Soon our Lord will come, the day is drawing nigh

Let us consider selecting an introductory hymn. Even though Hymns, #544, "Lord Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine," is a good hymn, after singing it we will not be left with a strong feeling because this hymn does not touch the Lord's love but touches our lack of love for the Lord. Hymns, #368, "More love to Thee, O Lord," is the same. However, Hymns, #286, "Of Jesus' love that sought me," is very good as a continuation of the opening hymn, hymn #352 in the Chinese hymnal. Hymns, #286 speaks of Jesus' love that is "far deeper than the sea"; the chorus also speaks of Jesus' love. Thus, it conveniently leads us to the subject. Hymns, #956, "Soon our Lord will come, the day is drawing nigh," causes us to consider the Lord Jesus' coming and therefore is not appropriate for leading the meeting to the subject of the Lord's love.

Revised version:

1. Soon our Lord will come, the day is drawing nigh,
Sound of His approaching we can hear.
Watchful we must be and always on alert
That the Lord our hearts with rapture cheer.

Chorus 1:
Glory! Christ returns in bright array!
Glory! All the saints rejoice that day!
Shameful body changed to glorious display,
Christ's blest portion we enjoy for aye!

2. Soon our Lord will come, the Morning Star appear;
Night is deep, and soon will dawn the day.
Never with the current of the age we go,
That from trials we'll be kept away.

3. Soon our Lord will come His servants to reward;
Those who love Him then the crown will share.
Watchful we must be and treasure not the world,
Love and serve the Lord, His burden bear.

Chorus 2:
Glory! Christ returns in bright array!
Glory! Overcomers shout that day!
"Well done, faithful servant!" hear the Master say,
"Enter My blest portion, yours for aye."

4. Soon our Lord will come and in His kingdom reign;
Satan will be bound, the world subdued.
We must fight the battle, overcome the foe;
On His throne He then will us include.