BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH,
Up, awake! his summons hurried,
The watchers shout high on the turret,
Thy Lord, O Zion, comes to thee!
Through the midnight shadows falling,
Hark! clear and loud the voice is calling,
Ye prudent virgins, where are ye?
Rejoice, the Bridegroom’s near!
Up, let your lamps shine clear.
Hallelujah!
Make no delay,
In fair array,
Go forth to meet him on the way! Zion hears the watchers singing,
And up, her heart for joy is springing,
She stands and looks with watchful eyes.
Lo! He comes from Heaven glorious!
In mercy strong, in truth victorious!
The morning star breaks through the skies.
Now come our joy and crown,
Lord Jesus to thine own,
Hosanna!
We enter all
The joyous hall,
And hold with him the festival. Glory be to Thee ascending,
From tongues of men and angels blending,
From cymbals and the harp’s clear tone:
Thy city’s pearly gates before us
Stand open, and we join the chorus
Of angels high before thy throne.
No eye hath seen the throng,
No ear has heard the song.
Oh! the glory!
There we shall be
And sing to thee,
Praises everlastingly!