1 Lift up your heads, you mighty gates!
Behold, the King of glory waits.
The King of kings is drawing near;
the Savior of the world is here.
Life and salvation he will bring;
therefore rejoice and gladly sing.
To God the Father raise
your joyful songs of praise.
2 The King is born in poverty,
his chariot is humility,
his kingly crown is holiness,
his scepter, pity in distress.
The end of all our woe he brings;
therefore the earth is glad and sings.
To Christ the Savior raise
your grateful hymns of praise.
3 How blest the land, the city blest,
where Christ the ruler is confessed!
O peaceful hearts and happy homes
to whom this king in triumph comes!
The cloudless sun of joy is he
who comes to set his people free.
To God the Spirit raise
your happy shouts of praise.
4 Fling wide the gates; prepare your heart
to be a temple set apart
from earthly use for heav'n's employ,
adorned with prayer and love and joy.
So shall your Sov'reign enter in
and new and nobler life begin.
To God alone be praise
for word and deed and grace.
5 Redeemer, come! I open wide
my heart to you; here, Lord abide!
O enter with your saving grace;
show me your kind and friendly face.
Your Holy Spirit guide us on
until our glorious goal is won.
Eternal praise and fame
we offer to your name.