Rejoice, O Zion's daughter, and greet your promised king.
Spread branches in his pathway, and loud hosannas sing!
He comes astride a donkey in deep humility
to claim God's coming kingdom of truth and equity.
O Christ, though king they hailed you, they sent you out to die,
for soon the songs of praises were drowned by "Crucify!"
They stripped away your garments, They made a cross your throne,
and there you died in darkness, abandoned and alone.
But still you come among us in cities built with pride.
You walk the streets of sorrow where hate and greed divide.
Redeem us from our madness, the clash of class and race.
Establish soon your kingdom of justice, truth, and grace.
We shout again, "Hosanna!" We hail you as our King!
Christ, stir our wills to action to match the praise we sing.
Send us where truth is threatened, where justice is denied,
and move our hearts to offer the love for which you died.
