Author: P. Gerhardt Appears in 47 hymnals Topics: Advent and Christmas Lyrics: 1 O Lord, how shall I receive Thee,
How welcome Thee aright?
All nations long to greet Thee,
My hope, my heart’s delight!
O kindle, Lord most holy,
Thy lamp within my breast,
To do in spirit lowly
All that may please Thee best.
2 Thy Zion strews before Thee
Green branches and fair palms,
And I, too, will adore Thee
With sweetest songs and psalms.
My soul puts off her sadness,
Thy glories to proclaim;
With all her strength and gladness
She fain would serve Thy Name.
3 What hast Thou e'er neglected
For my good here below?
When heart and soul dejected
Were sunk in darkest woe.
In deepest degradation,
Devoid of joy and peace:
Then, Thou, my soul's salvation,
Didst come to bring release.
4 I lay in fetters groaning,
Thou comest to set me free.
I stood, my shame bemoaning,
Thou comest to honor me.
A glory Thou dost give me,
A treasure safe on high,
That will not fail, nor leave me,
As earthly riches fly.
5 Nought, nought, dear Lord, could move Thee
To leave Thy heavenly place,
Save love, for which I love Thee;
A love that could embrace
A world where sorrow dwelleth,
Which sin and suffering fill,
More than the tongue e'er telleth;
Yet Thou couldst love it still!
6 Rejoice, then, ye sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn o’er joys departed,
And tremble at your doom;
Despair not, He is near you,
Yea standeth at the door,
Who best can help and cheer you,
And bids you weep no more.
7 No care nor effort either
Is needed day or night,
How ye may draw Him hither
In your own strength and might.
He comes, He comes with gladness,
By pity moved alone,
To soothe all pain and sadness
That unto Him is known.
8 Nor need ye tremble over
the guilt that gives distress;
No! Jesus all will cover
With grace and righteousness.
He comes to heal the spirit
That mourneth, sin-oppressed,
He comes, that we inherit
Eternal joy and rest.
9 Why should the wicked move you?
Why heed their craft and spite?
The Saviour who doth love you
Will scatter all their might.
He comes a conqueror glorious,
O'er all His earthly foes;
In vain His course victorious
They struggle to oppose.
10 He comes to judge the nations,
A terror to His foes,
A light of consolations
And blessed hope to those
Who love the Lord's appearing:
O glorious Sun, now come,
Send forth Thy beams so cheering,
And guide us safely home!
O Lord, how shall I meet Thee
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