Rejoice, rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear.
The
evening is advancing, and darker night is near.
The
Bridegroom is arising, and soon He draweth nigh.
Up,
pray, and watch, and wrestle: At midnight comes the cry.
2
See
that your lamps are burning; replenish them with oil.
And
wait for your salvation, the end of earthly toil.
The
watchers on the mountain proclaim the Bridegroom near.
Go
meet Him as He cometh, with alleluias clear.
3
O
wise and holy virgins, now raise your voices higher,
Until
in songs of triumph ye meet the angel choir.
The
marriage feast is waiting, the gates wide open stand;
Rise
up, ye heirs of glory, the Bridegroom is at hand.
4
Our
hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear!
Arise,
Thou Sun so longed for, over this benighted sphere!
With
hearts and hands uplifted, we plead, O Lord, to see
The
day of earth’s redemption that brings us unto Thee.
5
Ye
saints, who here in patience your cross and sufferings bore,
Shall
live and reign forever, when sorrow is no more.
Around
the throne of glory the Lamb ye shall behold;
In
triumph cast before Him your diadems of gold!