Christian Hymns/Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

Background

Text

• Author: Georg Weissel
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth
• Source: Lyra Germanica

Music

Hymn Tune(s):

• Macht Hoch Die Tür
• Truro

Lyrics

Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates,

Behold the King of glory waits;

The King of kings is drawing near,

The Saviour of the world is here;

Life and salvation doth He bring,

Wherefore rejoice and gladly sing:

We praise Thee, Father, now!

Creator, wise art Thou!

The Lord is just, a Helper tried,

Mercy is ever at His ride,

His kingly crown is holiness,

His sceptre, pity in distress,

The end of all our woe He brings;

Wherefore the earth is glad and sings:

We praise Thee, Saviour, now,

Mighty in deed art Thou!

Oh blest the land, the city blest,

Where Christ the Ruler is confest!

Oh happy hearts and happy homes

To whom this King in triumph comes!

The cloudless Sun of joy He is,

Who bringeth pure delight and bliss:

O Comforter Divine,

What boundless grace is Thine!

Fling wide the portals of your heart,

Make it a temple set apart

From earthly use for Heaven's employ,

Adorn'd with prayer and love and joy;

So shall your Sovereign enter in,

And new and nobler life begin:

To Thee, O God, be praise,

For word and deed and grace!

Redeemer, come! I open wide

My heart to Thee,--here, Lord, abide!

Let me Thy inner presence feel,

Thy grace and love in me reveal,

Thy Holy Spirit guide us on

Until our glorious goal is won!

Eternal praise and fame

We offer to Thy name.