Arise, O Christian People

Arise, O Christian people! Prepare yourselves today; prepare to greet the Savior, who takes your sins away. To us by grace alone the truth and light were given; the promised Lord from heaven to all the world is shown. Prepare the way before him; prepare for him the best; cast out what would offend him, this great, this heav'nly guest. Make straight, make plain the way: the lowly valleys raising, the heights of pride abasing, his path all even lay. The humble heart and lowly God raises up on high; beneath his feet in terror the haughty soul shall lie. The heart sincere and right, that heeds God's invitation and makes true preparation — it is the Lord's delight. Prepare my heart, Lord Jesus; turn not from me aside, and help me to receive you this blessed Advent-tide. From stall and manger low come now to dwell within me; I'll sing your praises gladly And forth your glory show.