Second Sunday in Advent

Rise, children of the kingdom!
The King is drawing nigh;
Arise, and hail with gladness
The Ruler from on high.
Ye Christians, hasten forth!
Your praise and homage bring Him,
And glad Hosannas sing Him;
Naught else your love is worth.

Arise, ye drooping mourners!
The King is very near;
Away with grief and sorrow,
For lo! your help is here.
Behold, in many a place -
O blessed consolation! -
We find Him, our salvation,
In His pure means of grace.

Arise, ye much afflicted!
The King is not afar;
Rejoice, ye long dejected!
Behold the Morning Star.
The Lord will give you joy;
Though troubles now distress you,
With comfort He will bless you,
E'en death He will destroy.

Arise, ye poor and needy!
The King provides for you;
He comes with succor speedy,
With mercy ever new.
Receive your gracious King,
The giver of all blessing,
Hail Him, His name confessing,
And glad Hosannas sing.

O rich the gifts Thou bring'st us,
Thyself made poor and weak;
O love beyond expression,
That thus can sinners seek!
For this, O Lord, will we
Our joyous tribute bring Thee,
And glad Hosannas sing Thee,
And ever grateful be.

--J. Rist, 1651