2012: "On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry" — Choir of Wells Cathedral

The Choir of Wells Cathedral, under the direction of Malcolm Archer, perform the Advent hymn 'On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry' to the tune of 'Winchester New.' The text of the hymn recalls the birth of John the Baptist and his message of the Greater One who would, come Christmas, follow after him.

[ Text: ]

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake 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 our Salvation, Lord,

Our Refuge, and our great Reward.
Without Thy grace we waste away

Like flowers that wither and decay.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee,
whose advent doth thy people free;
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Ghost for evermore.