You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

52. Like a Thief in the Night

1 Like a thief in the night,
like the pangs that herald birth,
Christ will come, unannounced,
once again upon this earth.
Kyrie eleison.

2 Be prepared, stay awake,
Sons and daughters of the light.
Live in faith, live in hope,
for he comes to make things right.
Kyrie eleison.

3 In the light of God’s grace,
judgment is no cause for fear.
Christ will come to forgive
all who wait, repentant, here.
Kyrie eleison.

Text Information
First Line: Like a thief in the night
Title: Like a Thief in the Night
Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn (2006)
Refrain First Line: Kyrie, kyrie eleison
Meter: 67.67 with refrain
Language: English
Publication Date: 2017
Scripture:
Topic: Advent
Notes: A hymn for Advent
Tune Information
Name: THIEF IN THE NIGHT
Composer: John D. Horman (2010)
Meter: 67.67 with refrain
Key: E minor
Source: Faith That Lets Us Sing
Copyright: Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc.



Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.