Author: Paul Gerhardt Hymnal: American Lutheran Hymnal #324 (1930) Meter: 7.6.7.6 D Hymnal Title: American Lutheran Hymnal Lyrics: 1 O how shall I receive Thee,
How welcome Thee aright?
All nations long to greet Thee,
My Hope, my heart's Delight!
O kindle, dearest Jesus,
Thy fire within my breast,
That I may know what pleases Thee,
Lord, my heav'nly Guest.
2 Glad Zion strews before Thee
Green boughs and fairest palms,
And I too will adore Thee
With sweetest songs and psalms;
My heart shall bloom forever
for Thee with praises new,
And from Thy name shall never
withhold the honor due.
3 I lay in fetters groaning,
Thou com'st to set me free;
I stood, my shame bemoaning,
Thou com'st to honor me;
A glory Thou dost give me,
A treasure safe on high,
That will not fail nor leave me
As earthly riches fly.
4 No other impulse led Thee
To leave Thy throne above,
Upon Thine errand sped Thee,
Than world-embracing love!
A love that deeply feeleth
The wants and woes of men;
No tongue its fullness telleth,
It passeth human ken.
5 Rejoice then, ye sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn o'er joys departed
And tremble at your doom;
Despair not, He is near you,
Yea, standing at the door,
Who best can help and cheer you,
And bid you weep no more. Topics: The Church Year Advent Languages: English Tune Title: TESCHNER
O How Shall I Receive Thee