Christian Hymns/Arise, The Kingdom Is at Hand
Background
[edit | edit source]Text
[edit | edit source]- Author: Johann von Rist
- Translator: Catherine Winkworth
- Source: Chorale Book for England
Music
[edit | edit source]Hymn Tune(s):
- Christmas
- Ellacombe
Lyrics
[edit | edit source]
Arise, the kingdom is at hand,
The king is drawing nigh;
Arise with joy, ye faithful band,
To greet the Lord most High!
Ye Christians, hasten forth,
With holy ardours greet your King,
And glad Hosannas to Him sing,
Nought else your love is worth.
Look up, ye drooping hearts, to-day!
The King is very near,
Oh cast your griefs and fears away,
For lo! your Help is here;
And comfort rich and sweet
In many a place for us is stored,
Where in His sacraments and word
Our Saviour we can meet.
Look up, ye souls weigh'd down with care!
The Sovereign is not far;
Look up, faint heart, from your despair,
Behold the Morning Star!
The Lord is with us now,
Who shall the sinking spirit feed
With strength and comfort at its need,
To whom e'en Death shall bow.
Hope, O ye broken hearts, at last!
The King comes on in might,
He loved us in the ages past
When we sat wrapp'd in night;
Now are our sorrows o'er,
And fear and wrath to joy give place,
Since God hath made us in His grace
His children evermore.
O rich the gifts Thou bringest us,
Thyself made poor and weak;
O love beyond compare that thus
Can foes and sinners seek!
For this to Thee alone
We raise on high a gladsome voice,
And evermore with thanks rejoice
Before Thy glorious throne.