from the royal house deliv'rance in this hour. Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm, to save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm. Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear, that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year. And you, my child, shall go before, to preach, to prophesy, that all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high. In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high, our rising sun, the light of life for those who sit and sigh. God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more. Sing praises to the Holy One, O worship and adore. To God the Father, fount of grace, through his beloved Son, with God their Spirit, bond of love, be glory ever One. Ruth Duck Doxology: James Quinn SJ (Tune: DCM, e.g.'Kingsfold') 55c Benedictus (The Song of Zechariah) Bless the Lord, the God of Israel, who has come to set us free. He has raised for us a Saviour sprung from royal David's tree. Through his prophets God had spoken of the hope the Christ would bring; of his faithfulness and mercy let each generation sing. Long ago God made a promise he would set his people free, that in all our life and worship we might know true liberty, to be holy, to be righteous in his sight throughout our days; now this child will be