Arise, the Messiah is at hand

(short introduction)

Arise, the Messiah is at hand,
the Christ is drawing nigh.
Arise with joy, you faithful band,
to meet our God Most High!
Look up, you souls weighed down with care,
the Child is not too far.
Look up, faint hearts from your despair.
Behold the Morning Star!

Look up, you saddened hearts, today,
our God is very near.
O, cast your griefs and fears away
for, look, your help is here.
Hope on, you broken hearts, at last
our God comes all in might;
Who loved us in the ages past
when we were wrapped in night.

O, rich the gifts You bring to us:
Yourself made poor and weak.
O love beyond compare that thus
can foes and sinners seek.
For this we raise our gladsome voice
and shout to You alone.
And evermore with thanks rejoice,
to know we are your own.

Words: Johann Rist (17thC), tr. Catherine Winkworth (19thC)
Music: Ellacombe, Gesangbuch der Herzogl.(18thC)
Sequence: Cathouse Pandemonium, Ltd.