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.