“Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation, give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer.”

“Hark a thrilling voice is sounding, Christ is nigh it seems to say, cast away the works of darkness, O ye children of the day. Wakened by the solemn warning, from earth’s bondage let us rise, Christ our sun all sloth dispelling, shines upon the mountain skies. Lo! the Lamb so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven, let us haste with tears of sorrow, one and all to be forgiven. So when next he comes with glory and the world is wrapped in fear, may e with his mercy shield us and with words of love draw near.”