We are Waiting to Welcome Jesus

This is a simple hymn for Advent. It is suitable for children, or all-age groups.

It was written by English Roman Catholic composer, church-musician and social-justice activist (ref) Bernadette Farrell (b 1957) and first published in 2002 by OCP Publications. The song was written for the Silver Jubilee of St Joseph's Pastoral Centre in London, which works with people who have learning disabilities.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Farrell. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes of the melody are FG A A ABA G F_ with accompanying chords F / Gm / F.

Image adapt. from Flickr - License CC2.0

Downloads

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Buy sheet music from OCP

Examples

Professional recording - singers and choir with band:

Choir with piano, concert performance:

Choir with band, professional recording:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
We are waiting to welcome Jesus,
We are waiting to welcome Jesus,
We are waiting to welcome Jesus,
Only Jesus can set us free.

Alternative Chorus:
Alleluia! We welcome Jesus.
Alleluia! We welcome Jesus.
Alleluia! We welcome Jesus.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

1 For in Jesus we have a new world,
For in Jesus we have a new world,
For in Jesus we have a new world,
For in Jesus we have a new world,
Come Lord Jesus and set your people free.

2 ... hope ...
3 ... joy ...
4 ... peace ...
5 ... life is not ended ...
6 ... we are united
7 Come Lord Jesus and save your people ...