Scripture Verse

While they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with Him to the banquet. And the door was shut. Matthew 25:10

Introduction

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Philipp Nicolai (1556–1608)

Words: Phi­lipp Ni­co­lai Freu­den­spie­gel des ewig­en Le­bens 1599 (Wach­et auf, ruft uns die Stim­me). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Fran­cis C. Bur­kitt in The Eng­lish Hym­nal (Lon­don: Ox­ford Uni­ver­si­ty Press, 1906), num­ber 12.

Music: Wach­et auf Phi­lipp Ni­co­lai. Har­mo­ny by Jo­hann S. Bach, 1731 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Johann S. Bach (1685–1750)

Lyrics

Wake, O wake! with tidings thrilling
The watchmen all the air are filling,
Arise, Je­ru­sa­lem, arise!
Midnight strikes! no more delaying,
The hour has come! we hear them saying,
Where are ye all, ye virgins wise?
The Bridegroom comes in sight,
Raise high your torches bright!
Alleluya! The wedding swells loud and strong:
Go forth and join the festal throng!

Sion hears the watchmen shouting,
Her heart leaps up with joy undoubting,
She stands and waits with eager eyes;
See her friend from Hea­ven descending,
Adorned with truth and grace unending!
Her light burns clear, her star doth rise.
Now come, Thou precious crown,
Lord Je­su, God’s own Son!
Hosanna! Let us prepare to follow there,
Where in Thy supper we may share.

Every soul in Thee rejoices,
From men and from angelic voices
Be glo­ry given to Thee alone!
Now the gates of pearl receive us,
Thy presence ne­ver more shall leave us,
We stand with angels round Thy throne.
Earth cannot give below
The bliss Thou dost bestow.
Alleluya! Grant us to raise to length of days,
The triumph-chorus of Thy praise.