People, look East. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
Today’s hymn was written by Eleanor Farjeon, who was also the writer of the popular hymn, ‘Morning Has Broken.’ The hymn first appeared in the Oxford Book of Carols in 1964 and has been widely used in churches during Advent and for special services of Lessons and Carols.
It’s a modern Advent hymn set to the tune of an old French folk melody. The hymn describes the people preparing their homes and hearts for the Christ who is to come. Love is symbolized throughout the hymn as an anticipated guest, rose, bird, and Star. ‘People, Look East’ is also a beautiful winter hymn that presents us with visual images of the land getting ready for Spring that is yet to come.
As we go through our personal checklists and family preparations for Christmas, let’s also make time to get our hearts and souls ready for the eventual coming of Christ and the renewal of the whole Earth. His Love is on the way!
Points to ponder
How would I symbolize Love? What does Christ’s Love meant to me?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the King of Love and the Savior of the Earth. We anticipate Your return and ask that You help us to prepare our hearts and homes to receive You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Today’s image is one of John’s Christmas drawings called ‘Messenger of the Miracle.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click here.
You can enjoy this beautiful hymn as sung and wonderfully presented by the Houston Chamber Choir on Youtube: