Moravian Book of Worship ‎#256

256. Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers

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 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 look, O Lord, to you
for all the earth's redemption,
creation made anew.

Text Information

• First Line: Rejoice, rejoice believers
• Title: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
• Author: Laurentius Laurenti (1700)
• Translator: Sarah Borthwick Findlater (1854, alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D. Iambic
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Matthew 25:1-13
  ;
  Revelation 19:1-9
• Topic: Christian year--Advent; Christian year--Return of Christ

Tune Information

• Name: REJOICE
• Composer: Johann A. Freylinghausen (1710)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D. Iambic
• Key: F Major
• Source: C. Gregor Choralbuch (1784)
• Notes: 151 I in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns