Hand of Sweet Release

Come thou long-expected Jesus

Come illuminate the myst'ries of life

Come redeem us from the refuse

Bring an end to endless suffering and strife

Be the star that shines so brightly

That it draws our weary eyes

To the sky, to heaven's sky

Dearest Child of new beginning

Be the start of something new I cry...

* There's an end to all the waiting

There's an answer to the Who and Where

And Why, tonight

All the years anticipating

Are surrendered to a tiny Baby's cry

There's a dawn to follow darkness

There's a face to fill the title

"Prince of Peace"

What He promised He delivered

I am saved by the Hand of Sweet Release...*

In this war I've been a captive

Just a sinner seeking life and liberty

But these Hands that hold me tightly

Is the Hands that set my shackled-spirit free

Blessed Jesus meek and lowly

You have come into my life and made it new

Now I'm new

Out of bondage into everlasting life

I owe everything to You ...**

What He promised He delivered

I am saved by the Hand of Sweet Release