Advent

While it's not yet Christmas Day let me share one of my favorite advent hymns. Mr. Berdos shared it with me; it was one of the first hymns I learned to play, six years ago. Verse four is my favorite. Hmm. Five and six are my favorites too. They're all good. I really "let it rip" when I'm playing this carol in church.

Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates!
Behold, the King of Glory waits;
The King of kings is drawing near,
The Savior of the world is here.

A helper just he comes to thee,
His chariot is humility,
His kingly crown is holiness,
His scepter, pity in distress.

O blest the land, the city blest,
Where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
O happy hearts and happy homes
To whom this King in triumph comes!

Fling wide the portals of your heart;
Make it a temple, set apart
From earthly use for heavens employ,
Adorned with prayer and love and joy.

Redeemer, come! I open wide
my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!
Let me thy inner presence feel;
Thy grace and love in me reveal.

So come, my Sovereign, enter in!
Let new and nobler life begin!
Thy Holy Spirit, guide us on,
Until the gloreious crown be won.


Merry Christmas, my friends!