Canticle for Christmas

A Song of the Wilderness
LAETABITUR DESERTA
ISAIAH 35:1, 2B-4A, 4C-7B,10


1 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad. *
  The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.

They will blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. *
  For they will see the glory of the LORD,
  the majesty of our God.

Therefore, strengthen the weak hands, *
  and make firm the feeble knees.

4  Say to the anxious, “Be strong and do not fear, *
  for your God is coming to save you.”

Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, *
  and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.

6  The lame will leap like a deer, *
  and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy.

7 For waters will break forth in the wilderness, *
  and streams shall flow in the desert.

8  Burning sand will become a pool, *
  and the parched ground shall gush forth water.

9  Then the LORD’S ransomed ones will return with singing, *
  and everlasting joy will be on their heads.

10 Gladness and joy shall be theirs, *
  and sorrow and sighing will flee away.                     

  Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.