The sinless one to Jordan came
To share our fallen nature's blame;
God's righteousness he thus fulfilled
And chose the path his Father willed.
The voice from heaven did witness bear
That he, the Son of God, had come
To lead his scattered people home.
The sign of God the Father's love,
Now by the Holy Spirit shed
Upon the Son's anointed head.
To heal and save a race undone;
Straight to the wilderness he goes
To wrestle with his people's foes.
Go forth with you, a world to win,
And send the Holy Spirit's power
To shield them in temptation's hour.
And know you are the Bread indeed,
Who gives eternal life to those
That with you died, and with you rose.
"Solemnis haec festivas" is from a late 17th century French Graduale
Llandaff Cathedral Choir
Icon by Deacon Matthew D. Garrett