1. Rejoice, rejoice, believers,
and let your lights appear.
The evening is advancing,
and darker night is near.
The Bridegroom is arising,
and soon is drawing nigh.
Up, pray, and watch, and wrestle:
At midnight comes the cry.
2. The watchers on the mountain
proclaim the Bridegroom near.
Go forth as He approaches,
with alleluias clear.
The marriage feast is waiting
the gates wide open stand.
Arise, O heirs of glory;
the Bridegroom is at hand.
3. The saints who here in patience
their cross and sufferings bore,
Shall live and reign forever
when sorrow is no more.
Around the throne of glory
the Lamb they shall behold;
In triumph cast before Him
their diadems of gold.
4. Our hope and expectation,
O Jesus, now appear!
Arise, O Sun so longed for,
o'er this benighted sphere!
With hearts and hands uplifted,
we plead, O Lord, to see
The day of earth's redemption
that sets Your people free.
5. Ye saints, who here in patience
your cross and sufferings bore,
Shall live and reign forever,
when sorrow is no more.
Around the throne of glory
the Lamb ye shall behold;
In triumph cast before Him
your diadems of gold!
Text: Lautentius Laumxti, 1660-1722, abn, tr. Sarah B. Fmdlater, 1823-1907, a1t. Tune: Hymnal Order of Service, Rock Island, 1901 Setting © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship