OUR LADY'S EXPECTATION

A HYMN FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

By Fr. Frederick W. Faber, 1854

1. Like the dawning of the morning,
    On the mountains golden heights,
Like the breaking of the moonbeams
    On the gloom of cloudy nights,
Like a secret told by angels
    Getting known upon the earth,
Is the Mother's expectation
    Of Messiah's speedy birth.

2. Thou wert happy, blessed Mother,
    With the very bliss of heaven,
Since the angel's salutation
    In thy raptured ear was given;
Since the Ave of that midnight
    When thou wert anointed Queen,
Like a river over-flowing
    Hath the grace within thee been.

3. Thou hast waited, child of David,
    And thy waiting now is o'er.
Thou hast seen Him, blessed Mother,
    And wilt see him evermore.
Oh, his human face and features
    They were passing sweet to see;
Thou beholdest them this moment;
    Mother show them now to me.