O how blessed are they

1 Oh, how blest are you whose toils are ended,
Who through death have to our God ascended!
You have arisen
From the cares which keep us still in prison.

2 We are still as in a dungeon living,
Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving;
Our undertakings
Are but toils and troubles and heartbreakings.

3 You meanwhile are in their chambers sleeping,
Quiet and set free from all our weeping;
No cross or sadness
There can hinder your untroubled gladness.

4 Christ has wiped away your tears forever;
You have that for which we still endeavor;
To you are chanted
Songs that to no mortal ear were granted.

5 Ah, who would, then, not depart with gladness
To inherit heav'n for earthly sadness?
Who here would languish
Longer in bewailing and in anguish?

6 Come, 0 Christ, and loose the chains that bind us;
Lead us forth and cast this world behind us.
With you, th'Anointed,
Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed.

Source: Lutheran Worship #268