Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
SAB Choir, flute, and organ. This is a splendid Advent anthem, big and splashy and full of wonderful imagery!
Rejoice! Rejoice, believers,
and let your lights appear!
The evening is advancing,
and darker night is near.
The Bridegroom is arising,
and soon He will draw nigh;
Up, watch in expectation!
At midnight comes the cry.
See that your lamps are burning,
replenish them with oil;
Look now for your salvation,
the end of sin and toil.
The marriage feast is waiting,
The gates wide open stand;
Rise up! Ye heirs of glory,
The bridegroom is at hand!
Our hope and expectation,
O Jesus, now appear;
Arise thou Sun so longed
For, above this darkened sphere!
With hearts and hands uplifted,
we plead, O Lord, to see
The day of earth's redemption,
And ever live with Thee.