Devotional: Rejoice, rejoice, believers...

Rejoice, rejoice, believers,
And let your lights appear!
The evening is advancing
And darker night is near.
The Bridegroom is arising
And soon he will draw nigh;
Up, watch in expectation!
At midnight comes the cry.

The watchers on the mountain
Proclaim the Bridegroom near;
Go forth as he approaches,
With alleluias clear.
The marriage feast is waiting;
The gates wide open stand.
Arise, O heirs of glory:
The Bridegroom is at hand!

Our hope and expectation,
O Jesus, now appear;
Arise, O Sun so longed for,
Above this darkened sphere.
With hearts and hands uplifted,
We plead, O Lord, to see
The day of earth's redemption
That sets your people free!
...Lau­ren­ti­us Lau­ren­ti image by tamakisono