Celebrate Hope! Come Gather Near!
Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-19

Text: John A. Dalles
Suggested Familiar Tune: JERUSALEM
Meter: LMD

Celebrate hope! Come, gather near!
The Spirit of the Lord is here!
For Christ has come, good news to preach:
Good news for all! Good news for each!
Imprisoned ones, shall freedom find!
Captives set free! Sight for the blind!
As we enact God’s gracious Word,
May peace and justice be restored!

Celebrate hope! Come, gather near!
The Spirit of the Lord is here!
With Christ our Friend, whom we adore,
We shall befriend and bless the poor!
Bind up the wounds of brokenness!
Bring liberty to the oppressed!
As we enact God’s gracious Word,
May love and mercy be restored!

Celebrate hope! Come, gather near!
The Spirit of the Lord is here!
The work at hand, is heaven-sent;
Our mission is empowerment!
In one great hour, may we share,
An offering of lasting care!
As we enact God’s gracious Word,
May hope and freedom be restored!

Celebrate hope! Come, gather near!
The Spirit of the Lord is here!
By the return of dignity,
May we build up community
With a concern for humankind
Till we are one, as God designed.
Make this the right year of the Lord,
When we enact God’s gracious Word!

Copyright ©  2024, John A. Dalles