In Silence All the Earth Awaits

This Advent poem was written by Brian Nelson, Julie Baltulska, and members of the CRAA, and set to music by composer Brian Nelson. It is available as sheet music from International Liturgy Publications. 

1. In silence all the earth awaits;
A savior she anticipates.
Her stone, her waters, air, and fire,
Awaiting what they long desire.

(REFRAIN) Rejoice! O rejoice! Emmanuel is coming soon!

2. And angels in the heavens high
Prepare the Lord to glorify;
With golden wings they gather round,
Their "Gloria" to soon resound.  REFRAIN

3. All nations for His Advent long,
The Lamb of God to purify their wrongs,
The people mired in death and sin
By Cross and Resurrection enter in.  REFRAIN
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4. As Mother Mary, filled with grace,
Prepares to see His tender face,
With Joseph, silent, strong, and pure,
The Holy Family's love endures.  REFRAIN

5. My soul in silent stillness waits
For Him who opens Heaven's gates.
My God and King, take up thy rest
Upon your throne within my breast.  REFRAIN

6. How long have thorns and thistles reigned;
How long disharmony has pained
The order Thou had first set down,
The serpent spoiling nature's crown.  REFRAIN

7. The seraphim with patience wait,
All host of Heaven anticipate
The promised fullness through all spheres;
His perfect love to fill all years.  REFRAIN

8. Although we try with all our might
To set our wounded world aright;
Although we long with white-hot tears,
His works suffice to quell our fears.  REFRAIN

9. The song in Mary's heart is pure;
Salvation from this Child is sure.
Come, King of David's line foretold;
Fulfilling prophecies of old.  REFRAIN

10. Each heart, cry out; each soul, prepare;
Thy deepest yearnings now declare.
Restore and heal, and set me free;
Emmanuel, my God, with me.  REFRAIN
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©2015 International Liturgy Publications