Hymnal and Liturgies of the Moravian Church ‎#374

374. Deck Thyself with Joy and Gladness

1 Deck thyself with joy and gladness,
Dwell no more, my soul, in sadness;
Let the daylight shine upon thee,
Put thy wedding garment on thee,
For the Lord of life unending
Unto thee His call is sending;
Come, for now the King most holy
Stoops to thee in likeness lowly.

2 Hasten, then, my soul, to meet Him,
Eagerly and gladly greet Him,
As without He standeth knocking,
Quickly, thy soul’s gate unlocking,
Open wide the fast-closed portal,
Saying to the Lord immortal,
Come, and leave Thy servant never,
Dwell within my heart forever.

3 Jesus, Source of life and pleasure,
Truest Friend and dearest Treasure,
Joy, the sweetest man e’er knoweth,
Fount whence all my being floweth,
Humbly now I bow before Thee,
And in penitence adore Thee;
Worthily let me receive Thee,
Perfect peace and pardon give me.

Text Information

• First Line: Deck thyself with joy and gladness
• Title: Deck Thyself with Joy and Gladness
• Translator: John Caspar Mattes, 1876-1948 (1915, a.)
• Author: Johann Franck, 1618-1677 (1649 & 1653)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1969
• Topic: The Life in Christ: Joy and Peace in Believing

Tune Information

• Name: UPSALA
• Composer: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662 (1649)
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: C. Gregor Choralbuch, 1784. a.

Tune Information:

Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele; (23, A)