Christ Returneth (It May Be at Morn)

By H. L. Turner

Lyrics

1. It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,
When sunlight thro' darkness and shadow is breaking,
That Jesus will come in the fullness of glory;
To receive from the world His own.

Chorus:
O Lord Jesus, how long, how long
Ere we shout the glad song.
Christ returneth! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Amen,
Hallelujah! Amen.

2. It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,
It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnight
Will burst into light in the blaze of His glory,
When Jesus receives His own.

3. While hosts cry Hosanna, from heaven descending,
With glorified saints and the angels attending,
With grace on His brow, like a halo of glory,
Will Jesus receive His own.

4. O joy! O delight! Should we go without dying,
No sickness, no sadness, no dread and no crying,
Caught up thro' the clouds with our Lord into glory,
When Jesus receives His own.

Bible Reference

Titus 2:13

About This Hymn

“Christ Returneth” is a powerful hymn that expresses the eager hope and joyful anticipation of Jesus Christ’s second coming. The words were written by Henry Lake Turner, a British clergyman, in the late 19th century. The hymn’s text reflects a deep longing for the return of the Lord, as promised in Scripture, and it vividly captures both the suddenness and the glory of that moment.

The opening line, “It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,” immediately sets a tone of watchful expectancy—Christ could return at any hour. Whether at morning, midday, or night, the believer is called to be ready and rejoicing.

The music was composed by James McGranahan, a prolific American composer of gospel songs and hymns, who collaborated frequently with noted evangelists like Ira D. Sankey and D. L. Moody. McGranahan’s stirring melody matches the grandeur and triumph of the text, rising to a powerful chorus: “O Lord Jesus, how long, how long, ere we shout the glad song, Christ returneth! Hallelujah! Amen!”

This hymn became especially popular during the great evangelistic campaigns of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the doctrine of Christ’s imminent return was a prominent theme. It continues to be sung today as a reminder of the hope that sustains believers—the return of the King in glory and power.