We wait for Thee, O Son of God,
And long for Thine appearing;
"A little while," Thou'lt come, O Lord,
Thy waiting people cheering.
Thus hast Thou said: we lift the head
In joyful expectation,
For Thou wilt bring salvation.
We wait for Thee, content to share,
In patience, days of trial;
So meekly Thou the cross didst bear,
Our sin, reproach, denial.
And shall not we receive with Thee
The cup of shame and sorrow,
Until the promised morrow?
We wait for Thee; for Thou, e'en here,
Hast won our hearts' affection;
In spirit still we find Thee near,
Our solace and protection.
In cloudless light, and glory bright,
We soon with joy shall greet Thee,
And in the air shall meet Thee.
We wait for Thee—Thou wilt arise
While hope her watch is keeping;
Forgotten then, in glad surprise,
Shall be our years of weeping.
Our hearts beat high, the dawn is nigh
That ends our pilgrim story
In Thine eternal glory!